SPELLING MAGIC 3 vs LightUp Learning
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Multi-syllable word focus
- Science of Reading principles
- Word building activities
- Themed vocabulary categories
- Two challenge levels
- Pronunciation aid via pictures
- Progress tracker (DELUXE)
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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.
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.
- Magnetic circuit block assembly
- Visualize electricity flow
- Drag-and-drop coding interface
- Project building guides
- X-ray vision for circuits
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. SPELLING MAGIC 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. LightUp Learning asks for nothing beyond the download.
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.
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.
| Parameter | SPELLING MAGIC 3 | LightUp Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (11 ratings) — better | 3.0 (10 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews — better | 31.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 11 — better | 10 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 | 8.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 184 MB | 143 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY | LightUp |
Customer experience
SPELLING MAGIC 3
LightUp Learning
In-app purchases
SPELLING MAGIC 3
- Deluxe Upgrade$1.99
LightUp Learning
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SPELLING MAGIC 3 free?
Is LightUp Learning free?
Which has better reviews, SPELLING MAGIC 3 or LightUp Learning?
Do SPELLING MAGIC 3 or LightUp Learning have ads?
Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 3 or LightUp Learning?
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