Comparison

SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools vs MatchTime Lite

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools

This educational app teaches children to spell three-letter phonetic words using short vowel sounds. It aligns with the Science of Reading principles, helping young learners develop essential early literacy skills through engaging activities.

Highlights
  • Teaches CVC word spelling
  • Aligns with Science of Reading
  • Focuses on short vowel sounds
  • Two levels of challenge
  • Developed with educators
  • Montessori principles
Read full description

Introducing ABC Spelling Magic 1 for Schools where learning to spell is fun and engaging! ABC Spelling Magic 1 incorporates the main principles of the Science of Reading. This app is designed to teach children the sounds of the letters and how to construct words, aligning with the science of reading. With two levels of challenge, it indirectly imparts the essential reading skill of segmenting while focusing on the skill of learning to spell words with three phonetic sounds using short vowel words. Incorporating the science of reading, the app's comprehensive approach is tailored to assist children in learning the sounds of the alphabet and honing their blending and segmenting skills, essential for early literacy development based on the science of reading. SPELLING MAGIC 1 focuses on CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, such as cat, box, and pig, which are fundamental for phonics instruction based on the science of reading. The app categorizes words by middle vowel sounds in the first part and by categories in the second part, offering a well-rounded approach to phonics and word construction, rooted in the principles of the science of reading. The DELUXE version provides 245 words and offers a variety of options in the menu, including two types of voices, three types of fonts, two letter color styles, a special feature to connect the letters together, and over 185 additional words from the free version, enhancing the learning experience based on the principles of the science of reading. Developed by a team of educators utilizing accelerated learning techniques and Montessori principles, this app has been tested and approved by preschoolers, aligning with the science of reading and providing an enjoyable and beneficial experience in learning letter sounds. We welcome your feedback and suggestions as we strive to provide an enriching educational experience for young learners, rooted in the science of reading.

About

MatchTime Lite

Read full description

Note: This is the free version of MatchTime and limits each of the four levels to only two exercises. You can unlock the full version through the in-app store. MatchTime™ Software features a programmed learning approach for students who struggle with time concepts. Four progressively difficult levels provide sequences of multiple choice exercises. Students simply find the clock that matches the large sample clock in the first three levels. Level 4 introduces the concepts of “earlier” and “later.” Uses both digital and analog clocks. Extensive record keeping tracks student progress. Level 1 focuses on matching the hour hand, while Level 2 introduces 15 minute intervals. Level 3 provides exercises using all the minutes, and Level 4 progresses to clocks that are up to four hours earlier or later than the sample.

Screenshots

SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MatchTime Lite at Free against SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools's $1.99. SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 14 months). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

MatchTime Lite is free to download; SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools costs $1.99 up front. MatchTime Lite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools ships an update every 4 months, MatchTime Lite every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools versus MatchTime Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSPELLING MAGIC 1 for SchoolsMatchTime Lite
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating1.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 14 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS12.4 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size114 MB170 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPRESCHOOL UNIVERSITYAttainment Company

In-app purchases

None

SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

MatchTime Lite

One-time1
  • Full Version$39.99

Questions

Is SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools free?
SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MatchTime Lite free?
MatchTime Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools or MatchTime Lite have ads?
Neither SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools nor MatchTime Lite shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools or MatchTime Lite?
SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools ships an update every 4 months, and MatchTime Lite every 14 months. Most recently, SPELLING MAGIC 1 for Schools was updated on October 13, 2026 and MatchTime Lite on October 26, 2026.

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