# Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 vs Lexy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 at 81% against Lexy's 33%. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Lexy's advantage is price (Free vs $4.99) and rating (4.5 vs 4.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Lexy is free to download; Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 costs $4.99 up front. Lexy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lexy holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lexy has 319 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 33% of Lexy'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, Lexy monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 | Lexy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.0 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580/reviews) | **[4.5 (319 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lexy-dyslexia-reading-tutor/id1564885095/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **319** |
| Positive reviews | **81.4% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 191 MB | 115 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015) | [Round Tower Software Studios Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1490923318) |

## 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


### Lexy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lexy-dyslexia-reading-tutor/id1564885095)

This app uses phonics games and AI to help children learn to read. It adapts to each child's pace and provides personalized feedback, making reading practice fun and effective for struggling readers, including those with dyslexia and ADHD. It offers structured lessons and progress tracking in a distraction-free environment.

**Highlights:** Adaptive phonics lessons, On-device voice recognition, Orton-Gillingham inspired methods, Structured phonics curriculum, Progress tracking, Dyslexia-friendly design, AR rewards

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Educational Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Family Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $44.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Educational Yearly | $59.99 | per year |
| Family Yearly | $89.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 🎤 Microphone works well
- 💡 Good idea for dyslexia
- 🌟 Great for older children
- ✨ Fantastically built app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App glitches on iPhone
- 🐛 AI learner hardly works
- 🐛 Constantly says bad WiFi
- 🐛 Displays error messages
- 🐛 Cannot hear child speak

**Reported bugs**

- App glitches on iPhone
- AI learner not working
- WiFi error messages
- Error messages displayed frequently
- Cannot sign up

**Requested features**

- More time for sounding out words
- More levels (up to 15)
- Fix microphone issues for lisp


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 free?

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

### Is Lexy free?

Lexy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

Lexy is rated higher. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Lexy averages 4.5 from 319 ratings.

### Do Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 or Lexy have ads?

Neither Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 nor Lexy shows ads.

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

Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 ships an update every 5 months, and Lexy monthly. Most recently, Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 was updated on November 2, 2026 and Lexy on November 7, 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.*