Comparison

Number Line, by MLC vs Osmo Math Buzz

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Number Line, by MLC

This app allows students to visualize number sequences and demonstrate mathematical strategies. It supports various number types and offers tools for annotation, problem-solving, and sharing work. Ideal for elementary classrooms and iPad learning environments.

Highlights
  • Visualize number sequences
  • Demonstrate counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing
  • Use whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or negative numbers
  • Add custom tick marks and labels
  • Hide and reveal numbers and jumps
  • Annotation and drawing tools
  • Save and share work
Features
Read full description

Number Line helps students visualize number sequences and demonstrate strategies for counting, comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Choose number lines labelled with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, or negative numbers. Or use a blank number line, with or without tick marks. Describe intervals between points on the line using forward or backward jumps above and below the line. Jumps can be labelled with their values or left blank. Add custom tick marks to the number line to show equivalence or compare number values. Show strategies with drawing and annotation tools. Hide elements of the sequence shown on the number line, which challenges students to use what they know about number relationships and computation to identify those missing elements. This virtual number line is an open-ended educational tool, ideal for elementary classrooms and other learning environments that use iPads. For more Number Line resources and other apps, visit: www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps FEATURES • Mark the number line with multiples of whole numbers, fractions, or decimals. In addition, set the starting value of the line, including using negative values. • Add and manipulate forward and backward jumps, above or below the line. • Label jump bars, manually or automatically, to show intervals or hide labels altogether. • Add custom tick marks and values to blank number lines. • Hide and reveal numbers on the number line. • Hide and reveal jumps, numbers, and other elements with resizable covers to create your own problems and model strategies. • Use the drawing tools to annotate work and show understanding. • Add equations, expressions, and descriptions with the math text and writing tools. • Share your work by saving an image or providing a share code to others. MORE APPS For more Number Line resources and other apps, visit: www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps LEARN MORE To learn about Bridges in Mathematics, an elementary curriculum that employs visual models like number line, visit: www.mathlearningcenter.org/bridges/overview ABOUT US This resource is brought to you by The Math Learning Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to K-12 education since 1976. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This app was crafted by Clarity Innovations. We help improve teaching and learning by creating solutions that match promising technologies with the needs of education. Visit us: www.clarity-innovations.com

About

Osmo Math Buzz

Engage in collaborative math practice with up to four players, solving equations to overcome challenges and collect rewards. Designed for children aged 6-10, this app transforms screen time into hands-on learning through interactive play.

Highlights
  • Team-based math practice
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication
  • Collaborative play
  • Hands-on learning system
  • Ages 6-10
  • Tangible play with digital learning
Read full description

With your team of up to 4 players, solve math equations to get past unfriendly bugs and collect all of the honey in the garden. TEAM UP TO PRACTICE YOUR MATH SKILLS Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and teamwork with a friend! EXPLORE CORE LEARNING SUBJECTS THROUGH PLAY Designed for children ages 6-10 to build skills through fun collaborative play. TURN SCREEN TIME INTO LEARNING TIME Osmo’s unique technology transforms your tablet into a hands-on learning system! *Play your favourite Osmo Math Buzz on both iPhone and iPad! Use your iPhone with the Osmo Base for iPad and Numbers tiles - each can be found at playosmo.com. * Please see our device compatibility list here: https://support.playosmo.com/hc/articles/115010156067 *Requires the Osmo Base for iPad and Numbers tiles. Each sold separately or as part of Osmo Genius Starter Kit. Learn more by visiting www.playosmo.com. ABOUT OSMO -- 21ST CENTURY PLAY AND LEARNING Osmo combines healthy screen time and tangible play to make learning engaging and fun. Every Osmo game uses physical action and reflective artificial intelligence technology for digital learning in the real world. Help your child become more confident, thoughtful, and creative with Osmo.

Screenshots

Osmo Math Buzz4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Number Line, by MLC at 67% against Osmo Math Buzz's 13%. Number Line, by MLC also leads on rating (4.4 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Osmo Math Buzz's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (143 vs 15). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Osmo Math Buzz sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Number Line, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Number Line, by MLC holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Osmo Math Buzz has 143 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Number Line, by MLC's written reviews are positive against 13% of Osmo Math Buzz's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Number Line, by MLC ships an update every 13 months, Osmo Math Buzz every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Number Line, by MLC versus Osmo Math Buzz: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNumber Line, by MLCOsmo Math Buzz
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (15 ratings) — better3.0 (143 ratings)
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better13.3% of reviews
Number of ratings15143 — better
Update frequencyEvery 13 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB264 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Math Learning CenterTangible Play

Customer experience

Number Line, by MLC

All ratings15 ratings
Positive86.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative13.3%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

Osmo Math Buzz

All ratings143 ratings
Positive45.5%
Neutral11.9%
Negative42.7%
Written reviews45 reviews
Positive13.3%
Neutral13.3%
Negative73.3%

Bugs and requests

Number Line, by MLC

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Osmo Math Buzz

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • App freezes on Osmo logo
  • App does not load
  • App crashes during gameplay
  • Lost progress after crashes
  • Login issues and purchase restoration problems
Show 5 more
  • Reader not recognizing tiles
  • Screen freezes after selecting base
  • App not loading past white Osmo screen
  • Progress data disappeared
  • IAP unlock button not working

Requested features

8 requests
  • Fix the app loading issue
  • Improve app stability
  • Make the game more engaging
  • Provide clearer instructions
  • Ensure progress is saved
Show 3 more
  • Make trial cancellation easier
  • Address wasp behavior randomness
  • Update app for current devices

In-app purchases

None

Number Line, by MLC

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Osmo Math Buzz

One-time2
  • 3-day trial of Math BuzzFree
  • Unlock Math Buzz$24.99

Questions

Is Number Line, by MLC free?
Number Line, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Osmo Math Buzz free?
Osmo Math Buzz is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Number Line, by MLC or Osmo Math Buzz?
Number Line, by MLC is rated higher. Number Line, by MLC averages 4.4 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Osmo Math Buzz averages 3.0 from 143 ratings.
Do Number Line, by MLC or Osmo Math Buzz have ads?
Neither Number Line, by MLC nor Osmo Math Buzz shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Number Line, by MLC or Osmo Math Buzz?
Number Line, by MLC ships an update every 13 months, and Osmo Math Buzz every 2 months. Most recently, Number Line, by MLC was updated on October 9, 2026 and Osmo Math Buzz on October 27, 2026.

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