# Short Vowel Word Study vs Writing Wizard

The clearest difference is price: Writing Wizard at Free against Short Vowel Word Study's $3.99. Writing Wizard also leads on rating (4.4 vs 2.9) and ratings volume (5.2K vs 12). Short Vowel Word Study's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Writing Wizard is free to download; Short Vowel Word Study costs $3.99 up front. Writing Wizard sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Short Vowel Word Study asks for nothing beyond the download.

Writing Wizard holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Writing Wizard has 5.2K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Short Vowel Word Study's written reviews are positive against 74% of Writing Wizard's.

Short Vowel Word Study ships an update every 9 months, Writing Wizard every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Short Vowel Word Study | Writing Wizard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [2.9 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/short-vowel-word-study/id919696645/reviews) | **[4.4 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writing-wizard-learn-to-write/id1305242235/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **5.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **73.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 43 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [This Reading Mama, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1169090181) | [Pierre Abel](https://appshunter.io/developer/367460664) |

## What reviewers say

### Short Vowel Word Study

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/short-vowel-word-study/id919696645)

This app teaches children spelling patterns for short vowel words using a research-based approach. It offers hands-on activities like sorting, finding, spelling, and writing words to reinforce learning. A parent section explains the methodology, and a bonus game section provides fun reinforcement.

**Highlights:** Word sorting activities, Phonics pattern analysis, Interactive spelling games, Letter tile manipulation, Tracing and writing words, Parental theory explanation, Bonus word fun games

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Writing Wizard

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writing-wizard-learn-to-write/id1305242235)

This app helps children learn to trace letters, numbers, and words with a fun, motivating system. It offers customizable tracing practice, interactive games, and progress reports for parents and educators.

**Highlights:** Trace letters, numbers, and words, Customizable tracing practice, Interactive games and animated stickers, Create custom word lists with audio, Progress reports for tracking, Printable PDF worksheets

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access - Monthly | $2.49 | per month |
| All Letters and Numbers | $5.99 | one-time |
| Add Your Words and Word Lists | $5.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Full Access | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🚀 Engaging animations
- 💡 Customizable word lists
- 👍 Helpful for children with special needs
- 👍 Effective for improving handwriting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Locked features behind paywall
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔒 Paid version not working as expected
- 💰 Expensive for the limited features

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to access locked features
- Purchased content not unlocking properly
- Inconsistent letter formation guidance

**Requested features**

- Add more letters, numbers, and shapes
- Allow recording of custom voice instructions
- Improve compatibility with stylus/digital pens
- Provide more customization options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Short Vowel Word Study free?

Short Vowel Word Study costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Writing Wizard free?

Writing Wizard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Short Vowel Word Study or Writing Wizard?

Writing Wizard is rated higher. Short Vowel Word Study averages 2.9 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Writing Wizard averages 4.4 from 5.2K ratings.

### Do Short Vowel Word Study or Writing Wizard have ads?

Neither Short Vowel Word Study nor Writing Wizard shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Short Vowel Word Study or Writing Wizard?

Short Vowel Word Study ships an update every 9 months, and Writing Wizard every 4 months. Most recently, Short Vowel Word Study was updated on October 9, 2026 and Writing Wizard on October 29, 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.*