# First Phrases vs Smarty Spell

The clearest difference is review sentiment: First Phrases at 94% against Smarty Spell's 0%. First Phrases also leads on rating (4.2 vs 4.0) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 9 months). Smarty Spell's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and price ($14.99 vs $15.99). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

First Phrases costs $15.99 and Smarty Spell $14.99 up front. First Phrases sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Smarty Spell asks for nothing beyond the download.

First Phrases holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: First Phrases has 13 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of First Phrases's written reviews are positive against 0% of Smarty Spell's.

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, Smarty Spell every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Phrases | Smarty Spell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $15.99 | **$14.99** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018/reviews)** | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarty-spell/id965018053/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 612 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamaguchi Learning & Development, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/460288922) | [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167) |

## 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


### Smarty Spell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarty-spell/id965018053)

This comprehensive literacy platform offers three engaging game modes to improve spelling and reading skills. It features extensive customization options for word lists and audio, along with detailed progress tracking for educators and parents.

**Highlights:** Three distinct game modes, Over 300 built-in words, Grade-level and thematic word lists, Custom word lists with photos, Real human and TTS audio, Professional-grade data tracking, Adjustable font sizes and hints

**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 Smarty Spell free?

Smarty Spell costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, First Phrases or Smarty Spell?

First Phrases is rated higher. First Phrases averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Smarty Spell averages 4.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do First Phrases or Smarty Spell have ads?

Neither First Phrases nor Smarty Spell shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Phrases or Smarty Spell?

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, and Smarty Spell every 9 months. Most recently, First Phrases was updated on August 27, 2026 and Smarty Spell on June 4, 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.*