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Head-to-head · Preschool Learning Apps

Starfall vs GCompris

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Starfall #1 in Preschool Learning Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Starfall
GCompris #2 in Preschool Learning Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit GCompris

Starfall leads on 0 checks, GCompris on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStarfall · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresStarfall · 1 of 4

Starfall scores higher on our rubric for preschool learning apps: 9.4 against 9.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Starfall is the better fit for early literacy families and classrooms. GCompris is the better fit for families and schools wanting broad free coverage.

  • Starfall fits best

    Early literacy families and classrooms

  • GCompris fits best

    Families and schools wanting broad free coverage

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Starfall 9.4/10 Visit ↗ GCompris 9.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.3
Ranking #1 in Preschool Learning Apps #2 in Preschool Learning Apps
Best for Early literacy families and classrooms Families and schools wanting broad free coverage
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $35/yr Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Features Starfall 1/4 · GCompris 0/4
Offline access ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Parent dashboard Not checked yet Not checked yet
Printable activities Not checked yet Not checked yet
Ad-free experience Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Target age range Not checked yet Not checked yet
Child profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Systematic phonics covers CVC words, sight words, and vowel teams
  • Reading practice includes fluency and comprehension with fiction and nonfiction
  • Offline standalone apps and memberships support families, teachers, and schools
  • Free, open-source access with offline operation
  • Covers reading, mathematics, science, arts, music, and computer skills
  • Customizable levels, progress tracking, and teacher tools
Cons
  • The main Starfall app requires internet access
  • The $5.99 monthly subscription is limited to app access
  • Content spans through 5th grade, so it may exceed preschool-only needs
  • The broad subject mix may feel less focused than a single-subject app
  • Teacher results are available for some activities rather than all
  • Desktop-app delivery may not fit families seeking a browser-based experience
Our verdict

Starfall is a reading platform for children from Pre-K through 5th grade, with a particular fit for families, teachers, classrooms, and schools building early-literacy skills. Its Learn-to-Read program combines alphabet activities,…

Read the review →

GCompris is a free, open-source educational software suite for children aged 2 to 10. It is designed for use at home and in classrooms, with activities spanning reading, mathematics, science, geography, history, arts, music, logic, board…

Read the review →
  1. StarfallPreschool Learning Apps 9.4Free plan
  2. GComprisPreschool Learning Apps 9.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Starfall — where it wins

    • Systematic phonics covers CVC words, sight words, and vowel teams
    • Reading practice includes fluency and comprehension with fiction and nonfiction
    • Offline standalone apps and memberships support families, teachers, and schools

    Where it doesn't

    • The main Starfall app requires internet access
    • The $5.99 monthly subscription is limited to app access
    • Content spans through 5th grade, so it may exceed preschool-only needs

  • GCompris — where it wins

    • Free, open-source access with offline operation
    • Covers reading, mathematics, science, arts, music, and computer skills
    • Customizable levels, progress tracking, and teacher tools

    Where it doesn't

    • The broad subject mix may feel less focused than a single-subject app
    • Teacher results are available for some activities rather than all
    • Desktop-app delivery may not fit families seeking a browser-based experience
  • Starfall9.4/10 · Free plan

    A structured early-literacy platform with phonics, comprehension, offline apps, and school plans.

    Visit StarfallFull verdict →
  • GCompris9.3/10 · Free plan

    A broad, offline-friendly learning suite for families and classrooms without a subscription.

    Visit GComprisFull verdict →

More comparisons

All preschool learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update