# MathTappers vs Main Idea

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MathTappers at none against Main Idea's 3. MathTappers also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 71%). Main Idea's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 18 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Main Idea sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. MathTappers asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for MathTappers against 3.7 for Main Idea. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 52 and 18 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of MathTappers's written reviews are positive against 71% of Main Idea's.

MathTappers ships an update every 18 months, Main Idea every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MathTappers | Main Idea |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathtappers-find-sums/id353582286/reviews) | **[3.7 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/main-idea-sentences/id895683482/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **52** | 18 |
| Positive reviews | **83.3% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Joshua Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/292463291) | [Janine Toole](https://appshunter.io/developer/839832427) |

## What reviewers say

### MathTappers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mathtappers-find-sums/id353582286)

This game helps learners master addition and subtraction facts through engaging visual and symbolic models. It offers two modes to support both younger and older learners in building accuracy and speed with basic math concepts.

**Highlights:** Addition and subtraction fact mastery, Visual grid mode for younger learners, Symbolic part-part-whole model, Focus on sense-making and accuracy, Develops fluency and recall speed, Supports understanding of fact families

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Main Idea

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/main-idea-sentences/id895683482)

This app helps children in grades 2-5 develop reading comprehension skills by focusing on identifying the main idea of sentences. It uses a fun, game-like approach with step-by-step learning and rewards to keep kids motivated. Designed by educators, it's suitable for both typical and special needs children.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step skill building, Game-like environment, Frustration-free learning, Reward Center for motivation, Parental review and reporting, Over 600 examples, Designed by teachers and researchers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to 2 Users | $1.99 | one-time |
| Access All Levels | $2.99 | one-time |
| Up to 10 Users | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MathTappers free?

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

### Is Main Idea free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MathTappers or Main Idea?

Main Idea is rated higher. MathTappers averages 3.7 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while Main Idea averages 3.7 from 18 ratings.

### Do MathTappers or Main Idea have ads?

Neither MathTappers nor Main Idea shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MathTappers or Main Idea?

MathTappers ships an update every 18 months, and Main Idea every 3 months. Most recently, MathTappers was updated on November 1, 2026 and Main Idea on November 8, 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.*