# First Phrases vs Slinky Malinki

The clearest difference is price: Slinky Malinki at $3.99 against First Phrases's $15.99. Slinky Malinki also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.1 vs 15.6). First Phrases's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 12 months). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

First Phrases costs $15.99 and Slinky Malinki $3.99 up front. First Phrases sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Slinky Malinki asks for nothing beyond the download.

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, Slinky Malinki every 12 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Phrases | Slinky Malinki |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $15.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **13** | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 612 MB | 158 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **9.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamaguchi Learning & Development, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/460288922) | [Kiwa Digital Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/336728313) |

## What reviewers say

### First Phrases

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018)

This interactive app helps young children learn to combine words into meaningful phrases. It features animated characters performing actions and allows for recording and playback to aid language development. Ideal for speech therapy and early literacy support.

**Highlights:** 72 verb + noun phrase combinations, Animated characters performing actions, Record and playback speech, Group setting for multiple users, Data collection and reporting, Visual support for learning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| In-app purchase | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Engaging animations
- 👍 Effective for speech therapy
- 👍 Customizable settings
- 👍 Good for language development
- 👍 Interactive learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy after updates
- 🐛 Screen share disconnects
- 💰 In-app purchases for characters
- 💰 Price considered high by some
- 🐛 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- Screen share disconnects during animations
- App crashes frequently
- Settings do not save
- Words do not flip to show phrases after update
- App not working after new iPad purchase (resolved)

**Requested features**

- Store recordings for progress tracking
- Add more phrases
- Allow more student profiles
- Save multiple recordings
- Repeat targeted phrase with icons on all pages


### Slinky Malinki

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/slinky-malinki/id554847523)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Phrases free?

First Phrases costs $15.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Slinky Malinki free?

Slinky Malinki costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do First Phrases or Slinky Malinki have ads?

Neither First Phrases nor Slinky Malinki shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Phrases or Slinky Malinki?

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, and Slinky Malinki every 12 months. Most recently, First Phrases was updated on November 6, 2026 and Slinky Malinki 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.*