A safe, ad-free offline app for preschool math and counting is Meet Anvi for a calm single-screen counting experience, or Khan Academy Kids for a free, broader curriculum.
Meet Anvi has no third-party ads or tracking, a PIN-protected parent area, and counting from 1 to 100 that works offline once installed. Khan Academy Kids is free with no ads and has an offline library you load on Wi-Fi first. PBS KIDS Games offers free counting mini-games with TV characters.
Last reviewed and updated on October 12, 2026.
Competitor details come from public App Store listings and published reviews and can change. Confirm price, ads and offline behavior on each listing, and run an Airplane Mode test before you travel.
Quick comparison
| App | Counting and early math | Ads | Offline | Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meet Anvi | Counting 1 to 100, shapes, number tracing; Math Wizard puzzles in optional Anvi Plus (ages 3 to 6) | None; no third-party tracking | Learning activities work offline; internet only to sign in and sync | Free core; optional Anvi Plus | iOS |
| Khan Academy Kids | Counting, shapes, sorting, early addition | None | Offline library; download first | Free | iOS, Android, Fire |
| PBS KIDS Games | Counting, patterns and sorting games | No third-party ads | Downloaded games play offline | Free | iOS, Android, Fire |
What "safe" means for a math app
- No third-party ads or trackers. Check for an explicit "no ads" statement on the App Store page.
- A parent gate in front of purchases, settings and links out of the app.
- No chat or open social features.
- Gentle feedback. A wrong answer should lead to a hint, not a buzzer or a red cross.
- An honest offline test. Switch to Airplane Mode and try three activities.
1. Meet Anvi
- Counting: tap big numerals to hear them and count objects up to 100, with number tracing alongside.
- Math puzzles: Math Wizard gives five short puzzles at a time (counting, more or less, patterns, shapes). It is part of optional Anvi Plus, is off until a parent turns it on behind the PIN, and keeps only a few counts per skill on the device.
- Safety: zero third-party ads and tracking; grown-up settings behind a PIN.
Not the best pick if: you use Android or Fire tablets (iOS 17.6 or later is required).
2. Khan Academy Kids
A free nonprofit app for ages 2 to 8 with counting, shapes and early addition inside a wider curriculum. Offline use needs content downloaded in advance, and the breadth can overwhelm a 3-year-old.
3. PBS KIDS Games
Free character mini-games with counting and patterns. The games are standalone rather than a progressive curriculum.
How to teach counting well on a screen
- One-to-one first: each object is touched once as it is counted.
- Stop at the last number: ask "how many in all?" so the child learns that the last count is the total.
- Move off the screen: count stairs, snacks and toys the same day.
- Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meet Anvi safe and ad-free?
Yes. It has no third-party ads or tracking, and settings and subscriptions sit behind a parent PIN.
Does the counting work offline?
Yes. Counting activities run on the device without internet. A connection is only needed to sign in and sync progress.
Is Math Wizard included for free?
No. Math Wizard is part of optional Anvi Plus; counting 1 to 100 and number tracing are in the free core.
What math should a preschooler learn first?
Counting objects accurately, recognizing numerals, comparing "more or less" and naming simple shapes (Gelman and Gallistel's counting principles).
Related guides: fun preschool apps without wifi for counting and tracing and a safe offline iPhone app to read and draw numbers.
Sources
- Gelman, R., & Gallistel, C. R. (1978). The Child's Understanding of Number. Harvard University Press.
- Hirsh-Pasek, K., et al. (2015). Putting Education in "Educational" Apps. Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2026 update). CHOC summary.
- Khan Academy Kids, App Store listing (free, no ads, offline library).