# Cotter AL Abacus vs Flashnote Derby

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Flashnote Derby at 71% against Cotter AL Abacus's 47%. Flashnote Derby also leads on rating (3.8 vs 3.5) and ratings volume (105 vs 6). Cotter AL Abacus's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

Cotter AL Abacus costs $1.99 and Flashnote Derby $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Flashnote Derby holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Flashnote Derby has 105 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Cotter AL Abacus's written reviews are positive against 71% of Flashnote Derby's.

Cotter AL Abacus ships an update every 9 months, Flashnote Derby every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cotter AL Abacus | Flashnote Derby |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$1.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [3.5 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cotter-al-abacus/id406078581/reviews) | **[3.8 (105 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flashnote-derby/id453126527/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **105** |
| Positive reviews | 47.1% of reviews | **70.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 6 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #198 | **#83** |
| Size | 76 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Activities for Learning inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/406078584) | [Luke Bartolomeo](https://appshunter.io/developer/453126530) |

## What reviewers say

### Cotter AL Abacus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cotter-al-abacus/id406078581)

**Currently charting:** #198 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

This educational tool uses a unique double-sided abacus to teach arithmetic concepts through visualization and quantity recognition. It helps learners develop mental strategies for faster mastery of basic math skills.

**Highlights:** Double-sided abacus design, Grouped in fives and tens, Focuses on quantity recognition, Develops mental math strategies, Supports visual learning, Includes sample lessons

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Flashnote Derby

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flashnote-derby/id453126527)

**Currently charting:** #83 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

This app transforms music note learning into an engaging game for young musicians. It offers various ways to practice and play, with customizable drills to suit any student's level. Track progress and make learning fun, whether at home or in lessons.

**Highlights:** Gamified note recognition races, Practice mode with no timer, Play notes on instrument or MIDI, On-screen piano keyboard input, Customizable clefs and note ranges, Multiple engaging themes, Teacher tools for assignments and progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Engaging gamified learning experience with racing themes
- 🎵 Effective tool for learning note reading and music literacy
- 🎨 Customizable themes and visual designs
- ⚙️ Highly customizable settings for notes, speed, and difficulty
- 👨‍🏫 Teacher-friendly features with student tracking and presets

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and app freezing issues
- 🔊 Harsh negative feedback sounds (booing) discourages learners
- 🎵 Inaccurate note detection, especially for E note and lower instruments
- 📱 Poor mobile responsiveness and slider controls on phones
- ⚠️ Data loss after updates without warning

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch or during use
- White screen on startup that auto-closes
- Note recognition fails, particularly for E note
- Low instrument octave recognition issues
- Data and student names lost after updates

**Requested features**

- Restore previous speed options (Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop)
- Option to customize number of test notes (return 10/20 options)
- Remove or tone down negative feedback sounds
- Add more theme options (animals, seasonal themes)
- Untimed mode without racing element


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cotter AL Abacus free?

Cotter AL Abacus costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Flashnote Derby free?

Flashnote Derby costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cotter AL Abacus or Flashnote Derby?

Flashnote Derby is rated higher. Cotter AL Abacus averages 3.5 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Flashnote Derby averages 3.8 from 105 ratings.

### Do Cotter AL Abacus or Flashnote Derby have ads?

Neither Cotter AL Abacus nor Flashnote Derby shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cotter AL Abacus or Flashnote Derby?

Cotter AL Abacus ships an update every 9 months, and Flashnote Derby every 6 months. Most recently, Cotter AL Abacus was updated on October 12, 2026 and Flashnote Derby on October 14, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Cotter AL Abacus or Flashnote Derby?

Cotter AL Abacus currently peaks at #198 in the App Store charts, and Flashnote Derby at #83. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*