# READING MAGIC 2 vs Phonics Stars

The clearest difference is update cadence: Phonics Stars at daily against READING MAGIC 2's every 19 months. READING MAGIC 2's advantage is iOS requirement (13.7 vs 16.6). 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 Phonics Stars sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, Phonics Stars daily. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | Phonics Stars |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **21** | — |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 258 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.7** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [MAURENE PRANADA TROTTER](https://appshunter.io/developer/1858798064) |

## 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 |


### Phonics Stars

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonics-stars/id6756245119)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Phonics Stars | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Phonics Stars free?

Phonics Stars is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or Phonics Stars have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor Phonics Stars shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or Phonics Stars?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and Phonics Stars daily. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on October 29, 2026 and Phonics Stars on October 28, 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.*