Count Sort vs ABC SPELLING MAGIC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Count Sort
This app introduces young children to basic number concepts and counting. It helps them understand one-to-one correspondence and early numeral recognition with adjustable counting targets. An iPad version offers 10 Frames for visual counting.
- One-to-one counting practice
- Adjustable counting targets (up to 32)
- Early numeral recognition
- Number family recognition
- 10 Frames option (iPad)
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A very basic set of activities for children just beginning to learn about numbers. Using numbers up to 32, Count Sort helps children recognize that counting must be done in a “one-to-one” fashion. Options exist to limit the counting target to 10, 15, 20, 25, and 32 chips. The activities also develop early numeral recognition and early recognition of number “families.” The iPad version includes an option to display the chips in 10 Frames. Developed as part of the Number Sense Project at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL.
ABC SPELLING MAGIC
This educational app helps children learn to spell CVC words using the principles of the Science of Reading. It focuses on letter sounds and word construction with two levels of challenge, aiding early literacy development.
- Teaches letter sounds
- Word construction with CVC words
- Two levels of challenge
- Incorporates Science of Reading principles
- Montessori-inspired learning
- Customizable voice and font options (DELUXE)
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Introducing ABC Spelling Magic, where learning to spell is fun and engaging! ABC SPELLING MAGIC incorporates the main principles of the Science of Reading. This app is designed to teach children the sounds of the letters and how to construct words, aligning with the science of reading. With two levels of challenge, it indirectly imparts the essential reading skill of segmenting while focusing on the skill of learning to spell words with three phonetic sounds using short vowel words. Incorporating the science of reading, the app's comprehensive approach is tailored to assist children in learning the sounds of the alphabet and honing their blending and segmenting skills, essential for early literacy development based on the science of reading. SPELLING MAGIC 1 focuses on CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, such as cat, box, and pig, which are fundamental for phonics instruction based on the science of reading. The app categorizes words by middle vowel sounds in the first part and by categories in the second part, offering a well-rounded approach to phonics and word construction, rooted in the principles of the science of reading. The DELUXE version provides 245 words and offers a variety of options in the menu, including two types of voices, three types of fonts, two letter color styles, a special feature to connect the letters together, and over 185 additional words from the free version, enhancing the learning experience based on the principles of the science of reading. Developed by a team of educators utilizing accelerated learning techniques and Montessori principles, this app has been tested and approved by preschoolers, aligning with the science of reading and providing an enjoyable and beneficial experience in learning letter sounds. We welcome your feedback and suggestions as we strive to provide an enriching educational experience for young learners, rooted in the science of reading.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: ABC SPELLING MAGIC at 94% against Count Sort's 50%. ABC SPELLING MAGIC also leads on rating (3.8 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months). Count Sort's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. ABC SPELLING MAGIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Count Sort asks for nothing beyond the download.
ABC SPELLING MAGIC holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ABC SPELLING MAGIC has 42 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Count Sort's written reviews are positive against 94% of ABC SPELLING MAGIC's.
Count Sort ships an update every 7 months, ABC SPELLING MAGIC every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Count Sort | ABC SPELLING MAGIC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) | 3.8 (42 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | 94.1% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 42 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 6 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.0 — better | 12.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 41 MB | 132 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Classroom Focused Software | PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY |
Customer experience
Count Sort
ABC SPELLING MAGIC
Bugs and requests
Count Sort
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
ABC SPELLING MAGIC
Reported bugs
2 issues- Letters will not move to be dragged into place
- Screen freezing
Requested features
8 requests- Ability to hear the full word, slowly articulated
- Option for English accent
- Vowels in red and consonants in blue
- More advanced content
- Animated graphics for interactivity
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- Option to pick letters from the full alphabet
- Improve sound quality
- Improve graphics and sounds
In-app purchases
Count Sort
No in-app purchases
ABC SPELLING MAGIC
- Deluxe Upgrade$1.99
Questions
Is Count Sort free?
Is ABC SPELLING MAGIC free?
Which has better reviews, Count Sort or ABC SPELLING MAGIC?
Do Count Sort or ABC SPELLING MAGIC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Count Sort or ABC SPELLING MAGIC?
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