# StartDOT Handwriting vs Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead

The clearest difference is update cadence: Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead at every 3 months against StartDOT Handwriting's every 43 months. Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and device support (3 vs 1). StartDOT Handwriting's advantage is price ($4.99 vs $9.99) and review sentiment (91% vs 75%). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

StartDOT Handwriting costs $4.99 and Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead 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 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 91% of StartDOT Handwriting's written reviews are positive against 75% of Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

StartDOT Handwriting ships an update every 43 months, Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartDOT Handwriting | Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $9.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startdot-handwriting/id653836151/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-full-steam-ahead/id962171685/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **90.9% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 43 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 105 MB | 1.4 GB |
| 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 Full STEAM Ahead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-full-steam-ahead/id962171685)

This app offers a comprehensive reading curriculum for young learners with over 300 picture books, songs, and interactive quizzes. It supports listening, reading, and recording, building phonics and vocabulary skills. Designed by an award-winning educator, it aims to foster a love of reading and confidence in beginning readers.

**Highlights:** Library of 300+ picture books, Sing-along song books, Interactive train game quizzes, Listen, read, and record functionality, Integrated word dictionary, Progress reporting tools, Unlimited user accounts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StartDOT Handwriting free?

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

### Is Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead free?

Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead is rated higher. StartDOT Handwriting averages 4.7 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do StartDOT Handwriting or Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead have ads?

Neither StartDOT Handwriting nor Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead shows ads.

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

StartDOT Handwriting ships an update every 43 months, and Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead every 3 months. Most recently, StartDOT Handwriting was updated on November 1, 2026 and Reading Train Full STEAM Ahead on November 1, 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.*