# The Phonics App vs MathStar Tutor

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Phonics App | MathStar Tutor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (100 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-phonics-app/id6742649576/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **100** | — |
| Positive reviews | 92.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 248 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Phonics Folk Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1799167050) | [Parminder Singh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1350073560) |

## What reviewers say

### The Phonics App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-phonics-app/id6742649576)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Access Everything Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Access Everything Quarterly | $12.99 | per 3 months |
| Access Everything Yearly | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and to the point
- 👍 Great for teaching phonics sounds
- 👍 Helps children learn to read CVC words
- 👍 Effective for year 1 screening
- 👍 Builds reading confidence

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Pronunciation issues with vowels 'o' and 'u' (American English)
- 🐛 Schwa pronunciation for some letters (e.g., 'g')
- 🐛 Some sounds differ from school curriculum
- 💰 Subscription model is a disappointment for some

**Requested features**

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


### MathStar Tutor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathstar-tutor/id6783306482)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*