# Learning Maths Shapes vs Thomas & Friends™

The clearest difference is price: Thomas & Friends™ at Free against Learning Maths Shapes's $3.99. Thomas & Friends™ also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 23 months). Learning Maths Shapes's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Thomas & Friends™ is free to download; Learning Maths Shapes costs $3.99 up front. Thomas & Friends™ sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Learning Maths Shapes asks for nothing beyond the download.

Learning Maths Shapes ships an update every 23 months, Thomas & Friends™ monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Learning Maths Shapes | Thomas & Friends™ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.2 (9.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thomas-and-friends-lets-roll/id6469109492/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **9.9K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 71.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 15 MB | 462 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Willie van Schalkwyk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1016415734) | [StoryToys Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/326301831) |

## What reviewers say

### Learning Maths Shapes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learning-maths-shapes/id1292788744)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Thomas & Friends™

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thomas-and-friends-lets-roll/id6469109492)

Children can drive their favorite engines and build custom train tracks on the Island of Sodor. This app offers hands-on fun, encourages imagination, and helps develop important skills for preschoolers and neurodivergent children.

**Highlights:** Drive favorite engines, Build custom train tracks, Explore Island of Sodor, Kid-friendly controls, Develops spatial awareness, Inclusive play experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING | $4.99 | per month |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING-7 day trial | $6.99 | per month |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING | $6.99 | per month |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING - BEST VALUE | $6.99 | per month |
| 7day trial & UNLOCK EVERYTHING | $29.99 | per year |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING - BEST VALUE | $29.99 | per year |
| UNLOCK EVERYTHING - BEST VALUE | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging game
- 🎨 Faithful to the All Engines Go theme
- 👨‍🎨 Unique playable character (Bruno)
- 🎉 Potential for great future updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Excessive in-app purchases and subscription model
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches (loading issues, missing sounds, corrupted textures)
- 🚫 Limited content (only one playable character and map at launch)

**Reported bugs**

- Respawning issues at McColl's Farm
- Inability to complete the loop in Crystal Cave
- Character catchphrases turning back on after restart

**Requested features**

- Add more playable engines (James, Emily, Edward, etc.)
- Introduce new locations (Knapford, Vicarstown, etc.)
- Implement interactive journey scenarios (railroad crossings, traffic jams, etc.)
- Fix issues with cargo physics and character whistles/horns
- Improve performance and stability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Learning Maths Shapes free?

Learning Maths Shapes costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Thomas & Friends™ free?

Thomas & Friends™ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Learning Maths Shapes or Thomas & Friends™ have ads?

Neither Learning Maths Shapes nor Thomas & Friends™ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Learning Maths Shapes or Thomas & Friends™?

Learning Maths Shapes ships an update every 23 months, and Thomas & Friends™ monthly. Most recently, Learning Maths Shapes was updated on October 12, 2026 and Thomas & Friends™ on October 25, 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.*