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 the simple and fast method of division using an abacus. This app focuses on developing mental calculation skills by leveraging the abacus technique. It's recommended to master addition, subtraction, and multiplication with an abacus first.

Highlights
  • Learn abacus division techniques
  • Develop mental calculation skills
  • Focus on Soroban method
  • Step-by-step division instruction
  • Builds on addition, subtraction, multiplication
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 division using the abacus. To learn division, it is essential to be able to add, sub, and multiplication with an abacus. If you are new to them, we recommend that you learn addition subtraction multiplication with the app in my app list first. This app will give you the skill of calculation of division.

About

Soroban

Features
Read full description

Master mental math with Soroban: a powerful abacus learning app designed for students, beginners, and advanced learners who want to improve calculation speed, accuracy, and focus. Soroban (Japanese abacus) is a proven method for developing strong arithmetic skills and mental calculation (anzan). Whether you are just starting out or aiming to train high-speed mental math, this app provides a structured and engaging way to learn. WHO THIS APP IS FOR: • Students learning arithmetic and building strong math foundations • Parents looking for effective brain training and focus development tools • Beginners starting with abacus (soroban) for the first time • Advanced learners training anzan (mental math speed and accuracy) • Anyone interested in brain training, calculation speed, and cognitive skills KEY FEATURES: • Step-by-step lessons: Learn soroban from basic bead movement to advanced arithmetic • Flash Anzan (mental math): Train your brain to calculate without a physical abacus • Speed drills: Improve calculation speed and accuracy with timed exercises • Daily challenges: Build consistency with short, repeatable practice sessions • Workbook practice: Structured exercises for deeper understanding • Free play mode: Use a fully interactive digital abacus anytime • AI-powered insights: On-device intelligence for adaptive learning and homework scanning • Progress tracking: Monitor accuracy, performance, and improvement over time WHY SOROBAN: • Develops mental math (anzan) and arithmetic fluency • Improves concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills • Combines traditional Japanese learning with modern iOS design • Designed specifically for iPhone and iPad for a smooth and immersive experience Soroban supports English, French, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. Start your journey into faster thinking and stronger math skills today.

Screenshots

Abacus Lesson3 screens
Soroban4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Soroban at none against Abacus Lesson's 3. Soroban also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Abacus Lesson's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 26.0). On price 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 monthly, Soroban every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Abacus Lesson versus Soroban: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAbacus LessonSoroban
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (8 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size132 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHirokazu KomatsuShweta Kumari

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?
Abacus Lesson shows ads; Soroban does not.
Which is updated more often, Abacus Lesson or Soroban?
Abacus Lesson ships an update monthly, and Soroban every 2 weeks. Most recently, Abacus Lesson was updated on November 3, 2026 and Soroban on October 31, 2026.

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