# READING MAGIC 2 vs Reading Train Starter Books

The clearest difference is rating: READING MAGIC 2 at 4.8 against Reading Train Starter Books's 4.1. Reading Train Starter Books's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 19 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.7). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. READING MAGIC 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Reading Train Starter Books sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

READING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 28 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of READING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 78% of Reading Train Starter Books's.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, Reading Train Starter Books every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | Reading Train Starter Books |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | [4.1 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-starter-books/id702227884/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 21 | **28** |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 78.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 258 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [The Learning Station, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/702227887) |

## 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 |


### Reading Train Starter Books

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-starter-books/id702227884)

This app offers a growing library of over 300 beginner books, songs, and quizzes designed to help children develop reading skills, confidence, and a love for reading. It includes professional narration, a word dictionary, and interactive games.

**Highlights:** 300+ beginner books, Songs and quizzes, Professional narration, 450+ word dictionary, Interactive train game, Leveled reading, Unlimited user accounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Reading Train | $1.99 | per month |
| The Reading Train | $6.99 | per 6 months |
| The Reading Train | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Engaging for kids
- 💡 Interactive learning
- 🚀 Builds reading fluency
- 🎵 Fun songs and rewards
- 🗣️ Recording feature valuable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 No sound issue
- 💸 Charged after trial
- ❌ Cannot unsubscribe easily
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Subscription not shareable

**Reported bugs**

- App has no sound
- App does not open/crashes
- Charged after trial period
- Cannot unsubscribe after trial
- Error with earning coins for songs

**Requested features**

- Higher level books
- More songs
- Update progress across devices
- Dark mode option
- Option to buy content outright (no subscription)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is READING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Reading Train Starter Books free?

Reading Train Starter Books is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC 2 or Reading Train Starter Books?

READING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while Reading Train Starter Books averages 4.1 from 28 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or Reading Train Starter Books have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor Reading Train Starter Books shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or Reading Train Starter Books?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and Reading Train Starter Books every 3 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Reading Train Starter Books on October 29, 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.*