# JOJO Math and Reading vs The Phonics App

The clearest difference is update cadence: JOJO Math and Reading at weekly against The Phonics App's monthly. JOJO Math and Reading also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7). The Phonics App's advantage is ratings volume (223 vs 46). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. JOJO Math and Reading sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $40.00 per month and The Phonics App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

JOJO Math and Reading holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 46 and 223 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 96% of JOJO Math and Reading's written reviews are positive against 93% of The Phonics App's.

JOJO Math and Reading ships an update weekly, The Phonics App monthly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | JOJO Math and Reading | The Phonics App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jojo-math-and-reading/id6474731348/reviews)** | [4.7 (223 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-phonics-app/id6742649576/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 46 | **223** |
| Positive reviews | **96.4% of reviews** | 92.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 213 MB | 248 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [SMART BEAN TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677289065) | [Phonics Folk Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1799167050) |

## What reviewers say

### JOJO Math and Reading

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jojo-math-and-reading/id6474731348)

This app helps children aged 4-10 improve math skills, focus, and build consistent practice habits through handwriting-based exercises. It offers engaging games and personalized levels to make learning enjoyable and effective.

**Highlights:** Handwriting-based math practice, Concentration games with timers and encouragement, Covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, and word problems, Personalized learning levels, Built-in rewards and math games, Focus on building daily routines

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $40.00 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $40.00 | per month |
| Quarterly Plan | $60.00 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly Plan | $60.00 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly Plan (2 Learners) | $109.00 | per 3 months |
| Quarterly Plan (3 Learners) | $161.99 | per 3 months |
| Annual Plan | $189.99 | per year |
| 14-Day Learning Challenge | $4.99 | one-time |
| 21-Day Learning Challenge | $5.99 | one-time |
| 30-Day Learning Challenge | $9.99 | one-time |


### The Phonics App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-phonics-app/id6742649576)

This app teaches reading through phonics, focusing on sounds and blending words. It offers a research-led, non-addictive approach with expert guidance and informal checks to reinforce learning. Learn to decode nearly every English word with a focus on clear pronunciation.

**Highlights:** Learn a-z sounds and word blending, Expert video guidance, Simple tap-to-hear sound interface, Learn English sound pronunciation, Practice with 400+ words, Learn irregular (tricky) words, Informal learning checks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Access Everything Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Access Everything Quarterly | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| Access Everything Yearly | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and to the point
- 👍 Great for teaching phonics sounds
- 👍 Helps children learn to read CVC words
- 👍 Effective for year 1 screening
- 👍 Builds reading confidence

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Pronunciation issues with vowels 'o' and 'u' (American English)
- 🐛 Schwa pronunciation for some letters (e.g., 'g')
- 🐛 Some sounds differ from school curriculum
- 💰 Subscription model is a disappointment for some

**Requested features**

- Option to open pictures for letter sounds
- Accent options for narration (e.g., American English)
- Offer app in Mandarin


## Frequently asked questions

### Is JOJO Math and Reading free?

JOJO Math and Reading is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is The Phonics App free?

The Phonics App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, JOJO Math and Reading or The Phonics App?

JOJO Math and Reading is rated higher. JOJO Math and Reading averages 4.9 out of 5 from 46 ratings, while The Phonics App averages 4.7 from 223 ratings.

### Do JOJO Math and Reading or The Phonics App have ads?

Neither JOJO Math and Reading nor The Phonics App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, JOJO Math and Reading or The Phonics App?

JOJO Math and Reading ships an update weekly, and The Phonics App monthly. Most recently, JOJO Math and Reading was updated on October 25, 2026 and The Phonics App on October 25, 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.*