TLDR; Boddle has a full curriculum approach to both Math and Reading, whereas Monster Math is much more focussed on Math Fact fluency. Boddle's game is very engaging, but is separate from the math bits, significantly reducing the math time per hour of game play; whereas Monster Math has Math part inside the game play, which increases math time per hour.
Math games are really good way for kids to have fun while learning/practicing Math. Boddle and Monster Math are both fun math games that keep your child engaged while doing Math.
So which one is right for your child?
Overview of Boddle
What is Boddle?
Boddle is a K-6 Math and ELA program that's basically a game, that provides motivation for kids to do the Math.
How does Boddle Motivate Kids?
The primary game loop is pokemon-style battles between "pets" from different kids. This can be done in a single player mode as well as a two player mode where the child can invite random players in the open world.
(note that the child name and other details are not shared, making it somewhat privacy conscious. There's also no in-game messaging between players, which is for the best).
There are other games too that kids can play in between - such as a tower defence variant or other popular game variants with the Boddle universe characters.
How is Math integrated into Boddle?
The math part comes in when they have to earn more resources to continue the battles -
Kids can say "I don't know this yet" which resets the questions to a lower level, making this adaptive in nature. However it can take a few "I don't know this yet" taps to get to the right level.
Monster Math Overview
What is Monster Math?
Monster Math is a research-backed, K-3, Math Fact Fluency program that uses games to help kids visualise and practice Math.
How does Monster Math Motivate Kids?
Monster Math has a puzzle style game play suited for single player fun. Some of the games are platformer style while others are fashioned on other popular mechanics such as bubble shooter.
The game encourages calm thinking and solving, and has intrinsic fun associated with puzzle-solving.
How is Math integrated into Monster Math?
As you can see above, the math bits are part of the game play - every puzzle your child solves is a math problem visually solved. As part of doing these puzzles, they understand how Math works, and build strong Math intuition and number sense - all while having fun!
The main difference between Monster Math and Boddle is that in Monster Math, the Math is embedded in the game mechanics and the game is not just a wrapper around Math questions.
Advantages of Boddle
Boddle has a few advantages over Monster Math:
- Has a larger curriculum coverage, with more grades and two subjects (Math and ELA) covered.
- The game is really fun with lots of variety - Pet battles, different kinds of games (such as tower defense), growing Pets, buying powerups, etc - lots of strategising involved.
- Social elements in the game can make it more engaging. Monster Math lacks social elements by design.
- Available on the web as well as iOS and Android devices.
Disadvantages of Boddle
Boddle has a few important disadvantages:
- The Math and ELA parts are more practice and not learning. This is good for practice or assessments but not for skill building. Similar to IXL or Prodigy.
- The time on task (time spent doing Math vs. time playing Boddle) is very low - less than 20% of the time spent on the game would actually be spent on Math. Rest would be spent navigating the game or playing the game.
- They have committed one cardinal sin in kids game design, which we don't like - having consumable in-app purchases, which are a big no-no for kids games.
Also similar to Prodigy, they have a dark pattern where they commit to free gameplay, but then FOMO nudge kids to upgrade showing them more rewards for paid members -
Advantages of Monster Math
Monster Math has some advantages compared to Boddle.
- More focussed on Math fact fluency, which is a specific (but very important) need to be addressed.
- Much more time on task - 80% of the time spent playing the game would be doing Math.
- There is actual Math learning embedded into it - such as visually understanding how operations work, seeing strategies in action and getting better at Math Fact fluency; all with research-backed pedagogy design.
- No dark patterns - only one simple subscription, no in-app consumables or child FOMO nudges after promising free gameplay.
- Non-competition based gameplay - there are no winners or losers, just a game that progresses as you keep solving.
Disadvantages of Monster Math
There are some disadvantages to Monster Math -
- Doesn't cover anything outside Math Fact Fluency.
- Doesn't cover higher grades or ELA. (though kids who need Math fact fluency remediation can use Monster Math).
- No forever-free usage - there are free sample levels, but once you run through them you have to decide whether you would like to upgrade.
- Currently available for iOS and Android devices (coming soon on Desktop).
Which one to choose for your Child?
If your child loves a pokemon-style battle game, if you are looking mainly for wider range of skills to practice with for your child (not for learning) and maybe assessing where they stand, and you would prefer to have ELA and Math in the same program - then Boddle might be a better fit for you than Monster Math.
Even here, we would recommend Prodigy or SplashLearn, simply because they don't have in-app consumables. Prodigy has a few dark patterns, but is more engaging and fun than Splashlearn which has a much simpler, child-safe business model.
On the other hand, if you are looking for something to specifically help with Number Sense and Math Facts without memorizing them, something that is pedagogically sound, has learning involved, and is designed to keep kids calm and relaxed while playing - you might want to consider Monster Math.
Ready to Try Monster Math?
Start your free trial of Monster Math today and see how game-based learning can transform your child’s confidence and love for math.
Frequently asked Questions
Is Monster Math better than Boddle?
If your child is in grades K–3 and benefits from interactive visuals, and needs a strong foundation in Math Fact Fluency Monster Math is likely the better fit.
If your child just needs practice, prefers battle style gameplays and is ok with worksheet-based practice, Boddle might be the better option. (though Prodigy could be even better).
Can both apps be used together?
Yes. You can use Monster Math to build fluency and engagement, while Boddle focusses on practice and evaluation.
Which app is better for children with ADHD?
Monster Math tends to be more engaging for kids with ADHD due to its puzzle and game-based learning, and visual feedback. It’s less repetitive and more immersive.
Does Monster Math follow a curriculum?
Yes. Monster Math aligns with Common Core and other international standards, covering arithmetic, number sense, and more through progressive levels.
What ages are best for each app?
Monster Math: ages 5–9 (grades K–3). Boddle: ages 5–12 (grades K–6).
