# ABC SPELLING MAGIC vs Read Live

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ABC SPELLING MAGIC at 94% against Read Live's 29%. ABC SPELLING MAGIC also leads on ratings volume (42 vs 1) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). Read Live's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 3.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Read Live 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 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 94% of ABC SPELLING MAGIC's written reviews are positive against 29% of Read Live's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, Read Live every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ABC SPELLING MAGIC | Read Live |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abc-spelling-magic/id429301553/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **42** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **94.2% of reviews** | 28.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 132 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 14.3 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Read Naturally, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465317542) |

## 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


### Read Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327)

This app provides a structured, audio-supported system to improve reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension for learners of all ages. It offers access to four distinct curriculum options, including support for Spanish readers, and tracks student progress across devices. A Read Live account is required to use the program.

**Highlights:** Four curriculum options, Audio-supported system, Develops reading fluency, Improves comprehension, Tracks student progress, Spanish reading support

**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 Read Live free?

Read Live is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Read Live?

Read Live is rated higher. ABC SPELLING MAGIC averages 3.8 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Read Live averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Read Live have ads?

Neither ABC SPELLING MAGIC nor Read Live shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Read Live?

ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, and Read Live every 4 months. Most recently, ABC SPELLING MAGIC was updated on November 1, 2026 and Read Live on November 1, 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.*