# Spell vs Alphabet Dots

Spell and Alphabet Dots both sit at 4.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 88% of Spell's written reviews are positive against 68% of Alphabet Dots's. Spell also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). Alphabet Dots's advantage is ratings volume (49 vs 5) and price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Spell costs $1.99 and Alphabet Dots $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for Spell against 4.1 for Alphabet Dots. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Alphabet Dots has 49 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of Spell's written reviews are positive against 68% of Alphabet Dots's.

Spell ships an update every 4 months, Alphabet Dots every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spell | Alphabet Dots |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | [4.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spell-a-word/id480176452/reviews) | **[4.1 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alphabet-dots-abc-learning/id484776617/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **49** |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 68.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 71 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RJ Cooper & Associates, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/412790299) | [Ellie's Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/355986115) |

## What reviewers say

### Spell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spell-a-word/id480176452)

An early academic program designed for learners of all levels to practice letter identification, spelling, and word recognition. It supports external keyboards and offers special feedback for blind learners, utilizing an errorless learning method with embedded scaffolding.

**Highlights:** Errorless learning method, Supports external keyboards, Scaffolding for cognitive challenges, Customizable word lists, Feedback for blind learners, Early academic program

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Alphabet Dots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alphabet-dots-abc-learning/id484776617)

This educational game helps children learn the alphabet and letter sequencing through interactive dot popping. It features vibrant colors, engaging sounds, and customizable settings for a fun and effective learning experience.

**Highlights:** Alphabet letter sequencing, Visually stimulating colors, Engaging letter sounds, Smart hinting system, Customizable settings, Ad-free experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spell free?

Spell costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Alphabet Dots free?

Alphabet Dots costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Spell or Alphabet Dots?

Alphabet Dots is rated higher. Spell averages 4.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Alphabet Dots averages 4.1 from 49 ratings.

### Do Spell or Alphabet Dots have ads?

Neither Spell nor Alphabet Dots shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spell or Alphabet Dots?

Spell ships an update every 4 months, and Alphabet Dots every 5 months. Most recently, Spell was updated on October 3, 2026 and Alphabet Dots on October 11, 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.*