# Hands-On Equations Level 1 — user reviews > 102 indexed App Store user reviews of Hands by Hands On Equations, rated 4.50/5 from 102 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 82 · 4★ 7 · 3★ 3 · 2★ 3 · 1★ 7 ## What do users think of Hands? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🎓 Effective hands-on visual learning method for algebra concepts - 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface - 🎯 Clear, well-paced progression through lessons - 💡 Innovative balance scale approach makes abstract concepts concrete - 🎬 Helpful instructional video tutorials included - 😊 Makes algebra fun and engaging for all ages - ⭐ Builds confidence in struggling math learners - 🔄 Self-paced learning allows individual progress - ✅ Auto-check feature helps identify errors quickly - 💰 Affordable pricing compared to other educational apps - 🎮 Gamified approach without distracting elements - 👨‍🏫 Calm, clear teaching style from instructor **Cons** - 🎬 Video playback issues (no sound or won't play) - 🐛 App crashes on certain iOS versions - 📺 Poor video quality in some lessons - 🎨 UI glitch with pieces displaying below scale - ⏱️ Limited content - lessons complete too quickly - 🔄 Video loops preventing progress to exercises - 🎯 Requires watching videos to progress (not optional) - 🔐 Security concerns reported by some users - 👤 Generic male icon doesn't represent all users - ⚙️ Number wheel difficult to control precisely **Commonly reported bugs** - Video audio not working despite system audio functioning - Videos won't play or load - App crashes on iOS 9 and later versions - App crashes when entering answers - Video lesson loops infinitely blocking progress - UI elements (pieces) display in wrong location - Number wheel difficult to control and stop on correct value - Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions - Interface not intuitive for answer entry **Most requested features** - More advanced levels and lessons beyond current content - Text-based teaching materials as alternative to videos - Ability to input custom equations - Audio sound effects for user interactions - Scales that visually move to show equation imbalance - Continuation app for more complex algebra - Diverse user profile icons - Faster auto-check functionality - Offline functionality - Support for additional math subjects ## Newest reviews (15 of 102) ### 5/5 — Nice and easy *2019-02-02* I’m 60 years old and have thought I was math dumb my whole life. Thank you for the non-stressful lessons. I can’t wait to learn more. ### 5/5 — Great *2018-12-08, version 3.9.8* Forget about school this app makes it much easier to understand algebra..great ### 3/5 — Glitch with Picture *2018-11-14* I never buy Apps but I really liked the free version of this one so I decided to pay for this 1st group of lessons. I’m hoping it’s a temporary problem, but the pieces that are supposed to be on the scale show up below it and they get in the way of other buttons. I hope this gets fixed otherwise I really like the method used to teach algebra in a different way. It is very helpful. **Developer response:** Please download the latest version 4.0.6. You should no longer be experiencing this problem. If you do, please send us a screenshot and let us what device you are using and the version of the operating system ### 5/5 — 8yo found this app fun *2018-07-27* My 8yo found this on my phone. I downloaded it for his older sister who never used it. He loved it. The concepts are introduced so well and clearly that he understood each video and proceeded to do every lesson independently. I did make him work out some equations out on paper after completing the app. When working out on paper, he did draw a scale for himself and used smiley faces instead of pawns. I’m confident that he understands the concepts and will be able to move on to solving without “drawing” with some more on paper practice. Level 1 was completed over 2days because he kept asking to do more. We have purchased Level 2. I would love to see more apps. **Developer response:** Thank you for your in-depth comments. It appears that your 8 year-old is on his way to solving these mentally. Thank you! ### 5/5 — Easy *2018-04-05* I got this for my job and I’m getting a grasp on algebra **Developer response:** Glad to hear it! ### 5/5 — School Systems Should Use This!!!! *2018-01-18* I’m 30 years old studying for an job requirement exam and this is by far the best way to learn Algebra. I’ve struggled with Math my whole life and if I had this app in High School it would have made a world of difference. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! **Developer response:** Thank you for your comment. Very glad to hear it! ### 5/5 — Great tool for people who aren’t good at algebra! *2018-01-17* I have struggled with algebra since it was first introduced to me in 9th grade. I’ve always been bad at it. I’ve never understood the concept they taught us in school. I always failed every test. All I have to say is Thank god for this unique and easy way of learning algebra I am struggling no more. It’s fun it makes me excited for math instead of dread it. Download it guys you will not regret it. **Developer response:** Thanks for providing this in-depth review. Glad this approach has made the concepts clear! ### 5/5 — Whaaaaat! Learning Algebra at 70? Yes! *2017-09-14* I love this app. I am having so much fun! I have tried several times to learn algebra. Couldn't do it until I tried this app. I am going to continue with the rest of the apps associated with this learning tool. Thank you so much developing this app! **Developer response:** Glad you like the app and has helped you so much, even at 70! ### 5/5 — Great algebra app *2017-07-24* This app helped me so much I've spent money just to keep learning. Now I can look at math problems and not get scared 😳. **Developer response:** Wonderful to hear! ### 5/5 — More Lessons! Great app! *2017-07-18* I love this app. I love the tutorials at the beginning. It really helps to understand how to solve the equations. It makes it so easy to learn. Please continue to update and create more lessons. **Developer response:** Glad you love the app. We have Hands-On Equations 2 also available to take you further. ### 5/5 — My review *2017-06-03* This app is awesome for kids that are struggling in algebra. I breaks down all of the steps for you to become better at algebra. I would definitely suggest this app kids that are struggling in algebra. **Developer response:** Thanks for your review. The visual is a big help for those struggling kids! ### 5/5 — Maddox *2017-05-31, version 3.9.5* This app taught how to do algebra mentally in my head and I'm in third grade🤗😀😃😆👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😂❤️❤️❤️❤️ ### 5/5 — Excellent *2017-05-24, version 3.9.5* Very helpful ### 5/5 — Awesome App *2017-03-19* I'm an adult and was always intimidated by algebra. This app proved me wrong. ### 5/5 — Taught me math *2017-02-05* This app taught algebra so easily that I was answering every question correctly 😍👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💓🆒 ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Video won’t play *2020-10-07, version 4.0.4* I downloaded the app, but the video lesson won’t play. ### 1/5 — Can’t use *2019-12-01, version 4.0.3* Video lesson loops and won’t allow me to do exercises until I’ve seen the tutorial video (I’ve watched it 5 times, still doesn’t work) ### 1/5 — Videos *2019-11-05, version 4.0.2* I can’t get the videos to play. Otherwise the problem solving approach is unique and a great way to learn to solve equations. ### 1/5 — It has a bad side my iPad nearly got hacked from this read this review *2018-09-17, version 3.9.7* Danger I nearly got hacked and it gave away personal info ### 1/5 — Very dated approach. *2016-05-04, version 3.9.3* Well intentioned, but not well executed. ### 1/5 — Nearly the same as lite *2014-02-04* Therefore a rip-off. Avoid Lessons are good but you may as well use the lite and that's it. Avoid ### 1/5 — not worth the money - AVOID!! *2013-12-10* It is a good system, but extremely short. Really not worth the money - I feel totally robbed!! Complete in less than one hour!! AVOID AVOID AVOID!!! ### 1/5 — Rubbish *2013-01-19* This app does NOT teach you how to do algebra! If you do not already know how to calculate the result you have keep guessing the correct value until you get it right. What good is that? Teaching kids (or adults) to guess the answer to a math equation? I don't think so. No one is going to LEARN how to do algebra this way. It does nothing to teach the basics like "change sides change signs" or any of the fundamental principles. Very disappointing! ### 2/5 — No Sound on Videos *2022-01-31* This is the only app I have where the sound on the videos does not work. I have tried everything but the sound will not come through this app. If I can’t hear what they are saying in the video, it’s not as useful. Again, every other app I own has sound that comes through just fine. It is just this one that sound does not work. **Developer response:** Please write to us at info@borenson.com so we can show you how to resolve the situation. In short, the Ringer switch that is next to the Volume bar needs to be flicked. Thank you. ### 2/5 — Terrible video quality *2015-05-13* Terrible, terrible instruction video quality; there appears to be no text/image based teaching materials, that I could see anyway - the user is locked out of anything except the next item in the curriculum. As the video quality was so bad, I didn't manage to see anything past that point. The idea behind the app seems to be solid, but it is totally let down by the video quality, and apparent complete dependency on those videos for instruction. Unless this changes, you are better off looking for instructional material on the web. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Yay *2026-06-04, version 4.2.8* Good app ### 5/5 — My kid actually gets algebra now *2026-04-29* I bought this for my daughter and honestly didn’t expect much — most math apps are just dressed-up flashcards. This one is different. She’s moving little pawns around a balance scale and solving real equations without even realizing that’s what she’s doing. When I told her “you just did algebra,” her face lit up. The lessons go at a good pace and build on each other, so she never feels lost or bored. No flashy distractions, no annoying characters, just a clear method that works. She actually asks to do the next lesson, which has never happened with any other math app in our house. If your kid is curious about math or struggling with it, give this a try. Worth every penny. ### 5/5 — The Best Tool *2025-10-03* I really love your app and cannot wait to try it again for some reasons. The first reason is that the playing pieces that can be moved help me visualize the problem better. Second, the videos guide you through how to do the math. Third, the funny cartoons make me more engaged in the lesson. To conclude, your apps are great and taking away my algebra fear. ### 5/5 — Algebra made easy *2024-09-06* After 50 yrs I’m finally understanding algebra thanks to this wonderfully created hands on app. When I took algebra in college I would have continued taking other harder maths if I could comprehend it like I do using this app. Kudos to the developer! ### 5/5 — Love this app *2023-10-26, version 4.2.2a* Where was this when I was in high school?! I’m 42 and relearning math. This is a great way to solve for x. EDIT 10/26/23: I can’t believe x is just a pawn in this game. (Bad pun intended) ### 5/5 — Dr. Borenson is a genius *2022-08-13, version 4.2.2* Great app ### 5/5 — It Was Fun!!! *2021-02-28* This is great game to learn basic algebraic equations for me as a 6th Grader. I enjoyed the set up and was able to get through the lessons all on my first day. I can’t wait to try the hands on equations app 2! ### 5/5 — Amazing *2020-05-27* Really good ### 5/5 — Love this app *2019-10-31, version 4.0.2* Where was this when I was in high school?! I’m 42 and relearning math. This is a great way to solve for x. ### 5/5 — Fantastic! *2019-06-12* Using this with my middle school daughters. We homeschool and they are taking pre algebra and algebra this year. Both were struggling with equations and love how this visualizes it! We will be purchasing both of the higher levels. It is both affordable and excellent! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*