# Math Problems 1st vs Math Zen

The clearest difference is ads: Math Zen at none against Math Problems 1st's shown. Math Zen also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 weeks) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Math Problems 1st's advantage is ratings volume (13K vs 3). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Problems 1st sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and Math Zen sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Math Zen holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Problems 1st has 13K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Math Problems 1st's written reviews are positive against 100% of Math Zen's.

Math Problems 1st ships an update every 5 weeks, Math Zen every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Problems 1st | Math Zen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-problems-1st-12th-grade/id1540872304/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-zen-exam-prep-and-drill/id6758208511/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 146 MB | 264 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adam Drzewiecki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1535796880) | [Ivan Terekhin](https://appshunter.io/developer/888645337) |

## What reviewers say

### Math Problems 1st

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-problems-1st-12th-grade/id1540872304)

This app offers a comprehensive math learning experience for all ages, from preschoolers to university students. It provides step-by-step solutions for basic arithmetic and more advanced problems, helping users build math skills through practice and engaging games.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step solutions, Practice basic math operations, Math tests and brain training, Suitable for all ages, Rewards and level progression, Multiple language support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Premium | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent learning tool
- 👍 Fun and engaging
- 🤓 Helps improve math skills
- 💡 Wide range of math topics covered
- 🏆 Effective for students of all levels

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Lack of detailed explanations
- 🛑 Too many ads
- 💰 Premium features not worth the cost

**Reported bugs**

- Glitches in the calculator feature
- Incorrect math concepts in some questions

**Requested features**

- More comprehensive lessons and tutorials
- Personalized learning paths
- Offline mode without ads
- Improved feedback on mistakes


### Math Zen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-zen-exam-prep-and-drill/id6758208511)

This app provides adaptive math practice for standardized exams and university-level courses. It generates unique problems, tracks mastery, and offers offline access for focused learning. Review mistakes and visualize concepts to build long-term retention.

**Highlights:** Algorithmically generated problems, Adaptive mastery-based progression, Mistake journal for review, Visual problem explanations, Offline access, Exam-specific problem sets

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Math Zen Premium — Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Math Zen Premium — Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Math Zen Premium — Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Math Zen Premium: Lifetime | $24.99 | one-time |
| Math Zen Premium: Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Math Zen Premium — Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Problems 1st free?

Math Problems 1st is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Math Zen free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Math Problems 1st or Math Zen?

Math Zen is rated higher. Math Problems 1st averages 4.7 out of 5 from 13K ratings, while Math Zen averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Math Problems 1st or Math Zen have ads?

Math Problems 1st shows ads; Math Zen does not.

### Which is updated more often, Math Problems 1st or Math Zen?

Math Problems 1st ships an update every 5 weeks, and Math Zen every 3 days. Most recently, Math Problems 1st was updated on October 23, 2026 and Math Zen on October 17, 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.*