Comparison

Learn to Read vs Matharoo

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Learn to Read

This app teaches children aged 3-7 to read using a research-based phonics curriculum. It focuses on sounding out words and building fluency through structured lessons and decodable stories. Features include AI listening support for reading aloud and a parent dashboard for progress tracking.

Highlights
  • Structured phonics curriculum
  • Sounding out words
  • Building reading fluency
  • Decodable storybooks
  • AI listening support
  • Parent progress dashboard
  • Multiple child profiles
Features
Read full description

Sweet Phonics will teach your child to read in 15 minutes a day. We help children become confident readers through a structured, research-based phonics curriculum that teaches them to sound out words, build fluency, spell accurately, and read real stories step by step. Instead of relying on memorization or guessing from pictures, children learn to decode: connecting letters to sounds, blending those sounds into words, and reading with confidence from day one. Sweet Phonics follows the process supported by decades of reading science: systematic synthetic phonics, carefully sequenced practice, repeated review, and immediate feedback. Each lesson builds on the last so children master the code of reading step by step. Our curriculum is built on Orton-Gillingham principles—the gold standard reading specialists have trusted for decades and the heart of the science of reading. Your child will move from letter sounds to blending, spelling, sentences, and real decodable stories, all at a level they are ready for. New Spelling Mode In Spelling Mode, children hear words aloud, break them into individual sounds, and build each word one letter at a time. They practice phonics-based words alongside popular Fry sight words—high-frequency words children commonly need to learn for school. With guided practice and immediate feedback, children learn to listen carefully, segment words, choose the correct letters, and spell independently. This active recall strengthens sound-letter connections and helps essential school words stick. New Story Mode In Story Mode, children read fully decodable books matched to their current reading level. Every story uses sounds and words your child has already learned, so reading feels achievable instead of frustrating. As your child reads aloud, Sweet Phonics listens and helps them practice spoken reading. This gives children the kind of active decoding practice that builds accuracy, confidence, and fluency. Why Parents Choose Sweet Phonics Your child reads from day one. Words are carefully chosen so your child can apply the phonics skills they have learned. No guessing and no false confidence. Spelling in every lesson—and a dedicated Spelling Mode. Children practice turning sounds into written words while learning popular Fry sight words commonly taught in school. This strengthens the connections that make reading and spelling stick. A clear path from sounds to stories. Children learn sounds, blend them into words, spell them, read sentences, and then apply those skills in decodable books. Story Mode builds real reading fluency. Children practice reading aloud in books designed for their exact phonics level, with AI listening support. 100+ structured lessons. A placement test finds the right starting point. Lessons build carefully so your child is challenged without being overwhelmed. Activities kids want to repeat. Slide sounds together, pop balloons to spell, sort, tap, and match through a colorful 3D candy world. Progress parents can see. A parent dashboard shows what your child has mastered and what comes next. Sweet Phonics is designed to help children become real readers by understanding how reading and spelling work. Subscription Try Sweet Phonics free for seven days. After that, it is $11.99/month or $69.99/year. Cancel anytime through your Apple account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sweetphonics.com/privacy

About

Matharoo

Features
Read full description

Help your child build confidence in math with Matharoo, a fun, game-like learning app that combines math puzzles, number challenges, and skill-building activities with powerful tools for parents to track progress. Designed for school aged children from grades 1 through 8, Matharoo helps kids develop essential math skills through engaging learning experiences that feel rewarding and motivating. Whether your child is practicing multiplication, learning number sense, or building confidence with math facts, Matharoo makes daily learning something they look forward to. Children can explore: • Multiplication games and multiplication tables • Math facts and math fact flashcards • Counting and number games • Logic puzzles and equation puzzles • Addition, subtraction, division, and fractions • Mental math and fast math practice • Math puzzle games and brain puzzles • Number sense and arithmetic activities • Math quests and math missions that encourage consistent learning Every activity is carefully designed to strengthen core mathematics skills while keeping children motivated through achievable challenges and clear progress. Built for Real Learning Unlike many apps that focus primarily on entertainment, Matharoo is designed to support genuine math learning and academic growth. Perfect for: • Kindergarten learning games • First grade math practice • Math games for 2nd grade learners • Third grade math students • Elementary math enrichment • Homeschool learning • Extra math practice at home • Help with homework and school math support Whether your child needs additional practice, enrichment, or simply enjoys solving math puzzles, Matharoo adapts to their learning journey. Parent Portal & Progress Dashboard Matharoo includes a dedicated parent portal that helps families stay involved in their child's education. Parents can: • Track learning progress over time • View a detailed progress dashboard • Identify strengths and areas needing more practice • Set goals to encourage student success • Celebrate learning achievements and skill mastery With clear insights and easy-to-understand reports, parents always know how their child is progressing. Develop Essential Math Skills Matharoo helps children build: • Number skills and numeracy skills • Multiplication and division fluency • Problem-solving abilities • Logical reasoning and critical thinking • Concentration and focus • Math confidence • Independent learning habits By combining mathematical play with structured learning challenges, children gain the confidence they need to tackle increasingly advanced concepts. Why Families Choose Matharoo • Engaging math learning designed for kids • Fun, game-like math puzzles and challenges • Parent portal with progress tracking • Supports elementary through middle school math learners • Encourages consistent daily practice • Learning milestones and achievement tracking • Suitable for home learning and homeschool use • Safe environment focused on learning, not distractions Matharoo contains no advertisements. Subscription and payment are made via your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase and subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Otherwise, the account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Join the growing community of parents using Matharoo to help children learn math, strengthen foundational skills, and build confidence one challenge at a time. Download Matharoo today and discover a smarter way to support your child's math learning journey. Privacy policy: https://matharoo.app/privacy.html Terms and conditions: https://matharoo.app/terms.html

Screenshots

Learn to Read4 screens
Matharoo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Matharoo at none against Learn to Read's 2. Learn to Read's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, 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. Learn to Read sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Matharoo asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. Both last shipped on September 30, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Learn to Read versus Matharoo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLearn to ReadMatharoo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (18 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings18 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size471 MB164 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperM75 LLCKidslox inc

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Learn to Read

Subscriptions2
  • Sweet Phonics Monthly1 Month trial$14.991 Month
  • Sweet Phonics Annual1 Month trial$99.991 Year
None

Matharoo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Learn to Read free?
Learn to Read is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Matharoo free?
Matharoo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Learn to Read or Matharoo have ads?
Neither Learn to Read nor Matharoo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Learn to Read or Matharoo?
Learn to Read ships an update weekly, and Matharoo weekly. Most recently, Learn to Read was updated on September 30, 2026 and Matharoo on September 30, 2026.

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