# Starfall Learn to Read vs Osmo ABCs

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Starfall Learn to Read at 71% against Osmo ABCs's 19%. Starfall Learn to Read also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.7) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Osmo ABCs's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 228 and 266 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Starfall Learn to Read's written reviews are positive against 19% of Osmo ABCs's.

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, Osmo ABCs every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Osmo ABCs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (228 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews)** | [3.7 (266 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-abcs/id1439615379/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 228 | **266** |
| Positive reviews | **71.3% of reviews** | 18.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 843 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [Tangible Play](https://appshunter.io/developer/799157444) |

## 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


### Osmo ABCs

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-abcs/id1439615379)

Engage young learners in a hands-on adventure to build pre-reading skills. Through interactive play with a friendly monster, children develop confidence in letter recognition, phonics, and vocabulary. This app requires physical Osmo pieces and a compatible iPhone or iPad.

**Highlights:** Letter recognition, Phonics learning, Vocabulary building, Over 300 words, Hands-on play, Interactive adventure

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 😃 Amazing game
- 💖 Love it so much
- ✨ So much fun
- 👍 Great app for kids
- 💯 Everything is spot on

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Not compatible with iPad Pro
- ❌ Not receiving verification code
- ❌ Faulty readings
- ❌ Unusable like this
- ❌ Not playable

**Reported bugs**

- Not compatible with iPad Pro
- Not receiving verification code
- Faulty readings (wrong tile detection)
- Camera orientation issues on newer iPads
- App won't open for some users

**Requested features**

- Update app for newer iPads
- Fix ABC game redirection to App Store
- Fix audio issues


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starfall Learn to Read free?

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

### Is Osmo ABCs free?

Osmo ABCs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starfall Learn to Read or Osmo ABCs?

Starfall Learn to Read is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 228 ratings, while Osmo ABCs averages 3.7 from 266 ratings.

### Do Starfall Learn to Read or Osmo ABCs have ads?

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Osmo ABCs shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starfall Learn to Read or Osmo ABCs?

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Osmo ABCs every 2 months. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on November 7, 2026 and Osmo ABCs 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.*