# SPELLING MAGIC 2 vs Journals alive

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Journals alive at none against SPELLING MAGIC 2's 1. Journals alive also leads on iOS requirement (8.1 vs 12.4). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SPELLING MAGIC 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Journals alive asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for SPELLING MAGIC 2 against 4.4 for Journals alive. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 11 respectively.

SPELLING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 4 months, Journals alive every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPELLING MAGIC 2 | Journals alive |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-2/id438133737/reviews) | **[4.4 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journals-alive/id1289969334/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 62.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 185 MB | 273 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **8.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Alive Studios, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/856124778) |

## What reviewers say

### SPELLING MAGIC 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-2/id438133737)

This app teaches children to read by focusing on consonant blend words. It uses interactive activities to help build words and understand letter sounds, aligning with Science of Reading principles. Two versions are available, offering different word counts and customization options.

**Highlights:** Teaches CVCC and CCVC words, Focuses on letter sounds and word construction, Word Building section, Moveable Alphabet section, Two levels of challenge, Developed with educators and Montessori principles

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |


### Journals alive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journals-alive/id1289969334)

This app enhances printed journals for early learners, bringing letters, numbers, and shapes to life with interactive zoo animals. It offers an engaging way to master foundational educational concepts at home or in the classroom.

**Highlights:** Interactive learning experience, Master alphabet letters, Learn numbers 0-20, Explore basic geometric shapes, Augmented reality zoo animals, Engaging for home and classroom

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPELLING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Journals alive free?

Journals alive is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Journals alive?

Journals alive is rated higher. SPELLING MAGIC 2 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Journals alive averages 4.4 from 11 ratings.

### Do SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Journals alive have ads?

Neither SPELLING MAGIC 2 nor Journals alive shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Journals alive?

SPELLING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 4 months, and Journals alive every 6 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Journals alive on November 3, 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.*