# Abacus vs Abacus Simulator

The clearest difference is rating: Abacus Simulator at 4.7 against Abacus's 2.6. Abacus Simulator also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 44 months) and ratings volume (41 vs 10). Abacus's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 13.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Abacus Simulator sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Abacus asks for nothing beyond the download.

Abacus Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 41 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Abacus's written reviews are positive against 72% of Abacus Simulator's.

Abacus ships an update every 44 months, Abacus Simulator every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Abacus | Abacus Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abacus-simple-soroban-abacus/id852935077/reviews) | **[4.7 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abacus-simulator/id1558355099/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **41** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **72.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 44 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Switt Kongdachalert](https://appshunter.io/developer/741342887) | [Nicholas Ang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1558355101) |

## What reviewers say

### Abacus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abacus-simple-soroban-abacus/id852935077)

This app provides a digital soroban abacus for learning and practicing calculations. It visually displays the numerical value of each column as beads are moved, aiding in mental math development. Designed for beginners, it offers a simple interface to explore the ancient calculating tool.

**Highlights:** Digital soroban abacus simulation, Visual representation of column values, Supports mental math practice, Simple swipe and shake controls, Beginner-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Abacus Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/abacus-simulator/id1558355099)

Enhance your mental math abilities with interactive abacus exercises. This app offers guided lessons and daily drills to improve calculation speed, focus, and accuracy. Customize your abacus for a fun and engaging learning experience.

**Highlights:** Interactive abacus exercises, Guided step-by-step lessons, Daily skill-sharpening exercises, Focus, speed, and accuracy improvement, Customizable abacus

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cloud Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coconut Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Lemon Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Mushroom Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Penguin Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Flower Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Orange Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Snail Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Snowman Beads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Beads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Abacus free?

Abacus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Abacus Simulator free?

Abacus Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Abacus or Abacus Simulator?

Abacus Simulator is rated higher. Abacus averages 2.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Abacus Simulator averages 4.7 from 41 ratings.

### Do Abacus or Abacus Simulator have ads?

Neither Abacus nor Abacus Simulator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Abacus or Abacus Simulator?

Abacus ships an update every 44 months, and Abacus Simulator every 3 weeks. Most recently, Abacus was updated on October 6, 2026 and Abacus Simulator on October 22, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*