# READING MAGIC 2 vs Counting 123

The clearest difference is review sentiment: READING MAGIC 2 at 81% against Counting 123's 28%. READING MAGIC 2 also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.9). Counting 123's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 19 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.7). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. READING MAGIC 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Counting 123 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

READING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of READING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 28% of Counting 123's.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, Counting 123 every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | Counting 123 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | [3.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-123-learn-to-count/id443158370/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 28.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 258 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [KID BABY TODDLER LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/477267603) |

## 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 |


### Counting 123

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-123-learn-to-count/id443158370)

This app offers a playful and engaging way for children to learn counting and number recognition. It features four distinct mini-games designed to make learning fun and interactive, with colorful animations and illustrations.

**Highlights:** Learn numbers 1-10, Pronunciation of digits, Tap & catch fish counting game, Spot the differences memory game, Interactive grasshopper activity, Dresses fashion show game

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads! | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 12 Jigsaw Puzzles | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 4 Match It Games | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 12 Coloring Pages | $1.99 | one-time |
| Super Deal! | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great learning tool for counting
- 👍 Fun and engaging for young children
- 👍 Nice graphics and interactive activities
- 👍 Good for reinforcing numbers 1-10
- 👍 Educational and analytical skills development

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Ads block gameplay
- 😠 Ads are intrusive and disruptive
- 😠 Ads are poorly placed
- 😠 Ads redirect to other apps
- 😠 Inappropriate ads shown to children

**Reported bugs**

- Ads cover tap locations
- Paid features locked after purchase
- App crashes occasionally
- Inappropriate ads shown
- App restarts each time it's entered

**Requested features**

- Move ads to a less intrusive location
- Add an ads bar below gameplay
- Improve game engagement for older children
- Offer more stages or challenges


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Counting 123 free?

Counting 123 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC 2 or Counting 123?

READING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Counting 123 averages 3.9 from 14 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or Counting 123 have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor Counting 123 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or Counting 123?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and Counting 123 every 4 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Counting 123 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.*