# READING MAGIC 3 vs Sound Boxes for Word Study

The clearest difference is rating: READING MAGIC 3 at 4.9 against Sound Boxes for Word Study's 3.1. READING MAGIC 3 also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 60%) and device support (3 vs 1). Sound Boxes for Word Study's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 6 months vs every 22 months). On price, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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

READING MAGIC 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of READING MAGIC 3's written reviews are positive against 60% of Sound Boxes for Word Study's.

READING MAGIC 3 ships an update every 22 months, Sound Boxes for Word Study every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | READING MAGIC 3 | Sound Boxes for Word Study |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-3/id446469837/reviews)** | [3.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-boxes-for-word-study/id1075114312/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **89.5% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 250 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.7 | **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

### READING MAGIC 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-3/id446469837)

This app makes learning to read an exciting adventure for children. It uses interactive activities and science-backed methods to help master words with two or more syllables, building essential literacy skills.

**Highlights:** Science of Reading methodology, Focus on multi-syllable words, Blending and segmenting skills, Phonemic awareness development, Three engaging learning modes, Interactive reading games, Progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe Upgrade | $3.99 | 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 READING MAGIC 3 free?

READING 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, READING MAGIC 3 or Sound Boxes for Word Study?

READING MAGIC 3 is rated higher. READING MAGIC 3 averages 4.9 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Sound Boxes for Word Study averages 3.1 from 7 ratings.

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

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

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

READING MAGIC 3 ships an update every 22 months, and Sound Boxes for Word Study every 6 months. Most recently, READING MAGIC 3 was updated on November 6, 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.*