# Starfall Learn to Read vs Mac, Izzy & Friends

The clearest difference is rating: Starfall Learn to Read at 4.2 against Mac, Izzy & Friends's 3.3. Starfall Learn to Read also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 35%) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). Mac, Izzy & Friends's advantage is update cadence (every 5 months vs every 9 months) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mac, Izzy & Friends sells 3 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 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starfall Learn to Read has 228 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Starfall Learn to Read's written reviews are positive against 35% of Mac, Izzy & Friends's.

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, Mac, Izzy & Friends every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starfall Learn to Read | Mac, Izzy & Friends |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (228 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starfall-learn-to-read/id551817261/reviews)** | [3.3 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mac-izzy-and-friends/id894474902/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **228** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **74.7% of reviews** | 35.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 957 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Starfall Education Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1771099820) | [Houghton Mifflin Harcourt](https://appshunter.io/developer/409368007) |

## 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


### Mac, Izzy & Friends

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mac-izzy-and-friends/id894474902)

This app offers engaging, curiosity-driven adventures for young children, featuring interactive games, creative tools, and real-world activities. It encourages investigation, imagination, observation, and discovery through various themed packs and a toolkit.

**Highlights:** Interactive games with beloved characters, Creative tools: drawing, stickers, puzzles, Personalized puzzle creation with photos, Themed app packs with unique activities, Real-world activity suggestions for families, Child-friendly navigation for ages 3-5+

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Favorite Things | $0.99 | one-time |
| Animal Eyes | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dino Discovery | $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 Mac, Izzy & Friends free?

Mac, Izzy & Friends is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Starfall Learn to Read or Mac, Izzy & Friends?

Starfall Learn to Read is rated higher. Starfall Learn to Read averages 4.2 out of 5 from 228 ratings, while Mac, Izzy & Friends averages 3.3 from 15 ratings.

### Do Starfall Learn to Read or Mac, Izzy & Friends have ads?

Neither Starfall Learn to Read nor Mac, Izzy & Friends shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starfall Learn to Read or Mac, Izzy & Friends?

Starfall Learn to Read ships an update every 9 months, and Mac, Izzy & Friends every 5 months. Most recently, Starfall Learn to Read was updated on October 24, 2026 and Mac, Izzy & Friends on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*