# ABC SPELLING MAGIC vs Number Frames, by MLC

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Number Frames, by MLC at none against ABC SPELLING MAGIC's 1. ABC SPELLING MAGIC's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (42 vs 7). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ABC SPELLING MAGIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Number Frames, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

Number Frames, by MLC holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ABC SPELLING MAGIC has 42 ratings behind it against 7, 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 89% of Number Frames, by MLC'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, Number Frames, by MLC every 13 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ABC SPELLING MAGIC | Number Frames, by MLC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abc-spelling-magic/id429301553/reviews) | **[4.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-frames-by-mlc/id873198123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **42** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **94.2% of reviews** | 88.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 132 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 15.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) |

## 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


### Number Frames, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-frames-by-mlc/id873198123)

This app provides virtual number frames to help elementary students visualize and manipulate numbers up to one hundred. It supports counting, comparing, and computing, aiding the transition from one-by-one counting to more efficient strategies. Custom frames can be created for advanced visualization of factors and fractions.

**Highlights:** Standard and custom number frames, Variety of counters and colors, 5s grid for grouping emphasis, Resizable covers for problem modeling, Drawing and annotation tools, Math text and writing tools, Shareable work via image or code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 Number Frames, by MLC free?

Number Frames, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Number Frames, by MLC?

Number Frames, by MLC is rated higher. ABC SPELLING MAGIC averages 3.8 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Number Frames, by MLC averages 4.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Number Frames, by MLC have ads?

Neither ABC SPELLING MAGIC nor Number Frames, by MLC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ABC SPELLING MAGIC or Number Frames, by MLC?

ABC SPELLING MAGIC ships an update every 6 weeks, and Number Frames, by MLC every 13 months. Most recently, ABC SPELLING MAGIC was updated on November 1, 2026 and Number Frames, by MLC 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.*