# Read Live vs Math Shelf

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Math Shelf at 80% against Read Live's 29%. Math Shelf also leads on ratings volume (15 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). Read Live's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, update cadence 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. Read Live asks for nothing beyond the download.

Read Live holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Shelf has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 29% of Read Live's written reviews are positive against 80% of Math Shelf's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Read Live | Math Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327/reviews)** | [4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 11 MB | 380 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.3 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Read Naturally, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465317542) | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) |

## What reviewers say

### Read Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327)

This app provides a structured, audio-supported system to improve reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension for learners of all ages. It offers access to four distinct curriculum options, including support for Spanish readers, and tracks student progress across devices. A Read Live account is required to use the program.

**Highlights:** Four curriculum options, Audio-supported system, Develops reading fluency, Improves comprehension, Tracks student progress, Spanish reading support

**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 Read Live free?

Read Live 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, Read Live or Math Shelf?

Read Live is rated higher. Read Live averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Math Shelf averages 4.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do Read Live or Math Shelf have ads?

Neither Read Live nor Math Shelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Read Live or Math Shelf?

Read Live ships an update every 4 months, and Math Shelf every 4 months. Most recently, Read Live was updated on November 1, 2026 and Math Shelf on November 1, 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.*