# Spelling Balloons vs Smarty Spell

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Spelling Balloons at 100% against Smarty Spell's 0%. Spelling Balloons also leads on price ($2.99 vs $14.99) and device support (3 vs 1). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Spelling Balloons costs $2.99 and Smarty Spell $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Spelling Balloons ships an update every 5 months, Smarty Spell every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spelling Balloons | Smarty Spell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | — | **[4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarty-spell/id965018053/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 42 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [pkclSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/432090829) | [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167) |

## What reviewers say

### Spelling Balloons

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-balloons/id933049807)

This game helps children learn and practice reading and spelling high-frequency words through a fun balloon-popping activity. It offers customizable word lists, voice recording, and detailed progress reports for educators.

**Highlights:** Switch-accessible gameplay, Customizable word lists, Recordable voice pronunciation, Detailed progress reports, Adjustable game speed and difficulty, Supports multiple languages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smarty Spell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smarty-spell/id965018053)

This comprehensive literacy platform offers three engaging game modes to improve spelling and reading skills. It features extensive customization options for word lists and audio, along with detailed progress tracking for educators and parents.

**Highlights:** Three distinct game modes, Over 300 built-in words, Grade-level and thematic word lists, Custom word lists with photos, Real human and TTS audio, Professional-grade data tracking, Adjustable font sizes and hints

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spelling Balloons free?

Spelling Balloons costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smarty Spell free?

Smarty Spell costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Spelling Balloons or Smarty Spell have ads?

Neither Spelling Balloons nor Smarty Spell shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spelling Balloons or Smarty Spell?

Spelling Balloons ships an update every 5 months, and Smarty Spell every 9 months. Most recently, Spelling Balloons was updated on October 21, 2026 and Smarty Spell on October 8, 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.*