# Math Shelf vs Obradovic Lab AMES

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Obradovic Lab AMES at none against Math Shelf's 10. Obradovic Lab AMES also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Math Shelf's advantage is ratings volume (15 vs 2) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Obradovic Lab AMES 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 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, Obradovic Lab AMES every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and June 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Shelf | Obradovic Lab AMES |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obradovic-lab-ames/id1347960558/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 380 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) | [Stanford University](https://appshunter.io/developer/292922032) |

## 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 |


### Obradovic Lab AMES

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obradovic-lab-ames/id1347960558)

This iPad application is designed for researchers to assess executive functions and delay of gratification in children. It features three distinct tasks and has been validated with children aged 4-12 across multiple countries.

**Highlights:** Executive function assessment, Delay of gratification tasks, Child-focused research tool, Validated with ages 4-12, Cross-cultural testing

**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 Obradovic Lab AMES free?

Obradovic Lab AMES is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Math Shelf or Obradovic Lab AMES?

Obradovic Lab AMES is rated higher. Math Shelf averages 4.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Obradovic Lab AMES averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Math Shelf or Obradovic Lab AMES have ads?

Neither Math Shelf nor Obradovic Lab AMES shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Math Shelf or Obradovic Lab AMES?

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, and Obradovic Lab AMES every 5 months. Most recently, Math Shelf was updated on July 7, 2026 and Obradovic Lab AMES on June 9, 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.*