Comparison

firstSounds vs Polyo

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

Polyo

This app helps you monitor your progress in learning multiple languages. Log study hours, categorize activities, and track your growth to stay consistent and accountable on your learning journey.

Highlights
  • Track language study across multiple languages
  • Log study hours
  • Categorize learning activities
  • Monitor language learning growth
  • Promotes consistency and accountability
Features
Read full description

Polyo helps you track your language study across multiple languages and skills. Log your hours. Categorize your activities. Monitor your growth. Whether you're learning Spanish, French, Korean, or more, Polyo gives you a simple way to stay consistent and accountable. Built for learners who care about long-term progress.

Screenshots

firstSounds3 screens
Polyo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Polyo at none against firstSounds's 1. Polyo also leads on ratings volume (6 vs 2). firstSounds's advantage is update cadence (daily vs monthly) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads 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

Both are free to download. firstSounds sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.95 per year. Polyo asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for firstSounds against 5.0 for Polyo. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

firstSounds ships an update daily, Polyo monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
firstSounds versus Polyo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterfirstSoundsPolyo
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (6 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings26 — better
Update frequencyDaily — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS14.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperElizabeth HuddlestonKaleb McKelvey

Customer experience

firstSounds

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Polyo

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

firstSounds

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly Plan$14.951 Year
None

Polyo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is firstSounds free?
firstSounds is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Polyo free?
Polyo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, firstSounds or Polyo?
firstSounds and Polyo are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 6 ratings respectively.
Do firstSounds or Polyo have ads?
Neither firstSounds nor Polyo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, firstSounds or Polyo?
firstSounds ships an update daily, and Polyo monthly. Most recently, firstSounds was updated on September 17, 2026 and Polyo on September 14, 2026.

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