# SPELLING MAGIC 2 vs Counting 123

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SPELLING MAGIC 2 at 63% against Counting 123's 28%. SPELLING MAGIC 2 also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.9). Counting 123's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 12.4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SPELLING MAGIC 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Counting 123 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SPELLING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of SPELLING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 28% of Counting 123's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPELLING MAGIC 2 | Counting 123 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-2/id438133737/reviews)** | [3.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-123-learn-to-count/id443158370/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | **62.5% of reviews** | 28.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 185 MB | 76 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [KID BABY TODDLER LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/477267603) |

## 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 |


### Counting 123

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counting-123-learn-to-count/id443158370)

This app offers a playful and engaging way for children to learn counting and number recognition. It features four distinct mini-games designed to make learning fun and interactive, with colorful animations and illustrations.

**Highlights:** Learn numbers 1-10, Pronunciation of digits, Tap & catch fish counting game, Spot the differences memory game, Interactive grasshopper activity, Dresses fashion show game

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads! | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 12 Jigsaw Puzzles | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 4 Match It Games | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 12 Coloring Pages | $1.99 | one-time |
| Super Deal! | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great learning tool for counting
- 👍 Fun and engaging for young children
- 👍 Nice graphics and interactive activities
- 👍 Good for reinforcing numbers 1-10
- 👍 Educational and analytical skills development

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Ads block gameplay
- 😠 Ads are intrusive and disruptive
- 😠 Ads are poorly placed
- 😠 Ads redirect to other apps
- 😠 Inappropriate ads shown to children

**Reported bugs**

- Ads cover tap locations
- Paid features locked after purchase
- App crashes occasionally
- Inappropriate ads shown
- App restarts each time it's entered

**Requested features**

- Move ads to a less intrusive location
- Add an ads bar below gameplay
- Improve game engagement for older children
- Offer more stages or challenges


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPELLING MAGIC 2 free?

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

### Is Counting 123 free?

Counting 123 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Counting 123?

SPELLING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. SPELLING MAGIC 2 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Counting 123 averages 3.9 from 14 ratings.

### Do SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Counting 123 have ads?

Neither SPELLING MAGIC 2 nor Counting 123 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Counting 123?

SPELLING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 4 months, and Counting 123 every 4 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 2 was updated on October 23, 2026 and Counting 123 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.*