Comparison

SplashLearn vs 1st Grade Reading & Phonics

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

Head to head
About

SplashLearn

This app offers curriculum-aligned lessons in math and reading for children aged 2-11 through engaging games, books, and activities. It personalizes the learning experience to each child's pace, building confidence and foundational skills.

Highlights
  • Curriculum-aligned math and reading lessons
  • Interactive learning games and books
  • Personalized learning paths
  • Progress tracking for parents
  • Rewards and motivation system
  • Covers Preschool to Grade 5
Features
Read full description

Loved by over 60 million kids and used in 1 in 3 US schools, SplashLearn is a learning app for ages 2 to 11. It blends curriculum-aligned lessons with fun learning games, books, worksheets, and rewards that keep children curious, motivated, and confident. With SplashLearn, children build strong foundations in math, reading, and critical thinking through interactive, hands-on activities. The app adapts to each child’s level, offering support when they need it and challenge when they’re ready. Whether your child is tracing letters or solving complex word problems, SplashLearn meets them exactly where they are and guides them forward with confidence. WHY PARENTS TRUST SPLASHLEARN - Covers Preschool to Grade 5 curriculum for both Math and Reading - Perfect blend of educational games, stories, puzzles, activities, and flash cards - Free learning games for kids that build real skills, not just screen time - Designed for independent use- kids can learn on their own - Real-time progress tracking and insights for parents - Safe, ad-free, COPPA & GDPR compliant learning app for kids WHY KIDS LOVE IT - 4000+ fun learning games, decodable books, math challenges, and story books - Exciting learning worlds where they collect coins, rewards, and new characters - Engaging animation, and kid-friendly design - Play math games, reading games, phonics puzzles, spelling challenges- all in one place WHAT MATH SKILLS WILL MY CHILD LEARN? - Preschool & Kindergarten: Counting, shapes, tracing numbers, addition with visuals, patterns - Grade 1: Place value, subtraction, telling time, math facts, measurement, basic word problems - Grade 2: Multiplication, money, regrouping, critical thinking, understanding number relationships - Grade 3: Division, fractions, time, measurement, advanced math games - Grade 4 & 5: Multi-step word problems, decimals, geometry, fractions, data charts, reasoning Each grade has interactive learning games that make abstract concepts easy and memorable. Kids don’t just memorize, they understand by doing. WHAT READING SKILLS WILL MY CHILD LEARN? - Letter recognition (ABC), phonics, sight words, and tracing - Blending sounds to build words - Picture-based vocabulary learning - Fun decodable books and bedtime reading stories - Spelling games and reading fluency boosters - Comprehension through questions, animation, and narration Kids hear the word, see the word, say the word, and use it- making learning natural and playful. PERSONALIZED & SMART LEARNING PATH The app adjusts difficulty based on each child’s progress. If your child needs more help with subtraction or phonics, it slows down and gives extra practice. If they’re ready for more challenge, it moves ahead. It’s like a personal tutor, inside a game. PROVEN & AWARD-WINNING - Featured on Fox News - Editor’s Choice- Children’s Technology Review - Parent Choice Award winner - Trusted by teachers, used in 1 in 3 US schools - Best Educational Game for Kids (Multiple categories) SAFE FOR KIDS, PEACEFUL FOR PARENTS No ads, no pop-ups, no distractions. Just thoughtfully designed kids’ educational games in a clean, safe, and friendly environment. FREE TRIAL & EASY SUBSCRIPTION Try it free! Get full access during your free trial, then choose a flexible plan that fits your family. Enjoy unlimited learning games, lessons, and rewards with one subscription. SUPPORT We’re here for you → https://support.splashlearn.com/hc/en-us PRIVACY & TERMS - https://www.splashlearn.com/privacy - https://www.splashlearn.com/terms-of-use

About

1st Grade Reading & Phonics

This app offers a comprehensive reading experience for first graders, featuring a vast library of stories, science topics, folktales, and social-emotional learning. It uses interactive activities and engaging visuals to make learning fun and accessible, even offline.

Highlights
  • Vast library of diverse books
  • Interactive learning activities and quizzes
  • Educational content on science, SEL, and health
  • Offline reading capability
  • Immersive audio-visual experience
Features
Read full description

Introducing the ultimate reading app designed specifically for grade 1 kids to spark their curiosity and foster a love for reading while covering a wide range of subjects! Dive into captivating stories, fascinating science topics, enchanting folktales, essential social-emotional learning, English language arts, vocabulary building, health topics, and ecosystem exploration, all in one interactive platform. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ With this reading app for grade 1 kids, young readers embark on a thrilling journey through colorful and engaging stories that not only entertain but also educate. From whimsical adventures to insightful science explorations, each book is carefully curated to align with grade 1 curriculum standards and ignite young minds. Features: Vast Library: Access a diverse collection of books covering stories, science, folktales, social-emotional learning, English language arts, vocabulary building, health topics, and ecosystems. Interactive Learning: Engage in interactive activities, quizzes, and games embedded within the stories to enhance comprehension and retention. Educational Content: Explore topics like ecosystems, social interactions, health habits, and more, presented in a child-friendly and age-appropriate manner. Offline Reading: Download books to read offline, enabling uninterrupted learning anytime, anywhere, even without an internet connection. Immersive Audio-Visual Experience: Enjoy vibrant illustrations, enchanting narrations, and captivating animations that bring stories to life and make learning a joyous experience. Whether your child is exploring the wonders of science, delving into imaginative stories, or learning about important life skills, this app provides a fun, interactive, and educational platform that nurtures a lifelong love for reading and learning in grade 1 children. Download the app today and embark on an exciting literary adventure!

Screenshots

SplashLearn4 screens
1st Grade Reading & Phonics4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SplashLearn at every 11 days against 1st Grade Reading & Phonics's every 3 months. SplashLearn also leads on ratings volume (32K vs 606) and chart position (#75 vs unranked). 1st Grade Reading & Phonics's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 74%). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. SplashLearn sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and 1st Grade Reading & Phonics sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for SplashLearn against 4.6 for 1st Grade Reading & Phonics. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SplashLearn has 32K ratings behind it against 606, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of SplashLearn's written reviews are positive against 100% of 1st Grade Reading & Phonics's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SplashLearn ships an update every 11 days, 1st Grade Reading & Phonics every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
SplashLearn versus 1st Grade Reading & Phonics: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSplashLearn1st Grade Reading & Phonics
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (32K ratings)4.6 (606 ratings) — better
Positive reviews74.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings32K — better606
Update frequencyEvery 11 days — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#75 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size498 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStudyPad, Inc.Smart Kidz Club Inc.

Customer experience

SplashLearn

All ratings32,387 ratings
Positive87.8%
Neutral3.7%
Negative8.5%
Written reviews878 reviews
Positive74.1%
Neutral4.3%
Negative21.5%

1st Grade Reading & Phonics

All ratings592 ratings
Positive89.4%
Neutral3.4%
Negative7.3%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

SplashLearn

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Progress not saving properly
  • Incorrect answers being marked as correct
  • Profiles not working or logging out unexpectedly

Requested features

4 requests
  • More advanced content for higher grade levels
  • Option to turn off answers and allow more time for students
  • Improved sync between app and web versions
  • Better customer support and responsiveness

1st Grade Reading & Phonics

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

9 purchases

SplashLearn

Subscriptions9
  • SplashLearn Membership Monthly7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • SplashLearn Membership Monthly7 Days trial$8.991 Month
  • SplashLearn Membership Monthly7 Days trial2 variants$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • SplashLearn Membership Monthly7 Days trial2 variants$11.991 Month
  • SplashLearn Solo - Monthly7 Days trial$11.991 Month
  • SplashLearn Membership 3-Month7 Days trial$23.993 Months
  • SplashLearn Membership Yearly7 Days trial2 variants$69.991 Year
  • SplashLearn Solo - Yearly7 Days trial$69.991 Year
  • SplashLearn Membership Yearly7 Days trial$89.991 Year
5 purchases

1st Grade Reading & Phonics

Subscriptions5
  • Reading Books for Grade 1:1W$1.997 Days
  • Reading Books for Grade 1:1M$3.991 Month
  • Reading Books for Grade 1:3M$3.993 Months
Show 2 more
  • Reading Books for Grade 1:6M$6.996 Months
  • Reading Books for Grade 1:1Y3 Days trial$9.991 Year

Questions

Is SplashLearn free?
SplashLearn is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is 1st Grade Reading & Phonics free?
1st Grade Reading & Phonics is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SplashLearn or 1st Grade Reading & Phonics?
1st Grade Reading & Phonics is rated higher. SplashLearn averages 4.5 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while 1st Grade Reading & Phonics averages 4.6 from 606 ratings.
Do SplashLearn or 1st Grade Reading & Phonics have ads?
Neither SplashLearn nor 1st Grade Reading & Phonics shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SplashLearn or 1st Grade Reading & Phonics?
SplashLearn ships an update every 11 days, and 1st Grade Reading & Phonics every 3 months. Most recently, SplashLearn was updated on November 3, 2026 and 1st Grade Reading & Phonics on October 30, 2026.

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