# Spelling Notebook vs Simplex Spelling Phonics 1

The clearest difference is price: Spelling Notebook at Free against Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's $4.99. Spelling Notebook also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (2.7K vs 23). Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Spelling Notebook is free to download; Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 costs $4.99 up front. Spelling Notebook sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spelling Notebook holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spelling Notebook has 2.7K ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Spelling Notebook's written reviews are positive against 81% of Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's.

Spelling Notebook ships an update every 3 months, Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 14, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spelling Notebook | Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-notebook-learn-test/id461225509/reviews)** | [4.0 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.7K** | 23 |
| Positive reviews | **86.3% of reviews** | 81.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Size | 24 MB | 191 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ako Software Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/431505822) | [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015) |

## What reviewers say

### Spelling Notebook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-notebook-learn-test/id461225509)

Create personalized spelling lists, practice words with audio pronunciation, and test your knowledge. Earn stars for correct answers and focus on words you need to master. Ideal for students and anyone looking to improve their spelling skills.

**Highlights:** Create personalized word lists, Audio pronunciation for words, Test spelling knowledge, Earn stars for correct words, Practice words needing mastery, Record your own voice, Extensive searchable dictionary

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Premium | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Helps improve spelling
- 💡 Ability to record own voice
- 👍 Customizable word lists
- 👍 Tracks progress and mistakes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Pronunciation issues with some words
- 💰 Limited free version, need to pay for more features
- 🔍 Difficult to manage long word lists in free version

**Reported bugs**

- Word lists disappearing after device change
- Keyboard issues causing app crashes

**Requested features**

- Add dictionary definitions
- Improve pronunciation quality
- Allow more words in free version
- Implement a dark mode
- Add ability to share/sync word lists


### Simplex Spelling Phonics 1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580)

This app uses a scientifically validated phonics approach to improve spelling skills. It teaches fundamental spelling patterns, sounds, and rules through structured lessons and high-frequency words, aiming to build long-term literacy and confidence.

**Highlights:** 450+ high-frequency words, 42 instructional phonics lessons, Spelling pattern and difficulty organization, Reverse phonics approach, Contextual spelling rule hints, Letter-by-letter feedback, Starting assessment test

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spelling Notebook free?

Spelling Notebook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 free?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Spelling Notebook or Simplex Spelling Phonics 1?

Spelling Notebook is rated higher. Spelling Notebook averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 averages 4.0 from 23 ratings.

### Do Spelling Notebook or Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 have ads?

Neither Spelling Notebook nor Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spelling Notebook or Simplex Spelling Phonics 1?

Spelling Notebook ships an update every 3 months, and Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 every 5 months. Most recently, Spelling Notebook was updated on October 14, 2026 and Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 on October 14, 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.*