# SPELLING MAGIC 2 vs Read Live

The clearest difference is rating: Read Live at 5.0 against SPELLING MAGIC 2's 4.3. Read Live also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). SPELLING MAGIC 2's advantage is review sentiment (63% vs 29%) and ratings volume (16 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Read Live holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SPELLING MAGIC 2 has 16 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of SPELLING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 29% of Read Live's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPELLING MAGIC 2 | Read Live |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-2/id438133737/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **62.5% of reviews** | 28.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 185 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 14.3 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Read Naturally, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465317542) |

## 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 |


### Read Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327)

This app provides a structured, audio-supported system to improve reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension for learners of all ages. It offers access to four distinct curriculum options, including support for Spanish readers, and tracks student progress across devices. A Read Live account is required to use the program.

**Highlights:** Four curriculum options, Audio-supported system, Develops reading fluency, Improves comprehension, Tracks student progress, Spanish reading support

**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 Read Live free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Read Live?

Read Live is rated higher. SPELLING MAGIC 2 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Read Live averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Read Live have ads?

Neither SPELLING MAGIC 2 nor Read Live shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Read Live?

SPELLING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 4 months, and Read Live every 4 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Read Live 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.*