# Hands vs Spelling Balloons

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Spelling Balloons at 100% against Hands's 75%. Spelling Balloons also leads on price ($2.99 vs $7.99) and device support (3 vs 1). Hands's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 12.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Hands costs $7.99 and Spelling Balloons $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Hands ships an update every 3 months, Spelling Balloons every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hands | Spelling Balloons |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | **[4.0 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-3/id541865643/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **27** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 188 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hands On Equations](https://appshunter.io/developer/505948225) | [pkclSoft](https://appshunter.io/developer/432090829) |

## What reviewers say

### Hands

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hands-on-equations-3/id541865643)

This app offers a challenging introduction to algebra for students who have completed introductory levels. It introduces negative numbers and new game pieces to solve more complex equations, enhancing self-esteem and understanding.

**Highlights:** Solves equations with negative numbers, Introduces new game pieces for algebraic concepts, Video introductions for each lesson, Includes examples and exercises, Enhances self-esteem through success

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Spelling Balloons

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spelling-balloons/id933049807)

This game helps children learn and practice reading and spelling high-frequency words through a fun balloon-popping activity. It offers customizable word lists, voice recording, and detailed progress reports for educators.

**Highlights:** Switch-accessible gameplay, Customizable word lists, Recordable voice pronunciation, Detailed progress reports, Adjustable game speed and difficulty, Supports multiple languages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hands free?

Hands costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Spelling Balloons free?

Spelling Balloons costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Hands or Spelling Balloons have ads?

Neither Hands nor Spelling Balloons shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hands or Spelling Balloons?

Hands ships an update every 3 months, and Spelling Balloons every 5 months. Most recently, Hands was updated on October 23, 2026 and Spelling Balloons on October 29, 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.*