Comparison

Hands vs Algebra Learner

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

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.

Highlights
  • Drag-and-drop problem solving
  • Interactive algebra worlds
  • Learn merging equal terms
  • Master powers and fractions
  • Practice equation manipulation
  • Factorize and expand expressions
Features
Read full description

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

Hands4 screens
Algebra Learner4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Hands versus Algebra Learner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHandsAlgebra Learner
Price$7.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (102 ratings)4.7 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews88.2% of reviews — better83.3% of reviews
Number of ratings102 — better9
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size572 MB94 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHands On EquationsCarl Joakim Isaksen

Customer experience

Hands

All ratings102 ratings
Positive87.3%
Neutral2.9%
Negative9.8%
Written reviews102 reviews
Positive88.2%
Neutral2.0%
Negative9.8%

Algebra Learner

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative0.0%

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
Show 4 more
  • 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
Show 5 more
  • 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

None

Hands

No in-app purchases

None

Algebra Learner

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hands free?
Hands costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Algebra Learner free?
Algebra Learner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Hands or Algebra Learner?
Algebra Learner is rated higher. Hands averages 4.5 out of 5 from 102 ratings, while Algebra Learner averages 4.7 from 9 ratings.
Do Hands or Algebra Learner have ads?
Neither Hands nor Algebra Learner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hands or Algebra Learner?
Hands ships an update every 3 months, and Algebra Learner every 10 days. Most recently, Hands was updated on October 10, 2026 and Algebra Learner on October 7, 2026.

Other comparisons