# MaxScholar vs Reading Mountain

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MaxScholar at none against Reading Mountain's 5. MaxScholar also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Reading Mountain sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $29.00 per month. MaxScholar asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MaxScholar | Reading Mountain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-mountain/id6755405634/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **6** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 257 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MaxScholar](https://appshunter.io/developer/569173839) | [LEARN MOUNTAIN LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800083061) |

## What reviewers say

### MaxScholar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maxscholar/id6745490159)

This app offers Orton-Gillingham based reading instruction and practice for students Pre-K to Grade 12. It's designed for English language learners, those learning to read, students with dyslexia, or those needing to reinforce foundational reading and writing skills.

**Highlights:** Orton-Gillingham based instruction, Reading lessons and training, Workbook exercises, Supports students with dyslexia, Reinforces reading and writing skills, Suitable for Pre-K to Grade 12

**In-app purchases:** none


### Reading Mountain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-mountain/id6755405634)

This structured literacy program uses a systematic, multisensory approach inspired by Orton-Gillingham to build strong reading and writing skills. It breaks down words into sounds and spelling patterns, offering interactive lessons, movable tiles, and decodable books for learners of all ages.

**Highlights:** Structured and cumulative learning, Interactive 'New Learning' module, Movable sound tiles for word building, Integrated spelling and writing practice, Level-appropriate decodable books, Interactive reinforcement games, Speech recognition for reading feedback

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $29.00 | per month |
| Reading Mountain Full Access | $29.99 | per month |
| Family Monthly | $49.00 | per month |
| Individual Annual | $239.00 | per year |
| Family Annual | $399.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MaxScholar free?

MaxScholar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Reading Mountain free?

Reading Mountain is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do MaxScholar or Reading Mountain have ads?

Neither MaxScholar nor Reading Mountain shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MaxScholar or Reading Mountain?

MaxScholar ships an update every 3 weeks, and Reading Mountain every 3 weeks. Most recently, MaxScholar was updated on June 1, 2026 and Reading Mountain on September 18, 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.*