# Missing Numbers vs Phonics Hero

The clearest difference is price: Phonics Hero at Free against Missing Numbers's $1.99. Phonics Hero also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 38 months). Missing Numbers's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 65%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Phonics Hero is free to download; Missing Numbers costs $1.99 up front. Phonics Hero sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $6.00 per month. Missing Numbers asks for nothing beyond the download.

Phonics Hero holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 9 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of Missing Numbers's written reviews are positive against 65% of Phonics Hero's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Missing Numbers ships an update every 38 months, Phonics Hero every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Missing Numbers | Phonics Hero |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/missing-numbers/id558503715/reviews) | **[4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonics-hero-learn-to-read/id908692848/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 64.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 38 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 28 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Aleesha Kondys](https://appshunter.io/developer/478569400) | [Phonics Hero Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037936559) |

## What reviewers say

### Missing Numbers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/missing-numbers/id558503715)

This app helps young students develop problem-solving skills through engaging addition and subtraction activities. It encourages mathematical talk and metacognition by guiding students through various counting and strategy-based problem-solving methods.

**Highlights:** Problem-solving skills development, Addition and subtraction focus, Counting and partitioning strategies, Scaffolding with visible/hidden objects, Four distinct activity types, Encourages mathematical talk

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Phonics Hero

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonics-hero-learn-to-read/id908692848)

This app uses fun, science-backed phonics games to help children aged 4-7 learn to read and spell. It offers a superhero-themed adventure with over 850 unique games, progressing from letter sounds to full sentences. Parents and educators can track progress through a website.

**Highlights:** Fun-filled phonics games, Science-backed learning approach, Superhero mission adventure, Step-by-step reading progression, Personalized placement test, Over 850 unique games, Progress reports

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Phonics Hero | $6.00 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Missing Numbers free?

Missing Numbers costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Phonics Hero free?

Phonics Hero is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Missing Numbers or Phonics Hero?

Phonics Hero is rated higher. Missing Numbers averages 3.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Phonics Hero averages 4.6 from 9 ratings.

### Do Missing Numbers or Phonics Hero have ads?

Neither Missing Numbers nor Phonics Hero shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Missing Numbers or Phonics Hero?

Missing Numbers ships an update every 38 months, and Phonics Hero every 4 weeks. Most recently, Missing Numbers was updated on October 4, 2026 and Phonics Hero 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.*