# Starfall Learn to Read vs Relay Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Starfall Learn to Read at 75% against Relay Reader's 0%. Starfall Learn to Read also leads on ratings volume (229 vs 8). Relay Reader's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, 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.

Relay Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 229 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Starfall Learn to Read's written reviews are positive against 0% of Relay Reader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, Relay Reader every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Relay Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews) | **[4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relay-reader/id1478453360/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **229** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **74.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 7 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 91 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [Educational Testing Service](https://appshunter.io/developer/923503056) |

## 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


### Relay Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/relay-reader/id1478453360)

This app helps users of all ages improve their reading skills by taking turns reading aloud with a virtual partner. Users can record themselves to practice and build confidence while enjoying classic literature.

**Highlights:** Turn-based reading with virtual partner, Self-recording for reflection, Builds reading confidence and stamina, Access to literary classics, Suitable for all ages

**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 Relay Reader free?

Relay Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starfall Learn to Read or Relay Reader?

Relay Reader is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 229 ratings, while Relay Reader averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.

### Do Starfall Learn to Read or Relay Reader have ads?

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Relay Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starfall Learn to Read or Relay Reader?

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Relay Reader every 7 months. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on October 9, 2026 and Relay Reader on October 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.*