# SPELLING MAGIC 3 vs Sound Boxes for Word Study

The clearest difference is rating: SPELLING MAGIC 3 at 3.9 against Sound Boxes for Word Study's 3.1. SPELLING MAGIC 3 also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 60%) and device support (3 vs 1). Sound Boxes for Word Study's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.4). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SPELLING MAGIC 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Sound Boxes for Word Study asks for nothing beyond the download.

SPELLING MAGIC 3 holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of SPELLING MAGIC 3's written reviews are positive against 60% of Sound Boxes for Word Study's.

SPELLING MAGIC 3 ships an update every 5 months, Sound Boxes for Word Study every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPELLING MAGIC 3 | Sound Boxes for Word Study |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-3/id446294881/reviews)** | [3.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-boxes-for-word-study/id1075114312/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 184 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | **10.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) | [Classroom Focused Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/406741679) |

## What reviewers say

### SPELLING MAGIC 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-magic-3/id446294881)

This app helps children develop reading skills by focusing on multi-syllable words. It teaches letter sounds and word building through engaging activities and themed categories. Offers two challenge levels and a DELUXE version with expanded vocabulary and customization.

**Highlights:** Multi-syllable word focus, Science of Reading principles, Word building activities, Themed vocabulary categories, Two challenge levels, Pronunciation aid via pictures, Progress tracker (DELUXE)

**In-app purchases (1)**

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


### Sound Boxes for Word Study

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-boxes-for-word-study/id1075114312)

This educational app helps children develop foundational literacy skills by teaching them how letters and sounds combine to form words. It uses sound boxes to aid in segmenting word sounds, supporting both reading and writing development.

**Highlights:** Letter-sound association, Word segmentation, Supports reading skills, Supports writing skills, Foundational literacy development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPELLING MAGIC 3 free?

SPELLING MAGIC 3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sound Boxes for Word Study free?

Sound Boxes for Word Study is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 3 or Sound Boxes for Word Study?

SPELLING MAGIC 3 is rated higher. SPELLING MAGIC 3 averages 3.9 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Sound Boxes for Word Study averages 3.1 from 7 ratings.

### Do SPELLING MAGIC 3 or Sound Boxes for Word Study have ads?

Neither SPELLING MAGIC 3 nor Sound Boxes for Word Study shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 3 or Sound Boxes for Word Study?

SPELLING MAGIC 3 ships an update every 5 months, and Sound Boxes for Word Study every 6 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 3 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Sound Boxes for Word Study on November 2, 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.*