Algebra Fun vs Phonogram Sounds
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Algebra Fun
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 Level 1 is the fun way to learn algebra for kids age 8 and up. The physical version of the program has been successfully used by more than a million students in the United Sates. 1. Imagine your child CONFIDENTLY solving algebra equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 after just three lessons, while having fun! 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
Phonogram Sounds
This interactive app provides clear audio pronunciations for letter sounds and combinations, featuring all 72 basic phonograms from a popular language arts curriculum. It's designed to support reading and spelling development for learners of all ages.
- Hear correct pronunciation of sounds
- Clear enunciation of letters and combinations
- Includes all 72 basic phonograms
- Supports reading and spelling skills
- Interactive learning experience
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Touch a button and hear the correct pronunciation! *Check that your sound is turned on!* This interactive program features clear enunciation of the sounds of the letters and letter combinations (also known as phonograms). Contains all 72 of the basic phonograms as taught in the All About Reading and All About Spelling language arts curriculum. All About Reading is a multisensory, mastery-based program that starts with essential pre-reading skills and continues on to teach all five key components of reading. All About Spelling teaches encoding skills, spelling rules, and multisensory strategies to help your student become a proficient speller for life. Our lightly scripted “open and go” lesson plans and mastery-based approach leave no gaps and make this curriculum a favorite of homeschool families everywhere. Suitable for all ages and learning styles!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Phonogram Sounds at Free against Algebra Fun's $7.99. Algebra Fun's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and review sentiment (88% vs 70%). On ratings volume, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Phonogram Sounds is free to download; Algebra Fun costs $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Algebra Fun holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 104 and 84 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Algebra Fun's written reviews are positive against 70% of Phonogram Sounds's.
Algebra Fun ships an update every 3 months, Phonogram Sounds every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Algebra Fun | Phonogram Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (104 ratings) — better | 4.0 (84 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 88.3% of reviews — better | 69.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 104 — better | 84 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 564 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hands On Equations | All About Learning Press, Inc. |
Customer experience
Algebra Fun
Phonogram Sounds
User reviews
Algebra Fun
From 104 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🎓 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
Room to improve
- 🎬 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
Phonogram Sounds
From 84 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Great supplement for AAS/AAR
- 👍 Helpful for parents/teachers
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Clear phonetic sounds
- 👍 Good for practice
Room to improve
- 👎 Incorrect 'r' sound
- 👎 Incomplete phonogram set
- 👎 Not a standalone lesson
- 👎 Not for fun
- 👎 Missing Spalding compatibility
Bugs and requests
Algebra Fun
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
Phonogram Sounds
Reported bugs
7 issues- R says /er/ instead of /r/
- Sound not working
- App crashes
- No sound when tapping phonograms
- Sound only works with ringer on
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- List of phonograms cut off on iPad
- App is stick, no audio, no movement
Requested features
9 requests- Videos showing lip/tongue placement
- Interactive game app
- App for building words/movable tiles
- Level-based sound availability
- Enlarging tapped tile
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- Adding missing phonograms (Level 6, Spalding)
- Adding more sounds for /i/, /e/, /x/, /ou/, /ei/, /oe/, /wor/, /ear/
- Spelling lists for review
- All About Reading app with word reading
In-app purchases
Algebra Fun
No in-app purchases
Phonogram Sounds
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Algebra Fun free?
Is Phonogram Sounds free?
Which has better reviews, Algebra Fun or Phonogram Sounds?
Do Algebra Fun or Phonogram Sounds have ads?
Which is updated more often, Algebra Fun or Phonogram Sounds?
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