Comparison

The Phonics App vs Phonics Learning App

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

Head to head
About

The Phonics App

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
Read full description

This multi-award-winning phonics app can help absolutely anyone learn to read. Join thousands of people around the world learning to read with The Phonics App! "We loved The Phonics App, as it has been specifically designed NOT to be addictive, and doesn't rely on dopamine hits for kids' rewards." - MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025 Editor's Choice. "A beautifully designed, calm, and research-led approach to early literacy that stands out in a market dominated by highly gamified products" - Digital Education Awards 2025 Highly Commended The Phonics App Features: * Learn the a-z sounds and how to blend 2 and 3 letter words completely free. * Subscribe to learn all the other sounds and practise with 400+ words. * ⁠⁠Video guidance from an expert phonics teacher every step of the way. * Beautifully simple - just tap the words to hear the sounds they're made of. * Learn how to pronounce all of the sounds of English (with an English accent). * ⁠Build up your knowledge of phonics, one sound at a time. * ⁠Learn how to read and understand common irregular (tricky) words. * ⁠Informal checks at the end of each section to reinforce your learning. * ⁠Learn both lower case and capital letters. * Learn to decode nearly every English word. * No collectibles, coins or dopamine rewards! Why did we make this app? Jonny is a father of two and started making this app to teach his kids to read. It worked really well, so he showed it to Miss Mabel (founder of Reading Roots, community of 750k parents and teachers learning phonics) to see if it would be useful to other people. She said yes, and had a lot of ideas how to make it better! So they spent AGES making 'The Phonics App', and now it's finally ready for you. We hope it helps you learn to read too! Miss Mabel & Jonny Subscriptions in this app follow standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA) which you can read here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Phonics Learning App

Features
Read full description

Help your child take their first steps into reading with simple phonics practice, clear letter sounds, and beginner word blending. This app is designed for young children who are starting to learn the alphabet sounds and read their first simple words. Children can listen, repeat, and explore at their own pace using a calm, child-friendly design. In Letter Mode, children hear each letter sound in a structured phonics order, helping them build confidence one sound at a time. In Word Mode, children practise blending sounds together to read simple words. They can hear each sound separately, then listen to the full word. The app includes: • Letter sound practice for early readers • Sounds introduced in phonics order • Simple phonics flashcards • Clear audio for letters and words • Beginner word blending practice • Easy navigation for young children • A calm design with no distractions Ideal for parents who want a simple way to help their child practise phonics, learn letter sounds, and begin reading short words. Great for preschool, Reception, early reading practice, homeschooling, and children starting their phonics journey.

Screenshots

The Phonics App4 screens
Phonics Learning App4 screens

Verdict

The call

The Phonics App and Phonics Learning App are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. The Phonics App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Phonics Learning App sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
The Phonics App versus Phonics Learning App: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Phonics AppPhonics Learning App
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (100 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings100 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size248 MB123 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPhonics Folk LtdKasim Qureshi

Bugs and requests

The Phonics App

Requested features

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

Phonics Learning App

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

The Phonics App

Subscriptions3
  • Access Everything Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Access Everything Quarterly$12.993 Months
  • Access Everything Yearly$29.991 Year
1 purchases

Phonics Learning App

One-time1
  • Unlock All Letters & Words$2.99

Questions

Is The Phonics App free?
The Phonics App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Phonics Learning App free?
Phonics Learning App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do The Phonics App or Phonics Learning App have ads?
Neither The Phonics App nor Phonics Learning App shows ads.

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