# Essential Learning System vs MathFinder

The clearest difference is rating: MathFinder at 5.0 against Essential Learning System's 1.0. MathFinder also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 16 months) and device support (3 vs 1). Essential Learning System's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MathFinder holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

Essential Learning System ships an update every 16 months, MathFinder every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Essential Learning System | MathFinder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-learning-system/id1036171703/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathfinder/id6752960249/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 398 MB | 683 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Creative Education Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/1036171702) | [talkSTEM](https://appshunter.io/developer/1841952568) |

## What reviewers say

### Essential Learning System

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-learning-system/id1036171703)

This program accelerates learning for students facing reading and language challenges. It uses multisensory, interactive lessons to build foundational skills, offering individualized instruction for at-risk learners and those with learning disadvantages.

**Highlights:** Accelerated learning for at-risk students, Multisensory learning pathways, Individualized and differentiated instruction, Interactive learning with feedback, Systematic phonics instruction, Language and vocabulary enrichment, Practice and repetition activities

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MathFinder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathfinder/id6752960249)

Explore math and science in the real world through an engaging storyline. Investigate locations, watch expert videos, and make your own observations to advance your mission. Features virtual exploration and geolocation-based scavenger hunts.

**Highlights:** Real-world math and science discovery, Storyline-driven extraterrestrial mission, Expert videos on STEM concepts, User-generated observations and questions, Virtual location exploration, Geolocation scavenger hunts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Essential Learning System free?

Essential Learning System is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MathFinder free?

MathFinder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Essential Learning System or MathFinder?

MathFinder is rated higher. Essential Learning System averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while MathFinder averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Essential Learning System or MathFinder have ads?

Neither Essential Learning System nor MathFinder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Essential Learning System or MathFinder?

Essential Learning System ships an update every 16 months, and MathFinder every 11 days. Most recently, Essential Learning System was updated on September 9, 2026 and MathFinder on September 22, 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.*