# Syllables Splash vs StartDOT Handwriting

The clearest difference is review sentiment: StartDOT Handwriting at 91% against Syllables Splash's 33%. StartDOT Handwriting also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.7) and price ($4.99 vs $7.99). Syllables Splash's advantage is update cadence (every 9 months vs every 43 months). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Syllables Splash costs $7.99 and StartDOT Handwriting $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

StartDOT Handwriting holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 11 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Syllables Splash's written reviews are positive against 91% of StartDOT Handwriting's.

Syllables Splash ships an update every 9 months, StartDOT Handwriting every 43 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Syllables Splash | StartDOT Handwriting |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/syllables-splash/id625296207/reviews) | **[4.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startdot-handwriting/id653836151/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **11** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **90.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 months** | Every 43 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 133 MB | 105 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167) | [TrishCO LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/653836154) |

## What reviewers say

### Syllables Splash

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/syllables-splash/id625296207)

This app helps children develop essential early reading skills by teaching them to break words into syllables. It features engaging underwater gameplay, interactive feedback, and customizable difficulty levels for targeted learning.

**Highlights:** Syllable segmentation practice, Interactive underwater gameplay, Customizable difficulty levels, Progress tracking and reporting, Multiplayer support for up to 4 students, Image and written word modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### StartDOT Handwriting

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startdot-handwriting/id653836151)

This app offers a virtual handwriting workbook for children aged 3-7 and those with special needs. It uses engaging pictures and stories to teach letter and number formation through proven learning methods, with adjustable settings for progressive difficulty.

**Highlights:** Virtual handwriting workbook, Teaches letter and number formation, Engaging pictures and stories, Proven learning methods, Adjustable difficulty settings, Progress monitoring, Worksheet downloads

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Syllables Splash free?

Syllables Splash costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is StartDOT Handwriting free?

StartDOT Handwriting costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Syllables Splash or StartDOT Handwriting?

StartDOT Handwriting is rated higher. Syllables Splash averages 2.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while StartDOT Handwriting averages 4.7 from 11 ratings.

### Do Syllables Splash or StartDOT Handwriting have ads?

Neither Syllables Splash nor StartDOT Handwriting shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Syllables Splash or StartDOT Handwriting?

Syllables Splash ships an update every 9 months, and StartDOT Handwriting every 43 months. Most recently, Syllables Splash was updated on October 2, 2026 and StartDOT Handwriting on October 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.*