Comparison

Abacus Lesson vs Soroban

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Abacus Lesson

Learn multiplication using a virtual abacus. This app teaches a simple and fast method for calculating multiplication, emphasizing the mental calculation benefits of the abacus over digital calculators.

Highlights
  • Virtual abacus for multiplication
  • Simple and fast calculation methods
  • Focus on mental calculation skills
  • Step-by-step multiplication lessons
  • Suitable for beginners
Features
Read full description

An abacus is named "Soroban" in Japan. Do you know what an abacus is? The abacus is very simple calculator used in China, Japan, Korea and so on. Some people may say "Isn't it an unnecessary tool if you have a calculator such as a smartphone?". Answer would be "No". The biggest difference between electric calculators and the abacus is whether you need to hold it in your hand when calculating. Because of its simplicity, you will be able to easily use the abacus in your mind. In the app, we will explain simple and fast method of the multiplication using the abacus. To learn multiplication, it is essential to be able to add with an abacus. If you are new to addition and subtraction, we recommend that You first learn with the following app. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/abacus-lesson-add-sub/id1526785916 This app will give you the skill of calculation of multiplication.

About

Soroban

Experience the traditional art of calculation with a realistic Japanese abacus. This app offers authentic sounds and visual guides for brain training and educational use. Enjoy the satisfying rhythm of beads and rediscover analog calculation.

Highlights
  • Realistic wood textures and hexagon beads
  • Authentic bead clicking and reset sounds
  • Visual unit rod markings
  • Distraction-free calculation environment
  • ASMR-like bead click sounds
Features
Read full description

An Authentic Pocket Abacus. Experience the traditional art of calculation with "Soroban," a beautifully designed Japanese abacus app. We focused on creating the most realistic look and feel, bringing the warmth of wood and the satisfying rhythm of beads to your fingertips. Whether you are a master of mental math or a beginner looking to train your brain, this app provides the perfect environment. 【Key Features】 Realistic Experience: Designed with high-quality wood textures and hexagon beads that look and feel real. Authentic Sounds: Enjoy the crisp clicking sound of the beads and the unique, satisfying sound of the "Gohasan" (Reset) button. Visual Guides: The unit rod is marked with a distinct red dot for easy calculation. Simple & Focused: No distractions. Just you and the abacus. 【Perfect For】 Improving mental math skills. Daily brain training and mental exercises. Educational use for everyone. Relaxing with the rhythmic sound of ASMR-like bead clicks. Anyone who appreciates traditional Japanese culture. Rediscover the joy of analog calculation in a digital world. Download "Soroban" today and keep a piece of tradition in your pocket.

Screenshots

Abacus Lesson3 screens
Soroban3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Abacus Lesson at 100% against Soroban's 0%. Abacus Lesson also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). Soroban's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Abacus Lesson sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Soroban asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Abacus Lesson ships an update every 2 weeks, Soroban every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Abacus Lesson versus Soroban: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAbacus LessonSoroban
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (14 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings14 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size138 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHirokazu Komatsuhirokazu murabe

Customer experience

Abacus Lesson

All ratings14 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Soroban

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Abacus Lesson

One-time3
  • Donation Lv1 for hiding Ad$1.99
  • Donation Lv2 for hiding Ad$3.99
  • Donation Lv3 for hiding Ad$8.99
None

Soroban

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Abacus Lesson free?
Abacus Lesson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Soroban free?
Soroban is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Abacus Lesson or Soroban have ads?
Both Abacus Lesson and Soroban show ads.
Which is updated more often, Abacus Lesson or Soroban?
Abacus Lesson ships an update every 2 weeks, and Soroban every 3 days. Most recently, Abacus Lesson was updated on September 21, 2026 and Soroban on September 10, 2026.

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