# Animata vs Reading Train

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Reading Train at 100% against Animata's 0%. Reading Train also leads on update cadence (every 5 months vs every 38 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Animata's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $3.99). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Animata costs $2.99 and Reading Train $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Animata ships an update every 38 months, Reading Train every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Animata | Reading Train |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $3.99 |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-alphabet/id903741015/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 38 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 84 MB | 698 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ting Tze Chuen](https://appshunter.io/developer/654138164) | [The Learning Station, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/702227887) |

## What reviewers say

### Animata

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/animata-play-to-learn/id725186720)

This app allows children to create their own animated movies by tapping to move characters, adding effects, and inserting personal photos. It offers various weather effects, theme songs, and sound effects to enhance storytelling and creativity.

**Highlights:** Intuitive tap-to-animate controls, Character creation with personal photos, Add effects, animations, and speech bubbles, Variety of weather effects, Studio-quality theme songs and custom music, Sound effects for immersive experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Reading Train

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-alphabet/id903741015)

This app offers a comprehensive reading program for young learners, featuring interactive ABC books, engaging games, and songs. It helps children develop foundational reading skills, build vocabulary, and boost their confidence through a fun, safe, and ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** 24 ABC books at 3 reading levels, Interactive train game for word learning, Built-in picture/audio dictionary, 18 song books, Professional narration, User recording of books, Student reporting tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Animata free?

Animata costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Reading Train free?

Reading Train costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Animata or Reading Train have ads?

Neither Animata nor Reading Train shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Animata or Reading Train?

Animata ships an update every 38 months, and Reading Train every 5 months. Most recently, Animata was updated on November 1, 2026 and Reading Train on November 1, 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.*