# Matsy Abacus vs Soroban

The clearest difference is update cadence: Soroban at every 4 days against Matsy Abacus's monthly. Matsy Abacus's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Matsy Abacus sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Soroban sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Matsy Abacus holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 30 and 21 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Matsy Abacus ships an update monthly, Soroban every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Matsy Abacus | Soroban |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matsy-abacus/id1439473353/reviews)** | [4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soroban-japanese-abacus-math/id6743341778/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **30** | 21 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 66 MB | 125 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IGOR ILIN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439473352) | [SIC Company Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1800842356) |

## What reviewers say

### Matsy Abacus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matsy-abacus/id1439473353)

This educational app helps children master mental arithmetic through engaging games and adaptive trainers. It utilizes abacus techniques, flash cards, and proven methods to boost calculation speed, focus, and memory. Suitable for students, parents, and teachers seeking effective mental math tools.

**Highlights:** Abacus flash cards, Multiplication and division trainers, Mental math exercises, Brother/Friend techniques, 5050 mode, Speed & accuracy games, Adaptive difficulty

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mental Workout Premium Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium (6 months) | $8.99 | per 6 months |
| Matsy Premium Year | $9.99 | per year |
| Mental Workout Premium Year | $14.99 | per year |
| Mental Workout Premium | $7.99 | one-time |


### Soroban

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soroban-japanese-abacus-math/id6743341778)

Learn the Japanese abacus (soroban) with short video lessons and interactive practice on a virtual abacus. Suitable for children as young as 3, this app helps build strong math skills in addition, subtraction, and multiplication, complementing classroom learning or serving as a fun home activity.

**Highlights:** Short, easy-to-follow video lessons, Virtual soroban practice, Addition, subtraction, and times tables, Timed tests, Flash Anzan mental math challenges, Times tables with music

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Matsy Abacus free?

Matsy Abacus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Soroban free?

Soroban is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Matsy Abacus or Soroban?

Matsy Abacus is rated higher. Matsy Abacus averages 4.9 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while Soroban averages 4.5 from 21 ratings.

### Do Matsy Abacus or Soroban have ads?

Neither Matsy Abacus nor Soroban shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Matsy Abacus or Soroban?

Matsy Abacus ships an update monthly, and Soroban every 4 days. Most recently, Matsy Abacus was updated on September 22, 2026 and Soroban on September 23, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*