# Algebra vs Hands

The clearest difference is price: Algebra at Free against Hands's $7.99. Algebra also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (1.3K vs 102). Hands's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Algebra is free to download; Hands costs $7.99 up front. Algebra sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Hands asks for nothing beyond the download.

Algebra holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Algebra has 1.3K ratings behind it against 102, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of Algebra's written reviews are positive against 88% of Hands's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Algebra ships an update every 4 months, Hands every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Algebra | Hands |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $7.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra/id406783021/reviews)** | [4.5 (102 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.3K** | 102 |
| Positive reviews | 83.2% of reviews | **88.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 15 MB | 572 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [YourTeacher.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/340925628) | [Hands On Equations](https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225) |

## What reviewers say

### Algebra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra/id406783021)

Master pre-algebra through college algebra with comprehensive video lessons, practice exercises, and assessments. Get personalized math instruction to build a strong foundation and track your academic progress.

**Highlights:** Video instruction, Guided practice, Tests and quizzes, Diagnostic assessments, Worksheets and notes, Progress tracking, Chapter reviews

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 | $9.99 | per month |
| Place Value | $4.99 | one-time |
| Adding Integers & Subtracting Integers | $4.99 | one-time |
| Two-Step Equations - Alg | $4.99 | one-time |
| Equations with Fractions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Algebra Word Problems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Rational Expressions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Multiplying Dividing Rational Expressions | $4.99 | one-time |
| Simplifying Radicals | $4.99 | one-time |
| Multiplying Radicals | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to understand
- 🚀 Comprehensive lessons
- 💡 Helpful visuals and examples
- 👍 Excellent explanations
- 👍 Logical design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription required for full access
- 💰 Expensive monthly fee
- 🐛 Occasional freezing/crashing issues
- 🔇 Monotonous instructor voice

**Reported bugs**

- Progress/scores getting deleted
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add more practice problems and word questions
- Provide a scratch pad/workspace within the app
- Expand to cover more advanced algebra topics
- Offer a one-time purchase option instead of subscription


### Hands

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222)

This app teaches algebra to children aged 8 and up using a visual, game-like approach. It guides users through solving equations with interactive digital manipulatives and instructional videos, building confidence and understanding.

**Highlights:** Interactive digital manipulatives, Expert instructional videos, Step-by-step equation solving, Visual balance scale representation, Practice and lesson exercises, Multiple user support, Equation checking feature

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎓 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎬 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

**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

**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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Algebra free?

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

### Is Hands free?

Hands costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Algebra or Hands?

Algebra is rated higher. Algebra averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while Hands averages 4.5 from 102 ratings.

### Do Algebra or Hands have ads?

Neither Algebra nor Hands shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Algebra or Hands?

Algebra ships an update every 4 months, and Hands every 3 months. Most recently, Algebra was updated on September 22, 2026 and Hands on September 10, 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.*