# Bob Books Reading Magic #2 vs Starfall Learn to Read

The clearest difference is price: Starfall Learn to Read at Free against Bob Books Reading Magic #2's $2.99. Bob Books Reading Magic #2's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On review sentiment, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Starfall Learn to Read is free to download; Bob Books Reading Magic #2 costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 165 and 229 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Bob Books Reading Magic #2's written reviews are positive against 75% of Starfall Learn to Read's.

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 ships an update every 6 months, Starfall Learn to Read every 9 months. Both last shipped on October 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bob Books Reading Magic #2 | Starfall Learn to Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (165 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bob-books-reading-magic-2/id437922992/reviews)** | [4.2 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 165 | **229** |
| Positive reviews | **82.1% of reviews** | 74.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 182 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bob Books Publications LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/706044387) | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) |

## What reviewers say

### Bob Books Reading Magic #2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bob-books-reading-magic-2/id437922992)

This app helps young children learn to read through phonics. It connects letters with sounds, teaches how to sound out words, and aids in spelling. It features new scenes and over 50 words for early readers.

**Highlights:** Letter-sound connection, Sounding out words, Spelling practice, New scenes, Over 50 words

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Starfall Learn to Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261)

This free app offers engaging books, games, and movies to help children learn to read. It focuses on vowel sounds and spelling through interactive activities, songs, and movies, fostering a love for language and reading.

**Highlights:** Interactive reading activities, Engaging games and movies, Focus on vowel sounds and spelling, Songs and positive reinforcement, Suitable for emerging readers, Supports English language learners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Excellent phonics and reading instruction method
- 🎵 Engaging songs and catchy tunes that maintain interest
- 🎨 Well-designed animations and interactive stories
- 👶 Effective for children with learning difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD, special needs)
- 💰 Free version available with substantial content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and fails to load on some devices
- ❌ Math games incompatible with certain iOS versions
- 📱 Technical issues with black/green screens on launch
- 🔄 Requires multiple restarts to function properly
- 💳 Misleading pricing - paid version converted to free

**Reported bugs**

- App won't load beyond launch screen (black or green screen)
- Math games incompatible with iPhone updates
- Sound not playing in some instances
- App requires deletion and reinstallation to function
- Crashes on iOS 9.2.1 and older versions

**Requested features**

- Reward/star system for motivation and progress tracking
- Lesson progression markers showing mastery of modules
- Writing and spelling exercises to reinforce learning
- More stories and content variety
- UK English version option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bob Books Reading Magic #2 free?

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Starfall Learn to Read free?

Starfall Learn to Read is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Bob Books Reading Magic #2 or Starfall Learn to Read?

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 is rated higher. Bob Books Reading Magic #2 averages 4.6 out of 5 from 165 ratings, while Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 from 229 ratings.

### Do Bob Books Reading Magic #2 or Starfall Learn to Read have ads?

Neither Bob Books Reading Magic #2 nor Starfall Learn to Read shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bob Books Reading Magic #2 or Starfall Learn to Read?

Bob Books Reading Magic #2 ships an update every 6 months, and Starfall Learn to Read every 9 months. Most recently, Bob Books Reading Magic #2 was updated on October 22, 2026 and Starfall Learn to Read on October 22, 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.*