Comparison

SPELLING MAGIC 3 vs LightUp Learning

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SPELLING MAGIC 3

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)
Read full description

Introducing SPELLING MAGIC 3 – the key to unlocking your child's future reading success! SPELLING MAGIC 3 incorporates the main principles of the Science of Reading. SPELLING MAGIC 3 is designed to focus on words with multiple syllables, providing an engaging platform for learning. From everyday words like "pretzel" and "button" to compound words such as "bobcat" and "hotdog," this app covers a wide range of vocabulary, all grouped into themed categories for easy organization and enhanced interest. With a strong emphasis on teaching letter sounds and word building, SPELLING MAGIC 3 not only helps children learn the sounds of the alphabet but also indirectly teaches essential reading skills like segmenting. The app offers two levels of challenge to cater to different learning abilities. In the "Word Building" section, children use the components (letters) of the word to build it, while the "Moveable Alphabet" section allows them to use the entire alphabet for word construction. It's important to note that SPELLING MAGIC 3 aims to provide ample opportunities for practicing building multiple-syllable words, even including words that may not be part of a young learner's everyday vocabulary. This presents a unique chance to expand their word bank and vocabulary. Additionally, tapping on pictures will prompt the app to pronounce the word, aiding in pronunciation and comprehension. The free version of SPELLING MAGIC 3 offers 72 words, while the DELUXE version boasts an impressive 335 words, along with a range of customizable options such as two types of voices, three types of fonts, two letter color styles, a special feature to connect the letters, and a lesson progress tracker. This version includes over 260 additional words compared to the free version, providing an even more comprehensive learning experience. This app was developed by a team of educators using the Science of Reading Principles, accelerated learning techniques and Montessori principles. SPELLING MAGIC 3 has been thoroughly tested and approved by preschool children and their teachers in various settings. Your feedback and suggestions are highly valued as we continue to refine and enhance the app for an optimal learning experience.

About

LightUp Learning

Build and learn about electronic circuits using magnetic blocks. Visualize electricity flow and program projects with drag-and-drop coding. Requires a physical LightUp kit.

Highlights
  • Magnetic circuit block assembly
  • Visualize electricity flow
  • Drag-and-drop coding interface
  • Project building guides
  • X-ray vision for circuits
Read full description

This is a companion app for the LightUp Edison and Tesla Kit. Build and learn about electronic circuits with LightUp kits and the LightUp Learning app. Magnetically snap together circuit blocks to build cool projects without needing to use wires, breadboards, or soldering irons. Take a photo and the LightUp Learning app will help out when you need a hand. It even gives you x-ray vision, letting you see the electricity flowing around your circuit! Ready to code? Simply drag and drop code blocks on your iPad to make a Music Box, Alarm and more! Purchase your very own LightUp kit at www.lightup.io.

Screenshots

SPELLING MAGIC 34 screens
LightUp Learning4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SPELLING MAGIC 3 at 80% against LightUp Learning's 32%. SPELLING MAGIC 3 also leads on rating (3.9 vs 3.0). LightUp Learning's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SPELLING MAGIC 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. LightUp Learning asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SPELLING MAGIC 3 holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of SPELLING MAGIC 3's written reviews are positive against 32% of LightUp Learning's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SPELLING MAGIC 3 ships an update every 5 months, LightUp Learning every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SPELLING MAGIC 3 versus LightUp Learning: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSPELLING MAGIC 3LightUp Learning
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (11 ratings) — better3.0 (10 ratings)
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews — better31.6% of reviews
Number of ratings11 — better10
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.48.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size184 MB143 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPRESCHOOL UNIVERSITYLightUp

Customer experience

SPELLING MAGIC 3

All ratings11 ratings
Positive72.7%
Neutral9.1%
Negative18.2%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative0.0%

LightUp Learning

All ratings10 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews19 reviews
Positive31.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative68.4%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

SPELLING MAGIC 3

One-time1
  • Deluxe Upgrade$1.99
None

LightUp Learning

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SPELLING MAGIC 3 free?
SPELLING MAGIC 3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LightUp Learning free?
LightUp Learning is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 3 or LightUp Learning?
SPELLING MAGIC 3 is rated higher. SPELLING MAGIC 3 averages 3.9 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while LightUp Learning averages 3.0 from 10 ratings.
Do SPELLING MAGIC 3 or LightUp Learning have ads?
Neither SPELLING MAGIC 3 nor LightUp Learning shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 3 or LightUp Learning?
SPELLING MAGIC 3 ships an update every 5 months, and LightUp Learning every 2 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 3 was updated on November 1, 2026 and LightUp Learning on November 6, 2026.

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