# Phonics Match vs Twinkl Formation & Handwriting

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Phonics Match at 100% against Twinkl Formation & Handwriting's 41%. Phonics Match also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Twinkl Formation & Handwriting's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Phonics Match sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Twinkl Formation & Handwriting sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Phonics Match holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Twinkl Formation & Handwriting has 61 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Phonics Match's written reviews are positive against 41% of Twinkl Formation & Handwriting's.

Phonics Match ships an update every 6 months, Twinkl Formation & Handwriting every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phonics Match | Twinkl Formation & Handwriting |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonics-match/id915004046/reviews)** | [4.5 (61 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twinkl-formation-and-handwriting/id1581040887/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **61** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 41.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 55 MB | 225 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bram Van Damme](https://appshunter.io/developer/358457627) | [Twinkl Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/508771802) |

## What reviewers say

### Phonics Match

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonics-match/id915004046)

This educational game helps children master the 42 phonetic sounds of English using the Jolly Phonics system. It offers matching games with vibrant cards, supporting British, American, and Australian English pronunciations. Designed for young learners, it enhances cognitive skills through playful interaction.

**Highlights:** Jolly Phonics system based, British, American, Australian English options, Over 180 phonics word cards, Match by group or randomized, Rewarding sticker board, Lowercase, uppercase, or mixed options, Vibrant graphics and child-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


### Twinkl Formation & Handwriting

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/twinkl-formation-and-handwriting/id1581040887)

This app helps young learners develop essential handwriting skills by practicing letter and number formation, and shapes. It offers a fun, engaging, and prep-free experience for children, with customizable word lists and offline functionality.

**Highlights:** Letter and number formation practice, Shape tracing, Fine motor skill development, Customizable word lists, Offline functionality, Multi-language support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Twinkl Monthly Subscription | $0.49 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $2.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phonics Match free?

Phonics Match is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Twinkl Formation & Handwriting free?

Twinkl Formation & Handwriting is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Phonics Match or Twinkl Formation & Handwriting?

Phonics Match is rated higher. Phonics Match averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Twinkl Formation & Handwriting averages 4.5 from 61 ratings.

### Do Phonics Match or Twinkl Formation & Handwriting have ads?

Phonics Match shows ads; Twinkl Formation & Handwriting does not.

### Which is updated more often, Phonics Match or Twinkl Formation & Handwriting?

Phonics Match ships an update every 6 months, and Twinkl Formation & Handwriting every 6 weeks. Most recently, Phonics Match was updated on September 29, 2026 and Twinkl Formation & Handwriting on October 12, 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.*