Comparison

IDL vs first steps Guide

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

Head to head
About

IDL

This app offers specialized multi-sensory software to improve literacy and numeracy skills for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. It includes tools for assessment, wellbeing, and preparation for standardized tests, aiming to foster confidence and a love for learning.

Highlights
  • Multi-sensory literacy intervention
  • Numeracy software for low-attaining learners
  • Wellbeing and mental health integration
  • Literacy and numeracy screening tools
  • Multiplication Table Check preparation
Read full description

Welcome to IDL - your doorway to cutting-edge, multi-sensory software designed to transform learning for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Unlock the potential of every learner with our suite of specialised tools tailored for primary and secondary schools across the UK and around the world. IDL Literacy Intervention Software: Immerse learners in a speaking-computer based multi-sensory system, specifically crafted to support those with dyslexia. Watch as barriers to literacy crumble and confidence soars. IDL Numeracy: Elevate mathematical proficiency with our numeracy software resource, addressing the needs of low-attaining learners. Numbers become friends, not foes, fostering a love for maths. IDL Wellbeing: Embark on a journey of holistic education with our groundbreaking IDL Wellbeing product. Seamlessly integrating with a comprehensive school-wide approach to mental health, toughness, and behaviour management, IDL Wellbeing is your ally in creating a nurturing learning environment. IDL Literacy & Numeracy Screeners: Empower both students and teachers with our online screening tools. The IDL Literacy Screener identifies dyslexic-type difficulties, while the IDL Numeracy Screener highlights dyscalculic tendencies and number SEN. Precision in assessment, simplicity in execution. Multiplication Table Check (MTC) Preparation: Gear up for success in the mandatory Multiplication Table Check (MTC) with our specialised revision tool. Tailored for primary schools in England, this tool ensures learners are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Join the IDL revolution and witness the transformative power of technology in education. Ignite a passion for learning, break down barriers, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Download IDL now and let the journey to academic excellence begin! #IDL #DyslexiaSupport #NumeracyMastery #WellbeingInEducation

About

first steps Guide

Features
Read full description

First Steps is an inclusive educational app designed to cater to learners of all ages. Our app offers a comprehensive learning experience, featuring interactive games, puzzles, stories, and activities that stimulate cognitive development, literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social skills. The user-friendly interface and age-appropriate content enable individuals to navigate independently, fostering a sense of confidence and accomplishment. Parents, educators, and learners can track progress, personalize learning paths, and actively participate in the educational journey. First Steps goes beyond being just an app; it becomes a valuable partner in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Screenshots

IDL3 screens
first steps Guide3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: IDL at monthly against first steps Guide's every 3 months. first steps Guide's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

IDL ships an update monthly, first steps Guide every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 6 level
IDL versus first steps Guide: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIDLfirst steps Guide
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews50.0% of reviewsโ€”
Update frequencyMonthly โ€” betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeโ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size64 MB33 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperAscentisELYAS QAID

In-app purchases

None

IDL

No in-app purchases

None

first steps Guide

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is IDL free?
IDL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is first steps Guide free?
first steps Guide is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do IDL or first steps Guide have ads?
Neither IDL nor first steps Guide shows ads.
Which is updated more often, IDL or first steps Guide?
IDL ships an update monthly, and first steps Guide every 3 months. Most recently, IDL was updated on November 3, 2026 and first steps Guide on November 4, 2026.

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