Hands vs Algebra Learner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Hands
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.
- 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
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Hands-On Equations is the fun way to learn algebra for kids age 8 and up. 1. Imagine your child CONFIDENTIALLY solving algebra equations after just three lessons! Using blue pawns, numbered cubes, and a visual balance model, students quickly discover that algebra can be clear, intuitive, and enjoyable. Instead of memorizing rules, they develop a genuine understanding of the mathematical concepts they are learning. The Hands-On Equations math app transforms algebra into an engaging math learning experience. Along the way, they experience the excitement and satisfaction of solving equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 in just three lessons, and equations such as 2(2x + 1) = 3x + 10 in just six lessons. These equations are typically not introduced to students until middle school. Yet, your child, age 8 and up, can experience success and joy in solving these algebra equations! These equations are typically not introduced to students until middle school. Yet, your child, age 8 and up, can experience success and joy in solving these algebra equations! ________________________________________ 2. Why children love Hands-On Equations Every lesson builds on previous success through carefully sequenced activities that make abstract algebra visual and easy to understand. Students don't simply learn procedures—they understand why each step works. The elegant instructional design and intuitive app experience make learning algebra both rapid and enjoyable. Students find that this visual learning enables them to solve algebra equations in a few short lessons. Students love the ease with which they can manipulate the blue pawns and numbered cubes, sliding them on and off the balance scale as they solve increasingly challenging equations. The app's elegant simplicity creates a pleasant, intuitive, and highly satisfying learning experience. ________________________________________ 3. What Students Learn in the Hands-On Equations Level 1 App Throughout the six carefully sequenced lessons and one review lesson, students learn: • the meaning of equivalence • algebraic notation • how to check solutions • legal moves with pawns and cubes • equations involving subtraction • equations involving parentheses • confidence that lasts long after the lessons are completed ________________________________________ 4. Proven Success More than one million students have experienced success with the Hands-On Equations Learning System. Originally developed using physical game pieces and classroom instruction, this proven educational approach is now available in an app that makes learning algebra both intuitive and enjoyable. ________________________________________ 5. Who Should Use It? • Gifted children age 6+ • Elementary students ages 8 and above • Middle school students • Struggling high school students • Adults who never really understood algebra ________________________________________ 6. Give Your Child the Confidence to Succeed Whether your child is discovering algebra for the first time or you are finally returning to a subject that once seemed impossible, Hands-On Equations will give your child a memorable, enjoyable, and confidence-building experience with algebra. ________________________________________ 7. Questions or Support? Email: info@borenson.com Visit: www.borenson.com
Algebra Learner
This educational game transforms algebra learning into an interactive experience. Solve math problems through drag-and-drop mechanics, exploring various worlds that introduce new algebraic concepts and techniques. Master complex equations by applying learned rules in a fun, game-like environment.
- Drag-and-drop problem solving
- Interactive algebra worlds
- Learn merging equal terms
- Master powers and fractions
- Practice equation manipulation
- Factorize and expand expressions
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What if the rules of algebra and the rules of a game were the same? This is the basis for Algebra Learner. Learn to directly solve algebra problems through smart drag and drop mechanics where you can do anything you want, except break the rules of math. Explore all basic aspects of algebra through many worlds where each world teaches you a new unique mechanic. Learn to merge equal terms, create, and manipulate powers, cancel fractions, expand fractions, create fractions, multiply parenthesis, factorize expressions, and use it all to cancel more complex fractions. Enjoy the equation worlds, where you learn to move and switch, multiply and divide each side to clear out factors and terms. You will be solving complex math problems without even knowing it. Become an expert at Algebra Learning.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Algebra Learner at Free against Hands's $7.99. Algebra Learner also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). Hands's advantage is ratings volume (102 vs 9). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases 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
Algebra Learner is free to download; Hands costs $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Algebra Learner holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hands has 102 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 88% of Hands's written reviews are positive against 83% of Algebra Learner's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Hands ships an update every 3 months, Algebra Learner every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hands | Algebra Learner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (102 ratings) | 4.7 (9 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 88.2% of reviews — better | 83.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 102 — better | 9 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12 — better | 13.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 572 MB | 94 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hands On Equations | Carl Joakim Isaksen |
Customer experience
Hands
Algebra Learner
Bugs and requests
Hands
Reported bugs
9 issues- 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
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- UI elements (pieces) display in wrong location
- Number wheel difficult to control and stop on correct value
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Interface not intuitive for answer entry
Requested features
10 requests- 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
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- Continuation app for more complex algebra
- Diverse user profile icons
- Faster auto-check functionality
- Offline functionality
- Support for additional math subjects
Algebra Learner
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Hands
No in-app purchases
Algebra Learner
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Hands free?
Is Algebra Learner free?
Which has better reviews, Hands or Algebra Learner?
Do Hands or Algebra Learner have ads?
Which is updated more often, Hands or Algebra Learner?
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