# HKDSE vs ABAB Word

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ABAB Word at 100% against HKDSE's 0%. ABAB Word also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 9 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ABAB Word holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of HKDSE's written reviews are positive against 100% of ABAB Word's.

HKDSE ships an update every 9 months, ABAB Word every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HKDSE | ABAB Word |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkdse/id501309166/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abab-word/id6760215327/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 29 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hong Kong Examinations And Assessment Authority](https://appshunter.io/developer/1515449413) | [ABAB Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1877618883) |

## What reviewers say

### HKDSE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkdse/id501309166)

This app provides essential information and updates for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE). Candidates can access exam schedules, important dates, news, and resources for private candidates and those with special needs.

**Highlights:** Latest news and announcements, Exam schedule, Private candidates' corner, Handbook for candidates, Important dates and events, Exam calendar, Exam centres

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### ABAB Word

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abab-word/id6760215327)

This app helps users quickly build and review vocabulary through a simple flashcard system. It allows for the creation and management of personal word libraries, providing meanings, examples, synonyms, and antonyms for efficient learning.

**Highlights:** Personal word library creation, Flashcard vocabulary review, Meaning, example, synonym, antonym display, Fast and distraction-free learning, Simple and efficient interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HKDSE free?

HKDSE is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ABAB Word free?

ABAB Word is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HKDSE or ABAB Word?

ABAB Word is rated higher. HKDSE averages 1.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ABAB Word averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do HKDSE or ABAB Word have ads?

Neither HKDSE nor ABAB Word shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HKDSE or ABAB Word?

HKDSE ships an update every 9 months, and ABAB Word every 2 days. Most recently, HKDSE was updated on October 11, 2026 and ABAB Word on October 16, 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.*