# First Words With Phonics vs READING MAGIC for Schools

The clearest difference is rating: READING MAGIC for Schools at 4.4 against First Words With Phonics's 3.8. READING MAGIC for Schools also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (93% vs 69%). First Words With Phonics's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 13 months) and price ($1.99 vs $3.99). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

First Words With Phonics costs $1.99 and READING MAGIC for Schools $3.99 up front. First Words With Phonics sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. READING MAGIC for Schools asks for nothing beyond the download.

READING MAGIC for Schools holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 23 and 9 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of First Words With Phonics's written reviews are positive against 93% of READING MAGIC for Schools's.

First Words With Phonics ships an update every 2 months, READING MAGIC for Schools every 13 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Words With Phonics | READING MAGIC for Schools |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $3.99 |
| Rating | [3.8 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-with-phonics/id448163359/reviews) | **[4.4 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-for-schools/id585133208/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **23** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | **92.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 86 MB | 190 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.7 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Read 'n' Learn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1005499252) | [PRESCHOOL UNIVERSITY](https://appshunter.io/developer/404048727) |

## What reviewers say

### First Words With Phonics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-words-with-phonics/id448163359)

This educational app helps young children learn their first words through phonics and letter recognition. It offers adjustable difficulty levels, engaging visuals, and interactive features to make learning fun and effective. Expand the word library with in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Learn letter sounds with synthetic phonics, Spelling and word recognition, Interactive animal exploration, Adjustable difficulty settings, Child-friendly interface, Engaging artwork and sound effects, In-app purchases for more words

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vehicles 20 Words | $0.99 | one-time |
| Shapes and Colors 25 Words | $0.99 | one-time |
| 30 Household Items | $0.99 | one-time |
| 15 Numbers | $0.99 | one-time |


### READING MAGIC for Schools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-magic-for-schools/id585133208)

This app makes learning to read an exciting adventure for young children. It uses interactive games and activities focused on CVC words and phonics principles to build essential reading skills. Designed by educators, it helps children develop phonemic awareness and phonological processing.

**Highlights:** Interactive CVC word games, Focus on phonemic awareness, Blending and segmenting practice, Science of reading-based approach, Lesson tracking and sequenced curriculum, Discourages picture guessing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Words With Phonics free?

First Words With Phonics costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is READING MAGIC for Schools free?

READING MAGIC for Schools costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, First Words With Phonics or READING MAGIC for Schools?

READING MAGIC for Schools is rated higher. First Words With Phonics averages 3.8 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while READING MAGIC for Schools averages 4.4 from 9 ratings.

### Do First Words With Phonics or READING MAGIC for Schools have ads?

Neither First Words With Phonics nor READING MAGIC for Schools shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Words With Phonics or READING MAGIC for Schools?

First Words With Phonics ships an update every 2 months, and READING MAGIC for Schools every 13 months. Most recently, First Words With Phonics was updated on November 1, 2026 and READING MAGIC for Schools 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.*