# Starfall Learn to Read vs Hoopla

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Starfall Learn to Read at none against Hoopla's 4. Starfall Learn to Read also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (228 vs 5). Hoopla's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 71%). On price, rating, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hoopla sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Starfall Learn to Read asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for Starfall Learn to Read against 4.2 for Hoopla. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 228 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of Starfall Learn to Read's written reviews are positive against 100% of Hoopla's.

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, Hoopla every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Hoopla |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (228 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews) | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hoopla/id6451356536/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **228** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 71.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [Hoopla FZ-LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1697677213) |

## 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


### Hoopla

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hoopla/id6451356536)

This app uses fun, expert-designed activities to help children aged 3-8 reduce anxiety and build emotional skills. It offers meditations, games, and songs to improve sleep, manage tantrums, and strengthen family bonds through interactive play.

**Highlights:** Expert-backed activities for children, Interactive family games, Multi-sensory emotional regulation tools, Quick, effective mindfulness exercises, Builds emotional skills, Simplifies parenting resources

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hoopla | $9.99 | per month |
| Hoopla | $12.99 | per month |
| Hoopla | $39.99 | per year |
| Hoopla | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starfall Learn to Read free?

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

### Is Hoopla free?

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

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

Hoopla is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 228 ratings, while Hoopla averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

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

Hoopla shows ads; Starfall Learn to Read does not.

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

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Hoopla every 3 weeks. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on November 3, 2026 and Hoopla on November 3, 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.*