# Summation vs NumChain

The clearest difference is ads: Summation at none against NumChain's shown. Summation also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 18.0). NumChain's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 70%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Summation sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and NumChain sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Summation ships an update every 3 weeks, NumChain monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Summation | NumChain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/summation/id1219879009/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **58** | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 110 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lemon Jam Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/884737211) | [J.Benito Pereira](https://appshunter.io/developer/1267263346) |

## What reviewers say

### Summation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/summation/id1219879009)

Engage your brain with a minimalistic math puzzle game. Rearrange numbers to solve increasingly challenging levels. Explore new themes and enjoy endless gameplay.

**Highlights:** Minimalistic math puzzle gameplay, Rearrange numbers to solve puzzles, Endless levels for infinite play, Unlockable game themes, Brain workout challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy Hints | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧠 Engaging puzzle mechanics with unique crossword-style addition gameplay
- 😌 Relaxing and calming experience without timers or move counters
- 🎨 Beautiful minimalist design with clean aesthetic
- 🎵 Pleasant soundtrack and sound design
- 📈 Good difficulty progression that challenges without frustrating

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Excessive and intrusive full-screen video advertisements
- 💰 Ads persist even after paying for ad-free version
- 🔄 Ads interrupt gameplay and timer continues during Challenge Mode
- 🛑 Frequent app crashes and freezes, often related to ads
- 🔗 App Store opens unexpectedly multiple times during gameplay

**Reported bugs**

- Hint button freezes game and requires reinstall to fix
- Game crashes at specific levels (e.g., level 102)
- App crashes immediately upon opening with blue dot indicator
- Full-screen ads cannot be closed and trap users
- Game gets stuck in landscape mode after full-page ad

**Requested features**

- Dark mode for nighttime playing
- Multiplication puzzle variant
- Increased difficulty progression beyond level 100
- More varied puzzle structures and mechanics
- Ability to purchase larger quantities of hints at once


### NumChain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numchain-math-number-puzzle/id6670266485)

This number puzzle game sharpens mental math skills through engaging gameplay. Connect numbers to form chains, sums, and products across three distinct modes. Compete globally, earn achievements, and enjoy a clean, intuitive interface designed for all ages.

**Highlights:** Three game modes: Chains, Sums, Multiplication, Global leaderboards and achievements, Hint system for challenging puzzles, Intuitive interface and clean design, Optimized for iPhone and iPad, Develops mental calculation and strategic thinking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 25 Points | $0.99 | one-time |
| 53 Points | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ads Remove | $2.99 | one-time |
| 85 Points | $2.99 | one-time |
| 110 Points | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Summation free?

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

### Is NumChain free?

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

### Do Summation or NumChain have ads?

NumChain shows ads; Summation does not.

### Which is updated more often, Summation or NumChain?

Summation ships an update every 3 weeks, and NumChain monthly. Most recently, Summation was updated on November 2, 2026 and NumChain on November 4, 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.*