Comparison

Operation Math Code Squad vs MindLabs STEM

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Operation Math Code Squad

This multiplayer math game challenges up to four players to solve equations and disarm virtual devices against the clock. It features spy-themed missions and cooperative drills designed to make learning math fun and engaging.

Highlights
  • Multiplayer gaming for up to four players
  • Four virtual keypads for multi-touch action
  • 21 missions across three skill levels
  • Select missions by math operation and skill
  • Spy-themed action
  • Time-based cooperative drills
  • Based on U.S. Common Core standards
Features
Read full description

Take the action to a whole new level in the fun, multiplayer math game based on Operation Math. With four virtual keypads, Operation Math Code Squad lets multiple players work together to solve equations and disarm Dr. Odd’s devious devices in a race against the clock. Think fast and score big in the awesome game of tick-tock tech guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your iPad. “With 20 secret agents and only 5 iPads in my classroom, you’d be amazed at the level of engagement and excitement in my classroom! … It’s the best $2.99 I’ve ever forked over for an app.” –– Technology Tailgate "Operation Math Code Squad is one of the best educational math games I've seen on the iPad. It's fast-paced, engaging, and just down right fun." —Apps on Tapp “… a brilliant multiplayer game … Code Squad continues to be the most requested app in our classrooms, kids are just clamouring to play together and win together.” ––Teachers With Apps Features: • Multiplayer gaming that lets you test four different players at once. • Four virtual keypads for fast-paced, multi-touch action. • 21 missions centered on three different skill levels for testing any grade. • The ability to select missions based on math operations and skill level. • All binomial addition / subtraction equations for numbers 1-20. • All binomial multiplication / division equations for numbers 1-12. • Spy-themed action that provides a fun alternative to homework and flashcards. • Time-based play that will test their speed and keep kids engaged with cooperative drills. • Based on U.S. Common Core standards. • No ads or in-app purchases. Awards & Recognition: • Featured in Family Circle Magazine • 12 Best Math Apps of 2012 — Teachers With Apps • Editor's Favorite —AppSmarts.com • Featured in Apple’s Kids Collection The entire collection of Spinlight apps are now part of the Little 10 Robot family. AlphaTots Alphabet, TallyTots Counting, Pixel and Parker, Operation Math, Winky Think Logic Puzzles, Billy’s Coin Visits the Zoo, Gappy Learns Reading, Gappy Learns Writing, Geography Drive USA, Swapsies Jobs, Swapsies Sports, YodelOh Math Mountain and more! Crafted by Little 10 Robot. We believe that smiling is the first step in learning. That’s why we make educational apps loaded with serious fun.

About

MindLabs STEM

This app uses augmented reality to teach children ages 8+ core STEM concepts like energy, motion, and light. It combines digital challenges with physical cards for an interactive and research-based learning experience. Players can collaborate on designs in a creative mode.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality STEM learning
  • Interactive challenges
  • Collaborative CREATE mode
  • Physical card integration
  • Covers energy, motion, light, and more
  • Suitable for ages 8+
Read full description

MindLabs STEM is a magical learning tool for children ages 8 and older that covers STEM topics such as Energy & Circuits; Force & Motion through Simple Machines; Light & Sound and more! MindLabs combines a digital app, physical cards, and augmented reality in a fun, exciting, and research-based approach to learning core science and engineering concepts. Children practice concepts in a carefully sequenced series of interactive challenges. In the collaborative CREATE mode, they can create unlimited designs while playing with teammates in the same or different locations. Designed for one to four players, this open-ended learning experience sparks a child's interest in science, engineering, and the world around them. The MindLabs STEM app is FREE, but you need the physical cards to play! Download and print sample cards to try a quick demo here: www.exploremindlabs.com This product has been supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1913637 and National Institutes of Health Grant No. R43GM134813.

Screenshots

MindLabs STEM4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MindLabs STEM at Free against Operation Math Code Squad's $2.99. MindLabs STEM also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). Operation Math Code Squad's advantage is ratings volume (21 vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

MindLabs STEM is free to download; Operation Math Code Squad costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MindLabs STEM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Operation Math Code Squad has 21 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Operation Math Code Squad ships an update every 6 months, MindLabs STEM every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Operation Math Code Squad versus MindLabs STEM: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOperation Math Code SquadMindLabs STEM
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.2 (21 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews70.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings21 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS8.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB547 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLittle 10 RobotExplore Interactive, Inc.

Customer experience

Operation Math Code Squad

All ratings21 ratings
Positive81.0%
Neutral9.5%
Negative9.5%
Written reviews47 reviews
Positive70.2%
Neutral14.9%
Negative14.9%

MindLabs STEM

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Operation Math Code Squad

No in-app purchases

None

MindLabs STEM

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Operation Math Code Squad free?
Operation Math Code Squad costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MindLabs STEM free?
MindLabs STEM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Operation Math Code Squad or MindLabs STEM?
MindLabs STEM is rated higher. Operation Math Code Squad averages 4.2 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while MindLabs STEM averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Operation Math Code Squad or MindLabs STEM have ads?
Neither Operation Math Code Squad nor MindLabs STEM shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Operation Math Code Squad or MindLabs STEM?
Operation Math Code Squad ships an update every 6 months, and MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Most recently, Operation Math Code Squad was updated on October 7, 2026 and MindLabs STEM on September 30, 2026.

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