# Starfall Learn to Read vs Dot

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Dot at 100% against Starfall Learn to Read's 75%. Dot also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). Starfall Learn to Read's advantage is update cadence (every 9 months vs every 42 months) and device support (3 vs 1). 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 ships an update every 9 months, Dot every 42 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Dot |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (228 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **228** | — |
| Positive reviews | 74.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 months** | Every 42 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 91 MB | 152 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [GiggleUp Kids Apps And Educational Games Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/435712455) |

## 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


### Dot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-to-dot-adventure-lite/id623673590)

This interactive game helps children learn numbers and letters through engaging dot-to-dot puzzles. It offers customizable learning paths for various ages and includes fun rewards like collectible pin badges.

**Highlights:** 35 dot-to-dot puzzles, Learn numbers and skip counting, Practice uppercase and lowercase letters, Customizable learning levels, Collectible pin badges, Multi-player profiles

**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 Dot free?

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

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

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Dot shows ads.

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

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Dot every 42 months. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on October 24, 2026 and Dot on October 20, 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.*