# ABC SPELLING MAGIC vs Journals alive

The clearest difference is rating: Journals alive at 4.4 against ABC SPELLING MAGIC's 3.8. Journals alive also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.1 vs 12.4). ABC SPELLING MAGIC's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (42 vs 11). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ABC SPELLING MAGIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Journals alive asks for nothing beyond the download.

Journals alive holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 42 and 11 respectively.

ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, Journals alive every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ABC SPELLING MAGIC | Journals alive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abc-spelling-magic/id429301553/reviews) | **[4.4 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journals-alive/id1289969334/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **42** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 94.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 132 MB | 273 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **8.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Alive Studios, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/856124778) |

## What reviewers say

### ABC SPELLING MAGIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abc-spelling-magic/id429301553)

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.

**Highlights:** 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)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for learning basic CVC words
- 👍 Helps build and spell words
- 👍 Good introduction to phonics
- 👍 Focuses on spelling and building CVC words
- 👍 Teaches letter sounds effectively

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Letters won't move for spelling
- 🇺🇸 American accent only
- 🤔 Vowels in blue, consonants in red is confusing
- 🖼️ Pictures can be misleading
- 🎨 Interface could be more attractive

**Reported bugs**

- Letters will not move to be dragged into place
- Screen freezing

**Requested features**

- 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


### Journals alive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journals-alive/id1289969334)

This app enhances printed journals for early learners, bringing letters, numbers, and shapes to life with interactive zoo animals. It offers an engaging way to master foundational educational concepts at home or in the classroom.

**Highlights:** Interactive learning experience, Master alphabet letters, Learn numbers 0-20, Explore basic geometric shapes, Augmented reality zoo animals, Engaging for home and classroom

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ABC SPELLING MAGIC free?

ABC SPELLING MAGIC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Journals alive free?

Journals alive is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Journals alive?

Journals alive is rated higher. ABC SPELLING MAGIC averages 3.8 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Journals alive averages 4.4 from 11 ratings.

### Do ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Journals alive have ads?

Neither ABC SPELLING MAGIC nor Journals alive shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Journals alive?

ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, and Journals alive every 6 months. Most recently, ABC SPELLING MAGIC was updated on November 1, 2026 and Journals alive on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*