Comparison

Algebra Fun vs Phonogram Sounds

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

Head to head
About

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.

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 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

About

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.

Highlights
  • Hear correct pronunciation of sounds
  • Clear enunciation of letters and combinations
  • Includes all 72 basic phonograms
  • Supports reading and spelling skills
  • Interactive learning experience
Features
Read full description

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

Algebra Fun4 screens
Phonogram Sounds3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Algebra Fun versus Phonogram Sounds: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAlgebra FunPhonogram Sounds
Price$7.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (104 ratings) — better4.0 (84 ratings)
Positive reviews88.3% of reviews — better69.6% of reviews
Number of ratings104 — better84
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size564 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHands On EquationsAll About Learning Press, Inc.

Customer experience

Algebra Fun

All ratings104 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral2.9%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews103 reviews
Positive88.3%
Neutral1.9%
Negative9.7%

Phonogram Sounds

All ratings84 ratings
Positive70.2%
Neutral14.3%
Negative15.5%
Written reviews46 reviews
Positive69.6%
Neutral13.0%
Negative17.4%

User reviews

Algebra Fun

From 104 App Store ratings

What 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 ratings

What 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
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

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 more
  • 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 more
  • 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

None

Algebra Fun

No in-app purchases

None

Phonogram Sounds

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Algebra Fun free?
Algebra Fun costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Phonogram Sounds free?
Phonogram Sounds is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Algebra Fun or Phonogram Sounds?
Algebra Fun is rated higher. Algebra Fun averages 4.5 out of 5 from 104 ratings, while Phonogram Sounds averages 4.0 from 84 ratings.
Do Algebra Fun or Phonogram Sounds have ads?
Neither Algebra Fun nor Phonogram Sounds shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Algebra Fun or Phonogram Sounds?
Algebra Fun ships an update every 3 months, and Phonogram Sounds every 6 months. Most recently, Algebra Fun was updated on November 6, 2026 and Phonogram Sounds on November 1, 2026.

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