# Hands vs Algebra Learner

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hands | Algebra Learner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.5 (102 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-level-1/id505948222/reviews) | **[4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-learner/id6449422387/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **102** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **88.2% of reviews** | 83.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 572 MB | 94 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hands On Equations](https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225) | [Carl Joakim Isaksen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1688990112) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Algebra Learner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-learner/id6449422387)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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.

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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.*