Stem Cards vs RootWords
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Stem Cards
Learn English word stems, prefixes, and suffixes through interactive flashcards and quizzes. Explore a large collection of word parts used in middle school English curriculums, with a search feature for quick lookups and bookmarking for favorites.
- Large collection of stems, prefixes, suffixes
- Interactive flashcards with visuals
- Quizzes to test knowledge
- Search feature for word parts
- Bookmark favorite stems
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Word lists evaporate. You memorize dozens of words for a test, and a week later most of them are gone — because every word was memorized on its own. Stem Cards teaches the parts words are built from instead: learn one root, prefix, or suffix, and a whole family of words starts making sense. One part learned, dozens of words unlocked. Features: - Flashcards that teach understanding, not memorization: Flip through interactive flashcards for stems, prefixes, and suffixes. Each card gives the meaning, example words, and audio pronunciation. - Daily Review & Mistakes — stop losing what you studied: Stems you missed, or flipped without grading, come back in a daily review queue, and missed stems stay in a Mistakes deck until you mark them "Got it." - Audio Pronunciation: Listen to clear audio pronunciation for every stem and example word to build listening and speaking confidence. - Vocabulary Builder & SAT/GRE Prep — get test-ready: Master Greek and Latin roots used in U.S. middle/high school curriculums and standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, TOEFL). - Challenge Quizzes — prove it to yourself: Test your retention with untimed and timed quizzes designed to challenge and cement your grasp of English word stems. - Instant Dictionary Search — never get stuck on an unfamiliar word: Quickly look up explanations, origins, and examples for any English stem, prefix, or suffix you encounter. - Favorites & Bookmarks — focus on your weak spots: Save difficult stems to revisit anytime for targeted, focused study sessions. - Stem Cards Pro — one-time purchase, no subscription: Remove ads, unlock full dictionary search, and save unlimited bookmarks. Why did I build this? Stem Cards is a project inspired by my son's middle school English teacher (Hat tip to Mrs. Wood!). She encouraged students to make index cards with English word stems, meanings, and drawings. I observed how quickly my son learned this way and how fun it was to make and use those cards. "I love this app! It's so easy to use and I can bring it with me everywhere I go. I'm learning so much!" - My 11yo son "Sometimes, when we are eating out, our family tests each other with the quizzes. It's a fun way to learn and have family time!" - My friend "In China, we used to memorize English words by heart. It was so hard! Now, with Stem Cards, I can learn English easily and fun!" - My friend in China Now, with Stem Cards, you can learn like him. Explore English word stems, play with flashcards, and test yourself. It's fun and easy!
RootWords
This word game helps users expand their vocabulary by building words from root components. It offers a fun way to learn word meanings and improve reading skills, beneficial for standardized tests and general language learning.
- Build words from root components
- Learn word meanings
- Improve vocabulary
- Enhance reading skills
- Test preparation aid
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RootWords is a fast word game based on root words. Choose a root, spin as many words as you can and show you know their meaning. Don’t know the word? Tap the parts, they each have meaning and will help you learn the word. The more you play, the fewer times you will need to tap the parts. Good for SSAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, IELTS tests and ELL in general. RootWords is good for all learners really. Your score will soar! Improve your vocabulary, your reading skills, your job prospects!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Stem Cards at 4.8 against RootWords's 4.0. Stem Cards also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs monthly) and ratings volume (29 vs 4). RootWords's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, review sentiment, ads and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. Stem Cards sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. RootWords asks for nothing beyond the download.
Stem Cards holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stem Cards has 29 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Stem Cards ships an update every 9 days, RootWords monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Stem Cards | RootWords |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (29 ratings) — better | 4.0 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 29 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Le Huang | Charlotte OConnell |
Customer experience
Stem Cards
RootWords
In-app purchases
Stem Cards
- Remove Ads$4.99
RootWords
No in-app purchases








