Comparison

The Phonics App vs MathStar Tutor

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

MathStar Tutor

Features
Read full description

MathStar Tutor turns math practice into an exciting adventure for kids ages 4-10. With 14 math topics, 12 interactive activities, and a unique Boss Battle RPG mode, your child will build confidence and skills while having fun. TOPICS COVERED • Numbers, Counting, Addition, Subtraction • Multiplication, Division, Shapes, Fractions • Patterns, Comparison, Time, Measurement • Word Problems, Vedic Mathematics GAME MODES • Learning Path — A structured 5-stage roadmap from Beginner to Master • Speed Math — 60-second timed challenge to test quick thinking • Endless Mode — Infinite questions with increasing difficulty • Daily Challenge — A fresh 5-question puzzle every day • Quiz Mode — Topic-specific 10-question quizzes with confetti celebrations FUN ACTIVITIES Memory Match, Flashcards, Money Counter, Drag & Drop Math, Draw Numbers, Color & Learn, Times Tables, Interactive Abacus, Math Dictionary, Vedic Tutorials, Treasure Chest, and more! BOSS BATTLE RPG Defeat dragons, ogres, dinosaurs, and aliens by answering math questions correctly. Land 3 correct answers in a row to unleash double damage! VEDIC MATHEMATICS Learn ancient Indian mental math techniques — squaring numbers ending in 5, multiplying by 11, multiplying numbers near 100, and more. Each question includes a step-by-step explanation. REWARDS & MOTIVATION • Earn Stars and Treasure Coins • Collect 30+ badges for achievements • Customize your avatar with 30+ items (characters, hats, glasses, pets, backgrounds) • Daily login rewards and 3 rotating missions • Streak tracking (3, 7, 14, 30 days) PARENT DASHBOARD • View detailed progress per topic • Identify weak areas needing practice • Track accuracy, questions answered, and mastery • 28-day activity calendar • Export stats to share with teachers ACCESSIBILITY • Text-to-Speech in multiple languages (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Tamil) • Dark mode support • Adjustable font sizes • Haptic feedback Ads supported with optional rewarded videos for bonus coins. No subscription required. No personal data collected from children. Download MathStar Tutor today and give your child the gift of math confidence!

Screenshots

The Phonics App4 screens
MathStar Tutor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MathStar Tutor at none against The Phonics App's 3. MathStar Tutor also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support 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. The Phonics App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. MathStar Tutor asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
The Phonics App versus MathStar Tutor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Phonics AppMathStar Tutor
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (100 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings100 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size248 MB28 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperPhonics Folk LtdParminder Singh

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

MathStar Tutor

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
None

MathStar Tutor

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Phonics App free?
The Phonics App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MathStar Tutor free?
MathStar Tutor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The Phonics App or MathStar Tutor have ads?
Neither The Phonics App nor MathStar Tutor shows ads.

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