Comparison

Hands vs CareerTEC

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 introduces algebra concepts for students who have completed Level 1. It teaches how to solve equations involving a white pawn representing an unknown value and its opposite. Engaging video lessons and interactive exercises enhance understanding and build confidence in solving algebraic problems.

Highlights
  • Solve equations with unknown values
  • Learn about opposite values
  • Interactive video introductions
  • Practice with examples and exercises
  • Visual representation of algebraic concepts
  • Build confidence in algebra
Features
Read full description

Hands-On Equations® Level 2 Continue the Fun Way to Learn Algebra! You've mastered the fundamentals. Now it's time for the next exciting step in your algebra journey! Hands-On Equations® Level 2 introduces an innovative new game piece—the white pawn, which represents the opposite of x. Using the white pawn together with the familiar blue pawn and numbered cubes, students learn elegant new strategies for solving increasingly sophisticated equations. Watch students confidently solve equations such as: 3x = –x + 4 and x – 3(–x) + 2 = 8 – 2x while enjoying the same highly visual, intuitive approach that has helped more than one million students better understand algebra. Discover More Advanced Algebra Naturally As students solve increasingly challenging equations, they intuitively apply important mathematical ideas, including: • Additive inverses • The additive property of zero • The addition property of equality As they solve these Level 2 equations, students discover how to add positive and negative numbers—without formal instruction. Rather than memorizing procedures, students develop a genuine understanding of why algebra works. Who Should Use Level 2? Hands-On Equations Level 2 is the natural continuation for students who have completed Level 1, including: • Gifted students in Grades 2 and above • Elementary students in Grades 4 and above • Middle school students • High school students who would benefit from a clearer, more visual approach to algebra • Adults who wish they had learned algebra this way the first time Experience Success. Build Confidence. As students experience continued success solving increasingly challenging equations, they develop greater confidence, deeper understanding, and an appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of algebra. If you enjoyed Hands-On Equations Level 1, you'll love discovering what you can accomplish in Level 2. For more information about Hands-On Equations, visit www.borenson.com. For app support, contact: info@borenson.com.

About

CareerTEC

Features
Read full description

The CareerTEC app is a great way to conveniently access the most recent news, announcements, and events. Users also have quick access to important contacts using the Staff Directory where they can contact employees at CareerTEC. Contact Us provides maps of locations, a convenient way to dial important phone numbers, and provide other helpful information. Users will be able to stay up to date on current events, and receive important announcements with push notifications.

Screenshots

Hands4 screens
CareerTEC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: CareerTEC at Free against Hands's $7.99. CareerTEC also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13). Hands's advantage is update cadence (every 5 months vs every 38 months). On 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

CareerTEC is free to download; Hands costs $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hands ships an update every 5 months, CareerTEC every 38 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Hands versus CareerTEC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHandsCareerTEC
Price$7.99Free — better
Rating4.6 (77 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews86.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings77 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 months — betterEvery 38 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS1311.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size231 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHands On EquationsCareer & Technical Education Consortium

Bugs and requests

Hands

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • Bug in number wheel slows completion streaks
  • Tutorials have too much jargon
  • Lesson 12 equations too hard
  • Lesson 8 tutorials have too much jargon
  • Lesson 9 glitch, won't accept correct answer
Show 4 more
  • App not working for iOS 9, crashes when clicking 'value'
  • Paid version has advertising
  • Paid version doesn't work, crashes when entering value of x
  • Volume does not work on the app, videos of little value

Requested features

4 requests
  • Make lessons harder
  • Add more challenges
  • Add video explanation after each problem
  • More advanced concepts

CareerTEC

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Hands

No in-app purchases

None

CareerTEC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hands free?
Hands costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is CareerTEC free?
CareerTEC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Hands or CareerTEC have ads?
Neither Hands nor CareerTEC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hands or CareerTEC?
Hands ships an update every 5 months, and CareerTEC every 38 months. Most recently, Hands was updated on October 14, 2026 and CareerTEC on October 7, 2026.

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