# Spell, Write and Read vs Reading Train Starter Books

The clearest difference is rating: Reading Train Starter Books at 4.1 against Spell, Write and Read's 2.3. Reading Train Starter Books also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 13 months). Spell, Write and Read's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spell, Write and Read sells 9 one-off in-app purchases and Reading Train Starter Books sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Reading Train Starter Books holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Reading Train Starter Books has 28 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Spell, Write and Read's written reviews are positive against 78% of Reading Train Starter Books's.

Spell, Write and Read ships an update every 13 months, Reading Train Starter Books every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spell, Write and Read | Reading Train Starter Books |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spell-write-and-read/id517093618/reviews) | **[4.1 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-starter-books/id702227884/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **28** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **78.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 95 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ripple Digital Publishing](https://appshunter.io/developer/410843699) | [The Learning Station, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/702227887) |

## What reviewers say

### Spell, Write and Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spell-write-and-read/id517093618)

This app makes learning to spell, write, and read fun for young children aged 3-6. It uses interactive tracing, letter matching, and audio cues to build literacy skills at a child's own pace. Features include multisensory activities and positive reinforcement to encourage steady progress.

**Highlights:** Trace and write letters and words, Spell and match letters with feedback, Hear letter sounds and phonics, Kid-friendly rewards system, 10 themed books with common words, Offline play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack "Animals" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Color" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Food" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Jobs" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Shapes" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Sports" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Emotions" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Clothes" | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack "Weather" | $0.99 | one-time |


### Reading Train Starter Books

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-starter-books/id702227884)

This app offers a growing library of over 300 beginner books, songs, and quizzes designed to help children develop reading skills, confidence, and a love for reading. It includes professional narration, a word dictionary, and interactive games.

**Highlights:** 300+ beginner books, Songs and quizzes, Professional narration, 450+ word dictionary, Interactive train game, Leveled reading, Unlimited user accounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Reading Train | $1.99 | per month |
| The Reading Train | $6.99 | per 6 months |
| The Reading Train | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Engaging for kids
- 💡 Interactive learning
- 🚀 Builds reading fluency
- 🎵 Fun songs and rewards
- 🗣️ Recording feature valuable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 No sound issue
- 💸 Charged after trial
- ❌ Cannot unsubscribe easily
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Subscription not shareable

**Reported bugs**

- App has no sound
- App does not open/crashes
- Charged after trial period
- Cannot unsubscribe after trial
- Error with earning coins for songs

**Requested features**

- Higher level books
- More songs
- Update progress across devices
- Dark mode option
- Option to buy content outright (no subscription)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spell, Write and Read free?

Spell, Write and Read is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Reading Train Starter Books free?

Reading Train Starter Books is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Spell, Write and Read or Reading Train Starter Books?

Reading Train Starter Books is rated higher. Spell, Write and Read averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Reading Train Starter Books averages 4.1 from 28 ratings.

### Do Spell, Write and Read or Reading Train Starter Books have ads?

Neither Spell, Write and Read nor Reading Train Starter Books shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spell, Write and Read or Reading Train Starter Books?

Spell, Write and Read ships an update every 13 months, and Reading Train Starter Books every 3 months. Most recently, Spell, Write and Read was updated on November 1, 2026 and Reading Train Starter Books on November 1, 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.*