# Math Shelf vs Math Games for Kids

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Math Games for Kids at 3.2K against Math Shelf's 15. Math Games for Kids also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months). Math Shelf's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and review sentiment (80% vs 62%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Math Shelf sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Math Games for Kids sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Math Shelf holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Math Games for Kids has 3.2K ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Math Shelf's written reviews are positive against 62% of Math Games for Kids's.

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, Math Games for Kids every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Shelf | Math Games for Kids |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-shelf-early-math-mastery/id940278648/reviews)** | [4.4 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-games-for-kids-learning/id1609226786/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **3.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 62.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 380 MB | 293 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Schacter](https://appshunter.io/developer/940278647) | [MATH GAMES FOR TODDLERS AND KIDS, MChJ](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720700788) |

## 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 Games for Kids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-games-for-kids-learning/id1609226786)

Engage young learners with interactive math games covering numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, and more. Designed by teachers, this app offers personalized lessons and progress tracking to build confidence and academic success from pre-K to 2nd grade.

**Highlights:** Numbers & Counting, Addition & Subtraction, Introduction to Multiplication, Telling Time, Place Value, Money & Measurement, Shapes & Geometry

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fun Math for Kids: Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Fun Math for Kids: Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Fun Math for Kids: Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Fun Math for Kids: Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Fun Math for Kids: Weekly | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Fun Math for Kids: Monthly | $15.99 | per month |
| Fun Math for Kids: Monthly | $15.99 | per month |
| Fun Math for Kids: 3 Months | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Fun Math for Kids: 3 Months | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| Fun Math for Kids: Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Fun Math for Kids: Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Fun Math for Kids: Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Fun Math for Kids: Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Fun Math for Kids: Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Fun Math for Kids: Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great educational game
- 💡 Helps children learn math
- 🚀 No ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free version
- ⏱️ Automatic answer feature can hinder learning

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- Option to disable automatic answers
- More free activities


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Shelf free?

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

### Is Math Games for Kids free?

Math Games for Kids is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

Math Shelf is rated higher. Math Shelf averages 4.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Math Games for Kids averages 4.4 from 3.2K ratings.

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

Neither Math Shelf nor Math Games for Kids shows ads.

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

Math Shelf ships an update every 4 months, and Math Games for Kids every 4 weeks. Most recently, Math Shelf was updated on July 7, 2026 and Math Games for Kids on September 26, 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.*