A short, honest comparison of the maths apps UK parents ask about most. Only one is free without a school subscription.
Quick answer
If you want free, UK-curriculum and ad-free, MathStar is the only option. If your child's school already uses TT Rockstars or Numbots, keep those — they work well. For everything else, read the app-by-app breakdown below.
| App | Price | Curriculum | Ages | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MathStar | Free | UK | 4–11 | No ads |
| TT Rockstars | School only | UK | 7–11 | No ads |
| Numbots | School only | UK | 4–7 | No ads |
| Sumdog | Freemium | UK | 5–14 | Limited |
| Prodigy | Freemium | US (UK toggle) | 6–12 | Upsells in-app |
MathStar is the only fully-free UK-curriculum maths app for Reception to Year 6. TT Rockstars, Numbots and most others require a school subscription.
No. TT Rockstars is sold to schools; parents cannot subscribe individually. If your child's school doesn't have it, you can't buy access.
Prodigy defaults to the US curriculum. It can be re-set to UK, but topic ordering and terminology (like 'grade' vs 'year') don't fully match.
MathStar has no chat, no messaging, no public profiles, and no third-party ads. Always check individual privacy policies for other apps.
MathStar and TT Rockstars both use the 6-second random-recall format the Multiplication Tables Check uses. Numbots does not — it focuses on addition and number bonds.
Best maths apps ranked
Ten apps UK parents ask about, ranked honestly.
Free maths apps
The best maths apps that are actually free — no school subscription needed.
Alternatives to TT Rockstars
School doesn't have TTRS? Here's what parents can actually use.
MathStar vs TT Rockstars
Honest side-by-side comparison.
MathStar vs Numbots
Times tables vs number bonds — which does your child need?
MathStar vs Sumdog
Coverage, pricing and safety compared.
MathStar vs Prodigy
UK curriculum vs US curriculum — which fits your child?
MathStar vs DoodleMaths
Free vs subscription, and which adapts better.
MathStar vs Komodo
Little-and-often, with or without a subscription.
MathStar vs White Rose
A teaching scheme and a practice app — how they fit together.
MathStar vs Hit the Button
Warm-up game vs full learning programme.
MathStar is free on the App Store. Reception to Year 6. No ads, no chat, no data sold.
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