# READING MAGIC 2 vs Math Duel

The clearest difference is update cadence: Math Duel at every 6 weeks against READING MAGIC 2's every 19 months. Math Duel also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (235 vs 21). READING MAGIC 2's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (81% vs 64%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

READING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Duel has 235 ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of READING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 64% of Math Duel's.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, Math Duel every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | Math Duel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | [4.5 (235 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-duel-multiplayer-battle/id495077699/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **235** |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 64.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 258 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.7** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Ellie's Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/355986115) |

## 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 |


### Math Duel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-duel-multiplayer-battle/id495077699)

Engage in a fun, competitive math game for two players on a single device. Improve basic math skills and strategic thinking with customizable equations and modes. Ideal for classrooms or home practice, it encourages collaboration and personalized learning.

**Highlights:** Two-player split-screen mode, Single player practice, Customizable equations, Teacher-adjustable settings, Basic math skill improvement, Strategic thinking development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Features | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for practicing math facts
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good for family/classroom competition
- 💡 Customizable difficulty levels
- 🧠 Effective for mental math skills
- 🎮 Fun and engaging gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashing issues
- 📉 Multiplication and division not working well for some
- 🔢 Increments of 10 instead of 1 for numbers
- 🚫 No option to focus on specific timestables
- ❌ Inability to change operations/differentiation as advertised

**Reported bugs**

- App keeps crashing
- Multiplication doesn't work well
- Division problems cannot be solved due to lack of decimal key
- Settings button resets score
- App freezes timer in single player when settings is pressed

**Requested features**

- Ability to focus on specific timestables
- Option to change operations and differentiation
- Support for older iPads
- Return to increments of 1 for numbers
- Add decimal point for division


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Math Duel free?

Math Duel is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC 2 or Math Duel?

READING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Math Duel averages 4.5 from 235 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or Math Duel have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor Math Duel shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or Math Duel?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and Math Duel every 6 weeks. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Math Duel 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.*