# Starfall Learn to Read vs Ticks and Tots

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Starfall Learn to Read at 71% against Ticks and Tots's 25%. Starfall Learn to Read also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (228 vs 24). Ticks and Tots's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 9 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Starfall Learn to Read holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 228 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Starfall Learn to Read's written reviews are positive against 25% of Ticks and Tots's.

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, Ticks and Tots monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Ticks and Tots |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (228 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews)** | [3.0 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ticks-and-tots/id1071395705/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **228** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | **71.3% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 91 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [SunPlus Data Group, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1071395704) |

## What reviewers say

### Starfall Learn to Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261)

This free app offers engaging books, games, and movies to help children learn to read. It focuses on vowel sounds and spelling through interactive activities, songs, and movies, fostering a love for language and reading.

**Highlights:** Interactive reading activities, Engaging games and movies, Focus on vowel sounds and spelling, Songs and positive reinforcement, Suitable for emerging readers, Supports English language learners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Excellent phonics and reading instruction method
- 🎵 Engaging songs and catchy tunes that maintain interest
- 🎨 Well-designed animations and interactive stories
- 👶 Effective for children with learning difficulties (dyslexia, ADHD, special needs)
- 💰 Free version available with substantial content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and fails to load on some devices
- ❌ Math games incompatible with certain iOS versions
- 📱 Technical issues with black/green screens on launch
- 🔄 Requires multiple restarts to function properly
- 💳 Misleading pricing - paid version converted to free

**Reported bugs**

- App won't load beyond launch screen (black or green screen)
- Math games incompatible with iPhone updates
- Sound not playing in some instances
- App requires deletion and reinstallation to function
- Crashes on iOS 9.2.1 and older versions

**Requested features**

- Reward/star system for motivation and progress tracking
- Lesson progression markers showing mastery of modules
- Writing and spelling exercises to reinforce learning
- More stories and content variety
- UK English version option


### Ticks and Tots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ticks-and-tots/id1071395705)

This app simplifies communication between preschool staff and parents. Teachers can share real-time updates, photos, and videos, while parents can stay informed about their child's day and school activities. It also helps manage school events, wishlists, and payments.

**Highlights:** Real-time updates for parents, Photo and video sharing, Event and calendar management, Wishlist and volunteer requests, Payment reminders, Cubby item tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starfall Learn to Read free?

Starfall Learn to Read is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ticks and Tots free?

Ticks and Tots is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starfall Learn to Read or Ticks and Tots?

Starfall Learn to Read is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 228 ratings, while Ticks and Tots averages 3.0 from 24 ratings.

### Do Starfall Learn to Read or Ticks and Tots have ads?

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Ticks and Tots shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starfall Learn to Read or Ticks and Tots?

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Ticks and Tots monthly. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on November 3, 2026 and Ticks and Tots on November 2, 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.*