# Math Shelf vs Math Kids

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Math Kids at none against Math Shelf's 10. Math Kids also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (10K vs 15). Math Shelf's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Shelf sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Math Kids asks for nothing beyond the download.

Math Shelf holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Kids has 10K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Math Shelf's written reviews are positive against 83% of Math Kids's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, Math Kids fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Shelf | Math Kids |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews)** | [4.5 (10K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-kids-addsubtractcount/id1272098657/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **10K** |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **83.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 380 MB | 372 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) | [RV AppStudios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/340181308) |

## 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 |


### Math Kids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-kids-addsubtractcount/id1272098657)

This app introduces young children to fundamental math concepts like counting, addition, and subtraction through engaging mini-games. It helps develop logical skills and provides a strong educational foundation for early learners.

**Highlights:** Counting objects, Comparing numbers, Addition puzzles, Subtraction puzzles, Number identification, Progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use
- 💡 Variety of math exercises
- 🎉 Rewarding system with certificates and stickers
- 🆓 Free and ad-free app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional freezing or crashing issues
- 🌐 Lack of language options (Russian not working)
- 🤔 Some users find the content too easy

**Reported bugs**

- Russian language not loading properly
- Drag and drop functionality not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced math levels
- Provide ability to adjust difficulty settings
- Introduce new game modes or themes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Is Math Kids free?

Math Kids is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Math Shelf is rated higher. Math Shelf averages 4.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Math Kids averages 4.5 from 10K ratings.

### Do Math Shelf or Math Kids have ads?

Neither Math Shelf nor Math Kids shows ads.

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

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, and Math Kids fortnightly. Most recently, Math Shelf was updated on October 15, 2026 and Math Kids 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.*