# Math Shelf vs Letter Recognition

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Math Shelf at 80% against Letter Recognition's 0%. Math Shelf also leads on price (Free vs $19.99) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 39 months). Letter Recognition's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Math Shelf is free to download; Letter Recognition costs $19.99 up front. Math Shelf sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Letter Recognition asks for nothing beyond the download.

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, Letter Recognition every 39 months. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and June 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Shelf | Letter Recognition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **15** | — |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 39 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 380 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) | [Yellow Door Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/992076525) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Letter Recognition

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-recognition-us/id1204809323)

This educational app helps children recognize letters by matching pairs of letter pebbles. It teaches letter names, sounds, and shapes through a memory game, with customizable settings for different learning levels. Designed to enhance early literacy skills, it offers a focused and engaging learning experience.

**Highlights:** Match uppercase and lowercase letters, Learn letter names and sounds, Customizable game difficulty, Focuses on visual and auditory learning, Supports early writing development, No ads or in-app purchases

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Is Letter Recognition free?

Letter Recognition costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Math Shelf or Letter Recognition have ads?

Neither Math Shelf nor Letter Recognition shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Math Shelf or Letter Recognition?

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, and Letter Recognition every 39 months. Most recently, Math Shelf was updated on July 7, 2026 and Letter Recognition on June 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.*