# Number Sum vs Alpha

Number Sum and Alpha both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Alpha's written reviews are positive against 21% of Number Sum's. Alpha also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Number Sum's advantage is ratings volume (2.3K vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.5 vs 26.6). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Number Sum sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Alpha sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Number Sum against 4.7 for Alpha. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Number Sum has 2.3K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 21% of Number Sum's written reviews are positive against 100% of Alpha's.

Number Sum ships an update fortnightly, Alpha every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Number Sum | Alpha |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (2.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-sum-math-puzzle-game/id6465898279/reviews) | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alpha-blitz/id6796029002/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.3K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 21.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 270 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.5** | 26.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Microjoy Games Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1563212132) | [Frank Marano](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796029004) |

## What reviewers say

### Number Sum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-sum-math-puzzle-game/id6465898279)

This logic puzzle game challenges your arithmetic and problem-solving skills. It features a simple interface where you adjust numbers to make rows and columns sum correctly. With adjustable difficulty and no time limits, it offers hours of engaging brain training.

**Highlights:** Logic and math skill challenge, Adjustable number grids (3x3 to 8x8), Toggle between correct/delete modes, Hints available for assistance, No time limits for gameplay, Minimalistic and simple design

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beginner Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Big Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $5.99 | one-time |
| Super Pack | $6.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- ⭐ Fun and engaging gameplay
- 💡 Helps improve math skills

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Inconsistent difficulty levels
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔍 Lack of challenge in later levels
- 🔍 Repetitive ads even after paid removal

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes or freezes
- Ads not removed after purchase

**Requested features**

- Ability to choose difficulty level
- More advanced gameplay modes
- Improved ad-free experience


### Alpha

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alpha-blitz/id6796029002)

Test your vocabulary and quick thinking in a fast-paced, 60-second word game. Race against the clock to type as many words as possible, or challenge friends in various game modes. Expand your word knowledge with themed packs and track your progress with lifetime stats.

**Highlights:** 60-second word rush gameplay, Multiple game modes (Conquest, Classic, Challenge, Chain Reaction, Combo Blitz), Themed and custom word packs, Lifetime stats and insights tracking, Cross-device play (iPhone, iPad, Mac), Multiplayer and Game Center integration, Accessibility options (Dark Mode, Text Zoom, High Contrast)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, SharePlay

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Instant Replay | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Challenge Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Chain Reaction Mode | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Number Sum free?

Number Sum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Alpha free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Number Sum or Alpha?

Alpha is rated higher. Number Sum averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.3K ratings, while Alpha averages 4.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Number Sum or Alpha have ads?

Number Sum shows ads; Alpha does not.

### Which is updated more often, Number Sum or Alpha?

Number Sum ships an update fortnightly, and Alpha every 4 weeks. Most recently, Number Sum was updated on November 3, 2026 and Alpha on October 25, 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.*