# SPELLING MAGIC 2 vs Stickleback Evolution Lab

The clearest difference is rating: SPELLING MAGIC 2 at 4.3 against Stickleback Evolution Lab's 2.6. SPELLING MAGIC 2 also leads on update cadence (every 4 months vs every 28 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Stickleback Evolution Lab's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 63%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

SPELLING MAGIC 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 8 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 63% of SPELLING MAGIC 2's written reviews are positive against 100% of Stickleback Evolution Lab's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SPELLING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 4 months, Stickleback Evolution Lab every 28 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPELLING MAGIC 2 | Stickleback Evolution Lab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-2/id438133737/reviews)** | [2.6 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stickleback-evolution-lab/id938339250/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 62.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 28 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 185 MB | 264 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **8.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Howard Hughes Medical Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/411540290) |

## 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 |


### Stickleback Evolution Lab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stickleback-evolution-lab/id938339250)

Explore the science of evolution by analyzing the pelvic structures of threespine stickleback fish. This virtual lab offers three experiments using real fish specimens and fossils, complete with graphing and statistical analysis tools for drawing conclusions about population evolution.

**Highlights:** Analyze pelvic structures of threespine stickleback fish, Conduct experiments with living specimens and fossils, Collect and analyze biological data, Graphing and statistical analysis tools, Learn about evolutionary science

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 Stickleback Evolution Lab free?

Stickleback Evolution Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Stickleback Evolution Lab?

SPELLING MAGIC 2 is rated higher. SPELLING MAGIC 2 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Stickleback Evolution Lab averages 2.6 from 8 ratings.

### Do SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Stickleback Evolution Lab have ads?

Neither SPELLING MAGIC 2 nor Stickleback Evolution Lab shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 2 or Stickleback Evolution Lab?

SPELLING MAGIC 2 ships an update every 4 months, and Stickleback Evolution Lab every 28 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Stickleback Evolution Lab 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.*