Comparison

ABC SPELLING MAGIC vs Starting Words

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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)
Read full description

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.

About

Starting Words

This educational app helps young learners build essential spelling skills. Users drag and drop letters to form words, with audio pronunciation provided for each word. It focuses on recognizing letters and spelling simple, everyday words.

Highlights
  • Letter dragging and dropping
  • Audio word pronunciation
  • Image association with words
  • Spelling practice
  • Focus on everyday words
Features
Read full description

Starting Words helps you learn to spell English words—one word at a time. Drag letters into place, hear each word spoken aloud, and build confidence with every correct spelling. Clear visuals and simple controls make practice easy whether you’re learning English or brushing up the basics. WHAT YOU’LL DO • Drag and drop letters to spell real English words • Hear words spoken aloud to connect sound and spelling • Collect word stickers as you master new vocabulary • Earn stars for clean, confident spellings • Take on a Daily Challenge and keep your streak going • Practice by word length—or try Missing Letters mode • Unlock achievements as your skills grow WHY IT WORKS • Focused sessions that fit into a busy day • Encouraging feedback that keeps you motivated • Progress you can see—stickers, stars, streaks, and badges • A simple layout that stays out of your way From short starter words to longer practice, Starting Words turns spelling into a habit you’ll want to keep. Download Starting Words and start spelling with confidence today!

Screenshots

ABC SPELLING MAGIC4 screens
Starting Words4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Starting Words at 5.0 against ABC SPELLING MAGIC's 3.8. Starting Words also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). ABC SPELLING MAGIC's advantage is ratings volume (42 vs 5) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Starting Words holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ABC SPELLING MAGIC has 42 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of ABC SPELLING MAGIC's written reviews are positive against 100% of Starting Words's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, Starting Words every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
ABC SPELLING MAGIC versus Starting Words: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterABC SPELLING MAGICStarting Words
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (42 ratings)5.0 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews94.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings42 — better5
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.4 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size132 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPRESCHOOL UNIVERSITYCurtis Fischer

Customer experience

ABC SPELLING MAGIC

All ratings42 ratings
Positive69.0%
Neutral11.9%
Negative19.0%
Written reviews51 reviews
Positive94.1%
Neutral3.9%
Negative2.0%

Starting Words

All ratings5 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ABC SPELLING MAGIC

One-time1
  • Deluxe Upgrade$1.99
None

Starting Words

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ABC SPELLING MAGIC free?
ABC SPELLING MAGIC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Starting Words free?
Starting Words is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Starting Words?
Starting Words is rated higher. ABC SPELLING MAGIC averages 3.8 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Starting Words averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.
Do ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Starting Words have ads?
Neither ABC SPELLING MAGIC nor Starting Words shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Starting Words?
ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, and Starting Words every 3 weeks. Most recently, ABC SPELLING MAGIC was updated on September 21, 2026 and Starting Words on September 25, 2026.

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