# READING MAGIC 2 vs LightUp Learning

The clearest difference is review sentiment: READING MAGIC 2 at 81% against LightUp Learning's 32%. READING MAGIC 2 also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.0). LightUp Learning's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 19 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

READING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of READING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 32% of LightUp Learning's.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, LightUp Learning every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | LightUp Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | [3.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightup-learning/id817956889/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 31.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 258 MB | 143 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **8.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [LightUp](https://appshunter.io/developer/817956892) |

## 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 |


### LightUp Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightup-learning/id817956889)

Build and learn about electronic circuits using magnetic blocks. Visualize electricity flow and program projects with drag-and-drop coding. Requires a physical LightUp kit.

**Highlights:** Magnetic circuit block assembly, Visualize electricity flow, Drag-and-drop coding interface, Project building guides, X-ray vision for circuits

**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 LightUp Learning free?

LightUp Learning is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC 2 or LightUp Learning?

READING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while LightUp Learning averages 3.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or LightUp Learning have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor LightUp Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or LightUp Learning?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and LightUp Learning every 2 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 14, 2026 and LightUp Learning 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.*