# Math Word Problems vs Phonics Friends

The clearest difference is update cadence: Phonics Friends at monthly against Math Word Problems's every 22 months. Phonics Friends also leads on price ($2.99 vs $6.99). Math Word Problems's advantage is iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Math Word Problems costs $6.99 and Phonics Friends $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Math Word Problems ships an update every 22 months, Phonics Friends monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Math Word Problems | Phonics Friends |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | **[3.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-word-problems-school-ed/id960176739/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 21 MB | 631 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Janine Toole](https://appshunter.io/developer/839832427) | [Teacher Created Materials](https://appshunter.io/developer/437178006) |

## What reviewers say

### Math Word Problems

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-word-problems-school-ed/id960176739)

This app guides children through math word problems step-by-step, starting with basic addition and subtraction. It focuses on building comprehension and confidence through incremental learning and a reward system. Designed for students in grades 2-5, it can be used independently or with adult guidance.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step word problem guidance, Incremental skill development, Frustration-free learning, Reward Center for motivation, Parental review and reporting, Content by professional teachers, Timers for fluency development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Phonics Friends

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonics-friends/id6477941911)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Math Word Problems free?

Math Word Problems costs $6.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Phonics Friends free?

Phonics Friends costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Math Word Problems or Phonics Friends have ads?

Neither Math Word Problems nor Phonics Friends shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Math Word Problems or Phonics Friends?

Math Word Problems ships an update every 22 months, and Phonics Friends monthly. Most recently, Math Word Problems was updated on June 3, 2026 and Phonics Friends on September 23, 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.*