# READING MAGIC 2 vs Hairy Phonics 1

The clearest difference is review sentiment: READING MAGIC 2 at 81% against Hairy Phonics 1's 10%. READING MAGIC 2 also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.7). Hairy Phonics 1's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 13.7). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

READING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 19 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of READING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 10% of Hairy Phonics 1's.

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, Hairy Phonics 1 every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 2 | Hairy Phonics 1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-2/id432526055/reviews)** | [2.7 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hairy-phonics-1/id938108978/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **19** |
| Positive reviews | **81.3% of reviews** | 10.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 12 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 258 MB | 239 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **9.3** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Nessy Learning Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/410276291) |

## 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 |


### Hairy Phonics 1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hairy-phonics-1/id938108978)

This educational app helps children aged 4-6 develop phonemic awareness by introducing consonant digraphs. It features interactive animations, letter tracing, and games to blend sounds into words, making learning fun and engaging.

**Highlights:** Learn 9 consonant digraph phonemes, Structured learning sequence, Phonic animations with actions, Interactive letter tracing, Word blending games, Save and collect characters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 Hairy Phonics 1 free?

Hairy Phonics 1 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, READING MAGIC 2 or Hairy Phonics 1?

READING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Hairy Phonics 1 averages 2.7 from 19 ratings.

### Do READING MAGIC 2 or Hairy Phonics 1 have ads?

Neither READING MAGIC 2 nor Hairy Phonics 1 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, READING MAGIC 2 or Hairy Phonics 1?

READING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 19 months, and Hairy Phonics 1 every 12 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 6, 2026 and Hairy Phonics 1 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.*