# Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 vs TurboWords Spelling

The clearest difference is price: TurboWords Spelling at Free against Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's $4.99. TurboWords Spelling also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 23). Simplex Spelling Phonics 1's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (81% vs 69%). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

TurboWords Spelling is free to download; Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 costs $4.99 up front. TurboWords Spelling sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

TurboWords Spelling holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: TurboWords Spelling has 1.8K 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 69% of TurboWords Spelling'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, TurboWords Spelling every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 | TurboWords Spelling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.0 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580/reviews) | **[4.6 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turbowords-spelling/id946100444/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **1.8K** |
| Positive reviews | **81.4% of reviews** | 69.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#188** | — |
| Size | 191 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015) | [Claude Labelle](https://appshunter.io/developer/610464838) |

## What reviewers say

### Simplex Spelling Phonics 1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-1/id481553580)

**Currently charting:** #188 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

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


### TurboWords Spelling

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turbowords-spelling/id946100444)

Create custom spelling tests using your own words via speech recognition. Practice with AI-generated sentences and engaging games. Track progress with detailed results and visual feedback to improve spelling skills.

**Highlights:** Speech recognition for word input, AI-generated example sentences, Multiple spelling test games, Progress tracking and results, Customizable word groups, Instant feedback during tests

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-User | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Groups | $1.99 | one-time |
| Amimo Pack | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for spelling practice
- 🎮 Fun games make learning enjoyable
- 📚 Allows custom word lists
- 🏆 Provides positive reinforcement

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional technical issues
- 💰 Paid features required for full functionality
- 🕹️ Limited game selection
- 🤖 Voice recognition not always accurate

**Reported bugs**

- Sound not working in some cases
- Difficulty adding custom words
- Crashes or freezes on certain devices

**Requested features**

- More game options and variety
- Ability to print or export word lists
- Improved voice recognition and feedback
- Support for multiple user profiles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 free?

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

### Is TurboWords Spelling free?

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

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

TurboWords Spelling is rated higher. Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while TurboWords Spelling averages 4.6 from 1.8K ratings.

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

Neither Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 nor TurboWords Spelling shows ads.

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

Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 ships an update every 5 months, and TurboWords Spelling every 4 months. Most recently, Simplex Spelling Phonics 1 was updated on November 1, 2026 and TurboWords Spelling on November 1, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*