# SplashLearn vs Math Shelf

The clearest difference is update cadence: SplashLearn at every 9 days against Math Shelf's every 4 months. SplashLearn also leads on ratings volume (32K vs 15) and chart position (#73 vs unranked). Math Shelf's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SplashLearn sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and Math Shelf sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Math Shelf holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SplashLearn has 32K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of SplashLearn's written reviews are positive against 80% of Math Shelf's.

SplashLearn ships an update every 9 days, Math Shelf every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and July 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SplashLearn | Math Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashlearn-kids-learning-app/id672658828/reviews) | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **32K** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 74.6% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#73** | — |
| Size | 493 MB | 380 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [StudyPad, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/432105528) | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) |

## What reviewers say

### SplashLearn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashlearn-kids-learning-app/id672658828)

**Currently charting:** #73 Top Grossing · Education, #166 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

This app offers curriculum-aligned math and reading lessons for children aged 2-11 through interactive games, books, and activities. It adapts to each child's learning level, providing personalized support and challenges to build foundational skills and confidence.

**Highlights:** Curriculum-aligned math and reading lessons, Interactive learning games and activities, Personalized learning paths, Progress tracking for parents, 4000+ games, books, and challenges, Safe, ad-free environment

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SplashLearn Membership Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| SplashLearn Membership Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| SplashLearn Membership Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| SplashLearn Membership Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| SplashLearn Solo - Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| SplashLearn Membership 3-Month | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| SplashLearn Membership Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| SplashLearn Solo - Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| SplashLearn Membership Yearly | $89.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging learning experience
- 💡 Effective for reinforcing math and reading skills
- 🚀 Constant updates and progress reports
- 👍 Motivating reward system with coins and achievements
- 💡 Personalized learning paths and curriculum

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Technical issues like crashes, freezing, and loading problems
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Difficulty canceling subscription
- 🤔 Limited free access, forces paid subscription
- 🤔 Repetitive content and lack of variety in some areas

**Reported bugs**

- Progress not saving properly
- Incorrect answers being marked as correct
- Profiles not working or logging out unexpectedly

**Requested features**

- More advanced content for higher grade levels
- Option to turn off answers and allow more time for students
- Improved sync between app and web versions
- Better customer support and responsiveness


### 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 SplashLearn free?

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

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SplashLearn or Math Shelf?

Math Shelf is rated higher. SplashLearn averages 4.5 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while Math Shelf averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do SplashLearn or Math Shelf have ads?

Neither SplashLearn nor Math Shelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SplashLearn or Math Shelf?

SplashLearn ships an update every 9 days, and Math Shelf every 4 months. Most recently, SplashLearn was updated on September 24, 2026 and Math Shelf on July 7, 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.*