DoodleMaths is a polished adaptive worksheet with excellent habit-forming streaks. MathCraft is a genuine RPG where maths is invisible. Both align to the UK curriculum, but they take completely different approaches to keeping children engaged.
| Feature | MathCraft | DoodleMaths |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Free (beta) → £4.99 | £7.99 |
| Annual price | TBC | £69.99 |
| Free tier | Yes — free during beta | 7-day trial |
| Age range | 5–14 (Y1–Y9) | 4–14 (EYFS–Y9) |
| Curriculum | UK National / White Rose Maths | Full UK National Curriculum |
| Adaptive engine | ✓ Spaced repetition + mastery tracking | Adaptive algorithm with daily 10-minute drill sessions |
| Platforms | Web (PWA — any device) | Web, iOS, Android, Kindle |
| Offline mode | ✗ No (internet required) | ✓ Yes |
| AI tutoring | ✓ Merlin (Socratic, logged) | ✗ No |
| Parent dashboard | ✓ Curriculum heatmap + AI logs | Parent dashboard with "Doodle Age" tracking, progress reports, and topic breakdown. Weekly summary emails. |
| Ads / dark patterns | ✗ None | ✗ None |
DoodleMaths has genuine strengths that are worth acknowledging:
No app is perfect. These are the most common complaints from parents and reviews:
DoodleMaths is a polished adaptive worksheet. MathCraft is a genuine RPG where maths is invisible. DoodleMaths builds habits through streaks; MathCraft builds engagement through gameplay. Both are UK curriculum-aligned, but MathCraft adds AI tutoring, island building, and companion raising that DoodleMaths doesn't offer.
Families who want consistent daily practice with strong habit-forming mechanics and a clean, no-nonsense interface.
Your child resists anything that feels like homework and needs genuine game engagement. You want UK curriculum alignment, adaptive practice, AI tutoring, and full parent visibility — all in a game they’ll actually ask to play.
DoodleMaths is better if your child responds well to streaks and badges and you want a proven, established app with offline mode. MathCraft is better if your child resists anything that feels like homework and needs genuine game engagement to stay motivated. Both are UK curriculum-aligned and adaptive.
DoodleMaths costs £7.99/month or £69.99/year for one child. MathCraft is free during beta, with a planned price of £4.99/month. DoodleMaths also offers a family plan at £119.99/year for up to 5 children.
Yes, DoodleMaths has a full offline mode — one of its strongest features. MathCraft currently requires an internet connection, though core gameplay is designed to work on slow connections.
MathCraft is specifically designed for children who resist maths practice. The RPG gameplay, companion raising, and island building create intrinsic motivation — your child sees a game, not homework. DoodleMaths is effective but visibly educational, which may not overcome resistance in children with strong negative associations.
Looking at more options? See our Best Alternatives to Mathletics guide.
Step-by-step lessons, worked examples, and adaptive practice — all wrapped in an adventure game your child will love.
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