# Starfall Learn to Read vs Mathtopia

The clearest difference is rating: Starfall Learn to Read at 4.2 against Mathtopia's 3.2. Starfall Learn to Read also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ratings volume (229 vs 10). Mathtopia's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 9 months) and review sentiment (89% vs 75%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mathtopia sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Starfall Learn to Read asks for nothing beyond the download.

Starfall Learn to Read holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 229 ratings behind it against 10, 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 89% of Mathtopia'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, Mathtopia every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Mathtopia |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews)** | [3.2 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathtopia/id569333308/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **229** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 74.7% of reviews | **88.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **5.1.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [Omega Labs Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/567183613) |

## 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


### Mathtopia

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathtopia/id569333308)

This educational puzzle game uses a tile-matching mechanic to help children practice math skills. Players solve equations by matching answer tiles, earning stars and trophies for speed and accuracy. It offers a fun and engaging way to reinforce addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division concepts.

**Highlights:** Tile-matching math puzzles, Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division practice, Earn stars and trophies, Multi-touch swap for complex matching, Game Center integration for competition, Unlock secret levels

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mathtopia Subtraction | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mathtopia Division | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mathtopia Addition | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mathtopia Multiplication | $0.99 | one-time |
| Mathtopia Fractions | $0.99 | one-time |
| Roman Numerals for Mathtopia | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starfall Learn to Read free?

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

### Is Mathtopia free?

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

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

Starfall Learn to Read is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 229 ratings, while Mathtopia averages 3.2 from 10 ratings.

### Do Starfall Learn to Read or Mathtopia have ads?

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Mathtopia shows ads.

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

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Mathtopia every 4 weeks. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on October 9, 2026 and Mathtopia on October 7, 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.*