# Simplex Spelling Light vs Picture Packets

The clearest difference is rating: Picture Packets at 5.0 against Simplex Spelling Light's 3.8. Picture Packets also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 77%). Simplex Spelling Light's advantage is update cadence (every 10 months vs every 68 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Picture Packets holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Simplex Spelling Light's written reviews are positive against 100% of Picture Packets's.

Simplex Spelling Light ships an update every 10 months, Picture Packets every 68 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simplex Spelling Light | Picture Packets |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | — |
| Rating | [3.8 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-light/id465715154/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picture-packets-words/id499905133/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 77.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 months** | Every 68 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 257 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015) | [Bob Baratta-Lorton](https://appshunter.io/developer/499646138) |

## What reviewers say

### Simplex Spelling Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-light/id465715154)

This app enhances spelling and reading skills with a unique "reverse phonics" approach and contextually relevant spelling rules. It offers interactive learning for various student types, providing immediate feedback and explanations for word construction.

**Highlights:** Reverse phonics approach, Contextual spelling rule hints, Letter-by-letter feedback, Over 50 high-frequency words, Spoken words in sentences, User stats and reporting

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for basic spelling
- 👍 Engaging for children
- 👍 Reinforces phonemic awareness
- 👍 Good for dyslexic students
- 👍 Clear voice and interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Advanced phonemes for beginners
- 👎 Digraphs split into individual letters
- 👎 Ads for paid version
- 👎 No volume/sound issues
- 👎 American English pronunciation

**Reported bugs**

- Consonant digraphs don't match phonemes
- Letters sounded out individually instead of phonemes
- No volume

**Requested features**

- Ability to create custom word lists
- Option to lock lists until mastered
- More word lists/grade levels
- Option to make sentences with words
- Illustrations for engagement


### Picture Packets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/picture-packets-words/id499905133)

This app is part of a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum designed for beginning readers or those who have struggled with literacy. It focuses on matching words to pictures to reinforce reading comprehension and vocabulary. The program aims to help children read and write creatively within a structured learning environment.

**Highlights:** Word-to-picture matching, Reinforces reading comprehension, Vocabulary building, Part of a 14-app curriculum, No audio hints, Progressive learning levels

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simplex Spelling Light free?

Simplex Spelling Light is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Picture Packets free?

Pricing for Picture Packets is not currently listed on the App Store.

### Which has better reviews, Simplex Spelling Light or Picture Packets?

Picture Packets is rated higher. Simplex Spelling Light averages 3.8 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Picture Packets averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Simplex Spelling Light or Picture Packets have ads?

Neither Simplex Spelling Light nor Picture Packets shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simplex Spelling Light or Picture Packets?

Simplex Spelling Light ships an update every 10 months, and Picture Packets every 68 months. Most recently, Simplex Spelling Light was updated on November 6, 2026 and Picture Packets on November 6, 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.*