# Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 vs Spike Math

The clearest difference is price: Spike Math at $0.99 against Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's $4.99. Spike Math also leads on ratings volume (139 vs 23). Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's advantage is review sentiment (81% vs 65%). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 costs $4.99 and Spike Math $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Spike Math holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spike Math has 139 ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 81% of Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's written reviews are positive against 65% of Spike Math's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 ships an update every 5 months, Spike Math every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 | Spike Math |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | [4.0 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580/reviews) | **[4.2 (139 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spike-math-fast-kids-games/id1020610484/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **139** |
| Positive reviews | **81.4% of reviews** | 65.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 191 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015) | [Nicolas Lehovetzki](https://appshunter.io/developer/412827944) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Spike Math

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spike-math-fast-kids-games/id1020610484)

Engage in a fun arcade experience while practicing mental math. Fly your character, avoid spikes, and select the correct answers to calculations. Collect ducks for bonuses and compare scores with friends.

**Highlights:** Arcade gameplay with math challenges, Mental math drills, Times tables practice, Unlockable bonuses, Game Center score comparison, Addition, multiplication, subtraction options

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 free?

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

### Is Spike Math free?

Spike Math costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

Spike Math is rated higher. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Spike Math averages 4.2 from 139 ratings.

### Do Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 or Spike Math have ads?

Neither Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 nor Spike Math shows ads.

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

Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 ships an update every 5 months, and Spike Math every 6 months. Most recently, Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 was updated on November 2, 2026 and Spike Math 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.*