# StartDOT Handwriting vs Reading Train

The clearest difference is update cadence: Reading Train at every 5 months against StartDOT Handwriting's every 43 months. Reading Train also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 91%). StartDOT Handwriting's advantage is ratings volume (11 vs 1). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

StartDOT Handwriting costs $4.99 and Reading Train $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Reading Train holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StartDOT Handwriting has 11 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of StartDOT Handwriting's written reviews are positive against 100% of Reading Train's.

StartDOT Handwriting ships an update every 43 months, Reading Train every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartDOT Handwriting | Reading Train |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$3.99** |
| Rating | [4.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startdot-handwriting/id653836151/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-alphabet/id903741015/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 90.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 43 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 105 MB | 698 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TrishCO LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/653836154) | [The Learning Station, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/702227887) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Reading Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-alphabet/id903741015)

This app offers a comprehensive reading program for young learners, featuring interactive ABC books, engaging games, and songs. It helps children develop foundational reading skills, build vocabulary, and boost their confidence through a fun, safe, and ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** 24 ABC books at 3 reading levels, Interactive train game for word learning, Built-in picture/audio dictionary, 18 song books, Professional narration, User recording of books, Student reporting tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StartDOT Handwriting free?

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

### Is Reading Train free?

Reading Train costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StartDOT Handwriting or Reading Train?

Reading Train is rated higher. StartDOT Handwriting averages 4.7 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Reading Train averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do StartDOT Handwriting or Reading Train have ads?

Neither StartDOT Handwriting nor Reading Train shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StartDOT Handwriting or Reading Train?

StartDOT Handwriting ships an update every 43 months, and Reading Train every 5 months. Most recently, StartDOT Handwriting was updated on October 23, 2026 and Reading Train on October 12, 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.*