# Algebra Fun vs Phonogram Sounds

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Algebra Fun | Phonogram Sounds |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (104 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-fun-kids-math/id505948222/reviews)** | [4.0 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonogram-sounds/id797098295/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **104** | 84 |
| Positive reviews | **88.3% of reviews** | 69.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 564 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hands On Equations](https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225) | [All About Learning Press, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/786428125) |

## What reviewers say

### Algebra Fun

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algebra-fun-kids-math/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


### Phonogram Sounds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phonogram-sounds/id797098295)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great supplement for AAS/AAR
- 👍 Helpful for parents/teachers
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Clear phonetic sounds
- 👍 Good for practice

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Incorrect 'r' sound
- 👎 Incomplete phonogram set
- 👎 Not a standalone lesson
- 👎 Not for fun
- 👎 Missing Spalding compatibility

**Reported bugs**

- R says /er/ instead of /r/
- Sound not working
- App crashes
- No sound when tapping phonograms
- Sound only works with ringer on

**Requested features**

- Videos showing lip/tongue placement
- Interactive game app
- App for building words/movable tiles
- Level-based sound availability
- Enlarging tapped tile


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*