# Reading Challenge vs Step & Star

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Reading Challenge at 13.0 against Step & Star's 15.1. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Reading Challenge sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month and Step & Star sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Reading Challenge ships an update every 3 weeks, Step & Star monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Challenge | Step & Star |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/step-and-star/id6783173060/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 27 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shohruxbek Atavullayev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859528937) | [Emily Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/1835795554) |

## What reviewers say

### Reading Challenge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-challenge/id6756414640)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $1.49 | per month |
| Yearly Premium | $7.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium | $14.99 | one-time |


### Step & Star

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/step-and-star/id6783173060)

This app helps create visual schedules for children and adults with predictable routines. It uses "First, Then" picture cards to guide users through tasks, offering audio prompts and celebrations upon completion. It's designed to build independence and reduce anxiety through clear, step-by-step guidance.

**Highlights:** First-Then visual schedule creation, Step-by-step auto-advancing cards, Built-in symbol library and custom photos, Text-to-speech and custom voice recording, Optional countdown timers, Celebrations for task completion, Multiple user profiles, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Challenge free?

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

### Is Step & Star free?

Step & Star is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Reading Challenge or Step & Star have ads?

Neither Reading Challenge nor Step & Star shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Challenge or Step & Star?

Reading Challenge ships an update every 3 weeks, and Step & Star monthly. Most recently, Reading Challenge was updated on September 26, 2026 and Step & Star on September 30, 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.*