# READING MAGIC 2 vs Gene Screen

The clearest difference is rating: READING MAGIC 2 at 4.5 against Gene Screen's 3.2. Gene Screen's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 5 months vs every 19 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. READING MAGIC 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Gene Screen asks for nothing beyond the download.

READING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 26 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of READING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 83% of Gene Screen's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, Gene Screen every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | Gene Screen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | [3.2 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gene-screen/id447754230/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **26** |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 258 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **6.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory](https://appshunter.io/developer/331399335) |

## 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 |


### Gene Screen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gene-screen/id447754230)

Explore genetic information related to health and heredity. This app focuses on recessive genetic diseases, particularly those more common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. It's a learning tool developed by the DNA Learning Center.

**Highlights:** Recessive genetic disease information, Health and heredity focus, Cultural and ethnic prevalence, Ashkenazi Jewish genetic diseases, Fact-packed learning tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Gene Screen free?

Gene Screen is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC 2 or Gene Screen?

READING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Gene Screen averages 3.2 from 26 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or Gene Screen have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor Gene Screen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or Gene Screen?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and Gene Screen every 5 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 6, 2026 and Gene Screen on November 6, 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.*