# Native Numbers vs Math Shelf

The clearest difference is rating: Math Shelf at 4.7 against Native Numbers's 3.7. Math Shelf also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Native Numbers's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Shelf sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Native Numbers asks for nothing beyond the download.

Math Shelf holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 15 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 81% and 80% positive.

Native Numbers ships an update every 2 months, Math Shelf every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Native Numbers | Math Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/native-numbers/id570231808/reviews) | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | **81.0% of reviews** | 80.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 47 MB | 380 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Native Brain, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/570231831) | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) |

## What reviewers say

### Native Numbers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/native-numbers/id570231808)

This app offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to build a strong foundation in number sense for young learners. It features 25 engaging activities that help children understand number representations and relationships through visual and interactive methods.

**Highlights:** Comprehensive number sense curriculum, 25 engaging and sequenced activities, Develops number representations, Teaches number relations, Individualized learning experience, Inspired by research

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Math Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648)

This app provides an experimentally proven program to enhance early mathematics achievement for preschool and kindergarten students. It offers on-level instruction through adaptive learning and placement tests, aligning with Common Core Standards.

**Highlights:** Experimentally proven to increase math achievement, Common Core Aligned content, Adaptive learning and placement tests, Cloud-based syncing for school and home, Free 7-day trial, Supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Access | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Access | $41.99 | per year |
| 1 Students Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1 Student Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | one-time |
| 2 Students Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | one-time |
| 3 Students Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |
| 2 Students Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |
| 3 Students Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | one-time |
| 3 Students Subscription | $9.99 | one-time |
| 4 Students Monthly Subscription | $11.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Native Numbers free?

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

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Native Numbers or Math Shelf?

Math Shelf is rated higher. Native Numbers averages 3.7 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Math Shelf averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do Native Numbers or Math Shelf have ads?

Neither Native Numbers nor Math Shelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Native Numbers or Math Shelf?

Native Numbers ships an update every 2 months, and Math Shelf every 4 months. Most recently, Native Numbers was updated on September 26, 2026 and Math Shelf on September 29, 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.*