# Starfall Learn to Read vs Squishy Math Trail

The clearest difference is rating: Squishy Math Trail at 5.0 against Starfall Learn to Read's 4.2. Squishy Math Trail also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 9 months). Starfall Learn to Read's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (229 vs 3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Squishy Math Trail sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Starfall Learn to Read asks for nothing beyond the download.

Squishy Math Trail holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 229 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, Squishy Math Trail daily. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Squishy Math Trail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/squishy-math-trail/id6810906291/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **229** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 74.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [Thomas Brown](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896052848) |

## 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


### Squishy Math Trail

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/squishy-math-trail/id6810906291)

This app offers interactive math lessons for children aged 4-12, covering a wide range of topics from counting to algebra. It uses a playful, character-driven approach with hands-on activities and adaptive learning to engage young learners. Progress is tracked, and new skills are unlocked as mastery is achieved.

**Highlights:** Nine math worlds with 12 levels each, Adaptive learning based on child's level, Interactive, hands-on math activities, Progress tracking and skill leveling, Multiple practice modes including stories and flashcards, Collectible squishies and unlockable badges, No ads, accounts, or tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Squishy Pack | $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 Squishy Math Trail free?

Squishy Math Trail is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Starfall Learn to Read or Squishy Math Trail?

Squishy Math Trail is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 229 ratings, while Squishy Math Trail averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Starfall Learn to Read or Squishy Math Trail have ads?

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Squishy Math Trail shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starfall Learn to Read or Squishy Math Trail?

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Squishy Math Trail daily. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on October 9, 2026 and Squishy Math Trail on October 15, 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.*