firstSounds vs What the Gender?!
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
firstSounds
Introduce your baby to the sounds of 8 languages and world music with this audio-only app. Designed by experts, it uses native speakers and acoustic instruments to support cognitive growth, creativity, and social skills in just 15 minutes a day.
- Audio-only language learning
- 8 languages available
- World music and lullabies
- Native speaker "motherese"
- Authentic acoustic instruments
- Downloadable translation guide
- Expert-designed and research-backed
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World Languages & Music for Babies Give Your Baby the Gift of Languages & Music firstSounds is an audio-only language learning app that makes it simple and enjoyable to introduce your baby to the sounds of 8 languages and soothing world music. With just 15 minutes a day, you can help support your baby’s cognitive growth, creativity, and social skills—laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Designed for Your Little One Research shows that early exposure to the sounds of multiple languages can enhance language acquisition later in life. Drawing on these insights, firstSounds was created by linguistic and music experts to make early language learning engaging and accessible. Native Speakers Using “Motherese” — Spoken words are introduced in natural, melodic tones that babies naturally respond to. Traditional Acoustic Instruments — Lullabies and melodies are played on authentic acoustic instruments unique to each culture. Why Parents Love the firstSounds App: • Instant access to 8 languages — Spanish, French, English, German, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Hebrew, and Japanese. • Bonus world lullabies — Relaxing music for soothing routines and bonding. • Downloadable Translation Guide — Includes translations and tips for engaging your baby. • Play anytime, anywhere — Hands-free learning at home or on the go. • Expert-Designed & Research-Backed — Built on studies in early language learning and music cognition. • Trusted by 1 million+ families — A proven approach for more than 30 years. The Power of Early Language Exposure: • Supports brain development by enhancing listening skills. • Engages babies with diverse rhythms and melodies. • Lays the foundation for future language learning. Join thousands of families who trust firstSounds to nurture their baby’s natural ability to learn and connect. Download firstSounds now and start your baby’s language journey today! If you subscribe via iTunes: - Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account upon confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, and you will be notified of the renewal cost. - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Subscription Plans: 1-Year Plan: $14.95 per year, providing instant access to all music in the app. - Unlimited access to all sounds in the app - Enjoy lullabies and language sounds to support your child’s growth - Fun, interactive learning experiences for kids - Early language development through engaging activities For more information, please visit: Terms of Use: https://firstsounds.com/api/terms_and_condition Privacy Policy: https://firstsounds.com/api/privacy/policy
What the Gender?!
This app helps intermediate and advanced French learners master noun genders through a fun, visual method. It uses memorable characters and interactive exercises to make memorizing masculine and feminine words easy and engaging.
- Visual noun gender memorization
- Interactive drag-and-drop exercises
- Progress tracking and leveling
- Focus on tricky and borrowed nouns
- Expert-designed learning method
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What the Gender?! Still mixing up French noun genders? You’re not alone. Even advanced learners stumble over whether a word is le or la. What the Gender?! makes mastering noun gender easy — and fun. Using vivid, over-the-top masculine and feminine images, the app transforms confusing nouns into memorable characters. You’ll quickly learn that un chat (cat) wears a mustache and beret, while une horloge (clock) dazzles in pink. Built with input from language experts, What the Gender?! targets tricky words — including borrowed English nouns — that traditional tools overlook. Just drag each word into its masculine (blue) or feminine (pink) box, track your progress, and level up your French. Perfect for: • Intermediate and advanced French learners • Visual learners who want a faster, stickier way to memorize genders • Anyone tired of guessing and ready to sound like a native Get ready to laugh, learn, and finally stop second-guessing yourself en français. https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: firstSounds at none against What the Gender?!'s shown. firstSounds also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 3 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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
Both are free to download. firstSounds sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.95 per year and What the Gender?! sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for firstSounds against 5.0 for What the Gender?!. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
firstSounds ships an update daily, What the Gender?! every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | firstSounds | What the Gender?! |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Daily — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Elizabeth Huddleston | Alysha Ann Reinard |
Customer experience
firstSounds
What the Gender?!
In-app purchases
firstSounds
- Yearly Plan$14.951 Year
What the Gender?!
- Monthly Subscription$1.991 Month
- Yearly Subscription$22.991 Year
Questions
Is firstSounds free?
Is What the Gender?! free?
Which has better reviews, firstSounds or What the Gender?!?
Do firstSounds or What the Gender?! have ads?
Which is updated more often, firstSounds or What the Gender?!?
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