# Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 vs Essential Learning System

The clearest difference is price: Essential Learning System at Free against Simplex Spelling Phonics 3's $4.99. Essential Learning System also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 14.0). Simplex Spelling Phonics 3's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (5 vs 1). On update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Essential Learning System is free to download; Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 ships an update every 13 months, Essential Learning System every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 | Essential Learning System |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-3/id572136313/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-learning-system/id1036171703/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 92.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 13 months** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 230 MB | 398 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pyxwise Software Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/456744015) | [Creative Education Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/1036171702) |

## What reviewers say

### Simplex Spelling Phonics 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplex-spelling-phonics-3/id572136313)

This app enhances English spelling and reading skills through phonics lessons, word patterns, and a unique reverse phonics approach. It scientifically helps students improve their spelling, covering over 750 high-frequency words and 52 instructional lists.

**Highlights:** Phonics lessons and word patterns, Reverse phonics approach, 750+ high-frequency words, 52 instructional lessons, Contextual spelling rule hints, Progress tracking for 40 users, Exportable progress reports

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Essential Learning System

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-learning-system/id1036171703)

This program accelerates learning for students facing reading and language challenges. It uses multisensory, interactive lessons to build foundational skills, offering individualized instruction for at-risk learners and those with learning disadvantages.

**Highlights:** Accelerated learning for at-risk students, Multisensory learning pathways, Individualized and differentiated instruction, Interactive learning with feedback, Systematic phonics instruction, Language and vocabulary enrichment, Practice and repetition activities

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 free?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Essential Learning System free?

Essential Learning System is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 or Essential Learning System?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 is rated higher. Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 averages 4.2 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Essential Learning System averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 or Essential Learning System have ads?

Neither Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 nor Essential Learning System shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 or Essential Learning System?

Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 ships an update every 13 months, and Essential Learning System every 16 months. Most recently, Simplex Spelling Phonics 3 was updated on October 16, 2026 and Essential Learning System on October 11, 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.*