# First Phrases vs HB Auditory Memory

The clearest difference is price: HB Auditory Memory at Free against First Phrases's $15.99. HB Auditory Memory also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). First Phrases's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 3.6) and review sentiment (94% vs 64%). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

HB Auditory Memory is free to download; First Phrases costs $15.99 up front. First Phrases sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HB Auditory Memory asks for nothing beyond the download.

First Phrases holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 35 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of First Phrases's written reviews are positive against 64% of HB Auditory Memory's.

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, HB Auditory Memory every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Phrases | HB Auditory Memory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $15.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018/reviews)** | [3.6 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hb-auditory-memory/id791651270/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **35** |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 63.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 612 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamaguchi Learning & Development, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/460288922) | [Super Duper Publications](https://appshunter.io/developer/427263142) |

## What reviewers say

### First Phrases

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-phrases/id473894018)

This interactive app helps young children learn to combine words into meaningful phrases. It features animated characters performing actions and allows for recording and playback to aid language development. Ideal for speech therapy and early literacy support.

**Highlights:** 72 verb + noun phrase combinations, Animated characters performing actions, Record and playback speech, Group setting for multiple users, Data collection and reporting, Visual support for learning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| In-app purchase | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Engaging animations
- 👍 Effective for speech therapy
- 👍 Customizable settings
- 👍 Good for language development
- 👍 Interactive learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy after updates
- 🐛 Screen share disconnects
- 💰 In-app purchases for characters
- 💰 Price considered high by some
- 🐛 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- Screen share disconnects during animations
- App crashes frequently
- Settings do not save
- Words do not flip to show phrases after update
- App not working after new iPad purchase (resolved)

**Requested features**

- Store recordings for progress tracking
- Add more phrases
- Allow more student profiles
- Save multiple recordings
- Repeat targeted phrase with icons on all pages


### HB Auditory Memory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hb-auditory-memory/id791651270)

This educational app helps students improve auditory memory, closure, and comprehension skills through engaging, multi-level missions. Players assist characters in saving MemoryTown from a forgetful villain by completing various listening activities.

**Highlights:** Auditory memory training, Auditory closure exercises, Comprehension skill development, Memory for Numbers, Memory for Words, Memory for Details, Auditory Closure, Memory for WH Information

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Phrases free?

First Phrases costs $15.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is HB Auditory Memory free?

HB Auditory Memory is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, First Phrases or HB Auditory Memory?

First Phrases is rated higher. First Phrases averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while HB Auditory Memory averages 3.6 from 35 ratings.

### Do First Phrases or HB Auditory Memory have ads?

Neither First Phrases nor HB Auditory Memory shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Phrases or HB Auditory Memory?

First Phrases ships an update every 4 months, and HB Auditory Memory every 3 months. Most recently, First Phrases was updated on October 6, 2026 and HB Auditory Memory on September 27, 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.*