# First Grade Math Challenge vs Sound Boxes for Word Study

The clearest difference is rating: First Grade Math Challenge at 4.0 against Sound Boxes for Word Study's 3.1. First Grade Math Challenge also leads on review sentiment (80% vs 60%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months). Sound Boxes for Word Study's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 13.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

First Grade Math Challenge holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of First Grade Math Challenge's written reviews are positive against 60% of Sound Boxes for Word Study's.

First Grade Math Challenge ships an update every 2 months, Sound Boxes for Word Study every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | First Grade Math Challenge | Sound Boxes for Word Study |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-grade-math-challenge/id571805524/reviews)** | [3.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-boxes-for-word-study/id1075114312/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 41 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Eric Marschner](https://appshunter.io/developer/319178159) | [Classroom Focused Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/406741679) |

## What reviewers say

### First Grade Math Challenge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-grade-math-challenge/id571805524)

Practice addition and subtraction skills with a barnyard theme. Collect and learn about animals by completing timed math challenges, unlocking fun facts and sounds. An in-app upgrade offers more levels and animals permanently.

**Highlights:** Addition & Subtraction practice, Barnyard animal collection, Timed math challenges, Learn animal facts, Animal sounds, Gradually increasing difficulty

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sound Boxes for Word Study

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-boxes-for-word-study/id1075114312)

This educational app helps children develop foundational literacy skills by teaching them how letters and sounds combine to form words. It uses sound boxes to aid in segmenting word sounds, supporting both reading and writing development.

**Highlights:** Letter-sound association, Word segmentation, Supports reading skills, Supports writing skills, Foundational literacy development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is First Grade Math Challenge free?

First Grade Math Challenge is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sound Boxes for Word Study free?

Sound Boxes for Word Study is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, First Grade Math Challenge or Sound Boxes for Word Study?

First Grade Math Challenge is rated higher. First Grade Math Challenge averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Sound Boxes for Word Study averages 3.1 from 7 ratings.

### Do First Grade Math Challenge or Sound Boxes for Word Study have ads?

Neither First Grade Math Challenge nor Sound Boxes for Word Study shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, First Grade Math Challenge or Sound Boxes for Word Study?

First Grade Math Challenge ships an update every 2 months, and Sound Boxes for Word Study every 6 months. Most recently, First Grade Math Challenge was updated on November 1, 2026 and Sound Boxes for Word Study on November 2, 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.*