Screen Time Learning Challenge vs Reading Mountain
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Screen Time Learning Challenge
This app helps families establish a healthy routine by requiring children to complete educational challenges before accessing games or other apps. Parents can customize blocked apps, set learning goals, and schedule screen time. A free preview mode is available to explore core features.
- Educational challenges for screen time access
- Customizable blocked apps and categories
- Math and spelling learning modules
- Parent-controlled challenge goals and difficulty
- Scheduled screen time (bedtime, homework)
- Progress tracking for learning achievements
Read full descriptionHide full description
Screen Time Learning Challenge Turn screen time into learning time. Screen Time Learning Challenge lets parents choose which apps and categories to limit, then gives kids a simple way to earn access by completing math or spelling practice. Parents choose the learning activity, difficulty, number of correct answers, schedules, and apps to protect. Kids complete their challenge, make progress toward their goal, and unlock their apps when they finish. Math, Spelling, or Both Choose the type of learning that works best for your child. Math includes: Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Mixed operations Facts through 12 Customizable challenge lengths Spelling lets parents create custom word lists using the exact words their child is learning. Spelling includes: Up to 50 custom spelling words Typed answers Word replay Built-in Natural Voice Multiple Natural Voice options Optional Apple Voice Adjustable challenge length Parents can choose math, spelling, or a combination of both. Natural Voice for Spelling Spelling practice includes Natural Voice for clearer, more natural-sounding word playback. Kids can hear each spelling word, replay it when needed, and practice with a voice designed to make listening and learning more comfortable. Control Which Apps Unlock Parents select individual apps or entire categories such as games, social media, and video. Once a learning challenge is completed, protected apps can unlock according to the rules you choose. Flexible Screen Time Controls Manual Shield Lock selected apps whenever you choose. Bedtime Create a strict bedtime schedule where protected apps remain unavailable even if a learning challenge is completed. Homework / Focus Time Create protected study periods where distracting apps stay locked. Re-Lock Schedules Automatically require another learning challenge after a selected amount of time. Parent Controls Parents can manage: Math, spelling, or both Math operations and difficulty Number of correct answers required Custom spelling lists Natural Voice selection Apps and categories to protect Bedtime schedules Homework / Focus schedules Re-Lock timing Device protection settings A secure Parent PIN helps prevent children from changing settings. Remote Management Premium Remote Management lets a parent configure a child’s settings from another device. Supported settings include: Learning activity Challenge length Math settings Spelling words Schedules Protected apps and categories Device Controls Manual Shield Device Controls Quick access to commonly used Screen Time protections helps parents manage settings such as: App installation App deletion In-app purchases Account changes Passcode changes Explicit content Kid-Friendly Experience Designed to keep practice simple and encouraging: Clear progress toward the unlock goal Custom math keypad Keyboard-friendly spelling input Optional sound effects Streak celebrations Positive feedback Completion celebrations Saved math best times Guided Parent Setup A step-by-step setup process helps parents create a PIN, authorize Screen Time, choose protected apps, select learning activities, configure schedules, and test that app locking and unlocking works. Subscription A subscription provides access to the complete Screen Time Learning Challenge experience. Eligible new subscribers may receive an introductory free trial through the App Store. Trial availability and length are shown before purchase. Subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID and can be canceled through Apple Subscriptions. Requirements Works on iPhone and iPad Requires iOS 18 or later Apple Screen Time authorization is required Parental setup is required Privacy Policy: https://screentimelearning.app/privacy-policy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula
Reading Mountain
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide full description
BUILD READING, SPELLING, AND WRITING SKILLS STEP BY STEP Reading Mountain is a structured literacy program for learners of all ages, including new readers and learners who struggle with reading, spelling, or writing. Inspired by the Orton-Gillingham approach, the program teaches English in a clear, systematic sequence so learners understand how sounds, letters, and spelling patterns work together. A CLEAR PATH TO LITERACY Reading Mountain moves from foundational sounds to increasingly advanced word patterns. Each lesson builds on earlier skills and combines direct instruction with guided practice, review, and application. KEY FEATURES • Structured, cumulative lessons New phonics concepts, spelling rules, and sound patterns are introduced in a purposeful order, with review built into the journey. • Multisensory sound tiles Learners move and arrange tiles to read and spell words one sound at a time, strengthening the connection between spoken sounds and written letters. • Reading, spelling, and writing together Each lesson connects word reading, sentence reading, spelling, handwriting, and keyboard writing so learners apply the same concept in multiple ways. • Truly decodable books Books use the sound patterns and sight words learners have already been taught, helping them practice new skills in meaningful stories without relying on guessing. • AI-supported reading feedback Reading Mountain listens during supported reading activities and helps identify sounds and words that may need more practice. Lesson feedback can be emailed to parents or instructors. • Tap any word for help Learners can explore a word’s sounds, spelling pattern, pronunciation, and supporting visuals when they need extra guidance. • Skill-focused games Interactive games reinforce the exact reading and spelling skills taught in each lesson. • Family learning Individual plans support one learner. Family plans support up to four learners, each with a separate profile and progress. WHO IT’S FOR • Children learning to read • Older learners strengthening foundational skills • Learners with dyslexia or other reading difficulties • Parents, homeschool families, tutors, and educators seeking systematic literacy practice Reading Mountain uses a focused, age-flexible design that is engaging without being overstimulating. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Reading Mountain offers auto-renewing Individual and Family subscriptions with monthly and annual options. Individual plans cover one learner; Family plans cover up to four learners. U.S. BASE PRICES • Individual Monthly: $29.00 per month • Individual Annual: $239.00 per year • Family Monthly: $49.00 per month • Family Annual: $399.00 per year These are U.S. base prices. Actual prices may vary by country or region and are displayed in the app before purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings. Privacy Policy: https://readingmountain.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Screen Time Learning Challenge at 5.0 against Reading Mountain's 4.3. Reading Mountain's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Screen Time Learning Challenge sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Reading Mountain sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $29.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Screen Time Learning Challenge holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Screen Time Learning Challenge ships an update every 2 weeks, Reading Mountain every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Screen Time Learning Challenge | Reading Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | 4.3 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 16.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 498 MB | 79 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Domenic Talese | LEARN MOUNTAIN LLC |
Customer experience
Screen Time Learning Challenge
Reading Mountain
In-app purchases
Screen Time Learning Challenge
- Screen Time Math Challenge7 Days trial$4.991 Month
- STMC Premium Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
- STMC Base Yearly7 Days trial$34.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- STMC Premium Yearly7 Days trial$79.991 Year
Reading Mountain
- Individual Monthly$29.001 Month
- Reading Mountain Full Access$29.991 Month
- Family Monthly$49.001 Month
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- Individual Annual$239.001 Year
- Family Annual$399.001 Year
Questions
Is Screen Time Learning Challenge free?
Is Reading Mountain free?
Which has better reviews, Screen Time Learning Challenge or Reading Mountain?
Do Screen Time Learning Challenge or Reading Mountain have ads?
Which is updated more often, Screen Time Learning Challenge or Reading Mountain?
Other comparisons















