# Number Rack, by MLC vs Reading Den

The clearest difference is rating: Reading Den at 5.0 against Number Rack, by MLC's 3.2. Reading Den also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 25 months). Number Rack, by MLC's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (9 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Reading Den sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Number Rack, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

Reading Den holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Number Rack, by MLC has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Number Rack, by MLC ships an update every 25 months, Reading Den every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Number Rack, by MLC | Reading Den |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-rack-by-mlc/id1469094747/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-den/id6774351394/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 25 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 4 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.7** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) | [Glen Bentley](https://appshunter.io/developer/537502474) |

## What reviewers say

### Number Rack, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-rack-by-mlc/id1469094747)

This virtual manipulative tool helps children develop number sense through interactive bead groupings. It supports exploration of addition and subtraction strategies with customizable rows and colors. Ideal for elementary classrooms, it includes annotation and sharing features.

**Highlights:** 1-10 rows of 10 beads, Resizable bead covers for subtraction, Color-coded bead rows, Annotation and drawing tools, Math text and writing tools, Shareable work via image or code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Reading Den

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reading-den/id6774351394)

This app teaches children to read using a structured, explicit phonics approach. It offers personalized practice, decodable stories, and encouraging feedback, designed to help all beginners, especially those who struggle.

**Highlights:** Explicit, systematic phonics instruction, Personalized practice for confusing letters, Truly decodable stories, Consistent, clear audio recordings, Encouraging, non-punitive correction, Parent dashboard for progress tracking, Dyslexia-friendly typeface option

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Everything | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Number Rack, by MLC free?

Number Rack, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Reading Den free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Number Rack, by MLC or Reading Den?

Reading Den is rated higher. Number Rack, by MLC averages 3.2 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Reading Den averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Number Rack, by MLC or Reading Den have ads?

Neither Number Rack, by MLC nor Reading Den shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Number Rack, by MLC or Reading Den?

Number Rack, by MLC ships an update every 25 months, and Reading Den every 5 days. Most recently, Number Rack, by MLC was updated on October 24, 2026 and Reading Den on October 24, 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.*