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Head-to-head · Preschool Learning Apps

Starfall vs HOMER

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 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
HOMER #7 in Preschool Learning Apps 8.6/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit HOMER

Starfall leads on 1 check, HOMER on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 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 planonly Starfall
  • Free trialonly HOMER
  • Most featuresHOMER · 3 of 4

Starfall scores higher on our rubric for preschool learning apps: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Starfall offers free plan; HOMER doesn't.

Starfall is the better fit for early literacy families and classrooms. HOMER is the better fit for families wanting personalized mixed learning.

  • Starfall fits best

    Early literacy families and classrooms

  • HOMER fits best

    Families wanting personalized mixed learning

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 ↗ HOMER 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.6
Ranking #1 in Preschool Learning Apps #7 in Preschool Learning Apps
Best for Early literacy families and classrooms Families wanting personalized mixed learning
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $35/yr —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone Email
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features Starfall 1/4 · HOMER 3/4
Offline access ✓ ✓
Parent dashboard Not checked yet Not checked yet
Printable activities Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Ad-free experience Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Target age range Not checked yet Not checked yet
Child profiles Not checked yet 4 children
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
  • Personalizes activities by age, interests, and skill level
  • Covers reading, math, creativity, thinking, and social-emotional learning
  • Includes offline resources, printables, and up to four child profiles
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
  • No free plan is available
  • The app spans many subjects rather than specializing in one area
  • Pricing and plan availability may vary by region and app store
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 →

HOMER is a personalized early-learning app for children ages 2–8, from Begin Learning. It is designed for families seeking guided digital activities across reading, phonics, math, social-emotional learning, thinking skills, creativity,…

Read the review →
  1. StarfallPreschool Learning Apps 9.4Free plan
  2. HOMERPreschool Learning Apps 8.630-day trial

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
  • HOMER — where it wins

    • Personalizes activities by age, interests, and skill level
    • Covers reading, math, creativity, thinking, and social-emotional learning
    • Includes offline resources, printables, and up to four child profiles

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • The app spans many subjects rather than specializing in one area
    • Pricing and plan availability may vary by region and app store
  • Starfall9.4/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit StarfallFull verdict →
  • HOMER8.6/10 · 30-day trial

    A broad, personalized learning app for families with multiple young children.

    Visit HOMERFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update