# READING MAGIC 2 vs ELSB for Older Students Lite

The clearest difference is update cadence: ELSB for Older Students Lite at every 2 months against READING MAGIC 2's every 19 months. READING MAGIC 2's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. READING MAGIC 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ELSB for Older Students Lite sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, ELSB for Older Students Lite every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | ELSB for Older Students Lite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8** | — |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 258 MB | 244 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Attainment Company](https://appshunter.io/developer/403989333) |

## What reviewers say

### READING MAGIC 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055)

This app helps children master consonant blends, a key skill for reading success. It offers interactive modes for blending sounds, segmenting words, and independent reading practice with over 300 words and engaging themes.

**Highlights:** Blending Mode for sound practice, Segmenting Mode for word breakdown, Reading Mode for independent word reading, Focus on CCVC and CVCC words, Advanced consonant blend practice, Over 300 words with male/female voices, Themed lessons for engagement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe Upgrade | $3.99 | one-time |


### ELSB for Older Students Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elsb-for-older-students-lite/id1201947165)

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Level 1 | $21.99 | one-time |
| Level 2 | $21.99 | one-time |
| Level 3 | $21.99 | one-time |
| Level 4 | $21.99 | one-time |
| Level 5 | $21.99 | one-time |
| Level 6 | $21.99 | one-time |
| Level 7 | $21.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC 2 free?

READING MAGIC 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ELSB for Older Students Lite free?

ELSB for Older Students Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or ELSB for Older Students Lite have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor ELSB for Older Students Lite shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or ELSB for Older Students Lite?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and ELSB for Older Students Lite every 2 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 6, 2026 and ELSB for Older Students Lite on November 2, 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.*