MathGate vs EarnTime
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
MathGate
Read full descriptionHide full description
Lock the apps your kids love until the math is done. MathGate puts Apple's Screen Time shield over the apps you choose. Your child solves a short streak of math problems to earn a timed unlock, then the lock comes back on its own. One purchase, no subscription, no account, nothing to manage after setup. WHY PARENTS PICK MATHGATE ⢠Set it once and forget it. The shield re-locks automatically when earned time runs out. ⢠Pay $4.99 one time for Lifetime Unlock. No monthly fees, ever. Family Sharing supported. ⢠No account, no sign-in, no data leaves the device. ⢠Built on Apple's Screen Time technology, so the lock holds even if MathGate is closed or force quit. ⢠No nagging and no timers to police. Screen time has to be earned. REAL MATH PRACTICE, A FEW MINUTES AT A TIME ⢠Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division ⢠Times tables, math facts, and mental math ⢠Difficulty by grade level, from early elementary through middle school ⢠Every unlock is a mini practice session, so idle screen time turns into daily review HOW IT WORKS 1. Create a parent PIN and pick the apps or categories to lock 2. Choose the problem types, difficulty, and how many correct answers in a row it takes 3. Your child solves the streak and earns a set amount of screen time 4. When time is up the shield returns and the next unlock takes another round of math FREE AND LIFETIME The free version locks up to 3 apps with every problem type and difficulty, so you can try the full loop before you buy. Lifetime Unlock is a single $4.99 purchase that opens unlimited apps, whole categories and Block Everything, for every device in your family. A screen time app blocker and a math tutor in one. Works on iPhone and iPad. Requires Screen Time to be enabled on the child's device.
EarnTime
Read full descriptionHide full description
Make learning a small, positive part of your screen-time routine. EarnTime combines short math, logic, and English challenges with optional time in selected apps. Use it for yourself without an EarnTime account, or set up a routine for your family. START FOR YOURSELF Choose Start for Myself to practice immediately. An EarnTime account and Family Sharing are not required for personal use. You can optionally authorize Apple Screen Time on your device and choose apps to limit. Personal app limits can be turned off from EarnTime. VARIED, OFFLINE PRACTICE Questions include arithmetic, patterns, logic, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar across grade and difficulty levels. Questions and answer choices are randomized. Incorrect answers keep you on the question with helpful feedback and Try Again. Practice works offline, builds learning progress, and does not award screen-time minutes. LEARN, THEN EARN Once app limits are configured, tap Earn minutes on your EarnTime home screen and complete a challenge. Each new reward starts one countdown for all selected apps, so you can switch between them. The countdown continues when you leave EarnTime or put your phone down. Earlier device usage does not reduce a new reward. Daily limits, cooldowns, and quiet hours still apply. Optional ending sounds depend on iOS notification, Silent mode, and Focus settings. SEE YOUR PROGRESS See correct answers for today, yesterday, and all time, plus a seven-day chart and daily learning history. Build a learning streak, earn XP, and reach new levels. Levels do not change your screen-time limits. Learning history is saved on this device; deleting the app or changing devices can remove local history. SET UP YOUR FAMILY Guardians sign in with Apple and pair a child's device using a QR code or manual code. Children do not need an EarnTime email or password. Child Screen Time authorization requires the child's own Apple Account in the guardian's Apple Family Sharing group. Do not share an Apple Account or password. KEEP CONTROL Adjust the learning routine and app limits. Selected app information stays on the device. Guardian account deletion is available under Account. EarnTime is free, with no advertising, social feed, or in-app purchases. Requires iOS or iPadOS 26.5 or later. EarnTime manages only its own app restrictions; separate Apple Screen Time limits or restrictions from another app may still apply. Questions or feedback: support@imprvhealth.com
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: EarnTime at none against MathGate's 1. MathGate's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.5). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. MathGate sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. EarnTime asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | MathGate | EarnTime |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | ā |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No ā better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 ā better | 26.5 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 4 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Eric Fortuna | ImprvHealth |
In-app purchases
MathGate
- Lifetime Unlock$4.99
EarnTime
No in-app purchases









