# Math Shelf vs Montessori Math

The clearest difference is rating: Math Shelf at 4.7 against Montessori Math's 3.5. Math Shelf also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 50%). On price, ratings volume, 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 and Montessori Math sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Math Shelf holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Math Shelf's written reviews are positive against 50% of Montessori Math's.

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, Montessori Math every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Shelf | Montessori Math |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews)** | [3.5 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-math/id1528038775/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 380 MB | 385 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) | [Rantek Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/319592818) |

## 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 |


### Montessori Math

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/montessori-math/id1528038775)

This app teaches math concepts for children aged 3 and up, from basic preschool skills to arithmetic. It features interactive activities like the Hundred Board and Fractions, designed with Montessori principles. Audio and graphics support non-readers.

**Highlights:** Interactive math activities, Montessori-inspired learning, Covers preschool to arithmetic, Audio and visual support, Self-correcting activities, Progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Montessori Math Monthly Sub. | $3.99 | per month |
| Montessori Math Yearly Sub. | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Is Montessori Math free?

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

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

Math Shelf is rated higher. Math Shelf averages 4.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Montessori Math averages 3.5 from 6 ratings.

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

Neither Math Shelf nor Montessori Math shows ads.

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

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, and Montessori Math every 3 months. Most recently, Math Shelf was updated on October 15, 2026 and Montessori Math on October 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.*