# Reading Train vs Monster Phonics 2

Reading Train and Monster Phonics 2 both sit at 5.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Reading Train's written reviews are positive against 67% of Monster Phonics 2's. Reading Train also leads on update cadence (every 5 months vs every 14 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). Monster Phonics 2's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $3.99). On rating, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Reading Train costs $3.99 and Monster Phonics 2 $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Reading Train against 5.0 for Monster Phonics 2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Reading Train's written reviews are positive against 67% of Monster Phonics 2's.

Reading Train ships an update every 5 months, Monster Phonics 2 every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Reading Train | Monster Phonics 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-train-alphabet/id903741015/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monster-phonics-2/id948640592/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 14 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 698 MB | 792 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | +4 |
| Developer | [The Learning Station, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/702227887) | [Ingrid Connors](https://appshunter.io/developer/892665119) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Monster Phonics 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monster-phonics-2/id948640592)

This app uses a multi-sensory approach with character phoneme cues and color coding to teach reading and spelling. It focuses on the first 100 high-frequency words, making them more accessible and reducing the number of "tricky" words.

**Highlights:** Multi-sensory phonics learning, Character phoneme cues, Color coding for sounds, Teaches first 100 high-frequency words, Supports reading and spelling, Handwriting and letter formation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Reading Train free?

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

### Is Monster Phonics 2 free?

Monster Phonics 2 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Reading Train or Monster Phonics 2?

Reading Train and Monster Phonics 2 are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Reading Train or Monster Phonics 2 have ads?

Neither Reading Train nor Monster Phonics 2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Reading Train or Monster Phonics 2?

Reading Train ships an update every 5 months, and Monster Phonics 2 every 14 months. Most recently, Reading Train was updated on October 12, 2026 and Monster Phonics 2 on October 15, 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.*