Comparison

Abacus vs Abacus Lesson

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

Head to head
About

Abacus

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
Read full description

A simple soroban abacus that also shows the number representing the value of each column. An abacus is a tool that has been used since ancient times to calculate. Calculations with numbers in the millions have been performed using the abacus, showing that it is a powerful tool. Mental math can be performed incredibly accurately by those who have mastered the abacus. And after witnessing some incredible mental math skills by a person who has used an abacus during his early years as a salesman, I decided to create a "beginner's abacus" based on the soroban abacus, which is a Japanese variant of the abacus. I hope this app will be of use to many people who are starting some interest in the abacus. [ Usage ] : = swipe up/down on the beads to make them move. = Shake the device to reset the beads. = Numbers on the top show the "actual" numbers of each column

About

Abacus Lesson

Learn multiplication using a virtual abacus. This app teaches a simple and fast method for calculating multiplication, emphasizing the mental calculation benefits of the abacus over digital calculators.

Highlights
  • Virtual abacus for multiplication
  • Simple and fast calculation methods
  • Focus on mental calculation skills
  • Step-by-step multiplication lessons
  • Suitable for beginners
Features
Read full description

An abacus is named "Soroban" in Japan. Do you know what an abacus is? The abacus is very simple calculator used in China, Japan, Korea and so on. Some people may say "Isn't it an unnecessary tool if you have a calculator such as a smartphone?". Answer would be "No". The biggest difference between electric calculators and the abacus is whether you need to hold it in your hand when calculating. Because of its simplicity, you will be able to easily use the abacus in your mind. In the app, we will explain simple and fast method of the multiplication using the abacus. To learn multiplication, it is essential to be able to add with an abacus. If you are new to addition and subtraction, we recommend that You first learn with the following app. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/abacus-lesson-add-sub/id1526785916 This app will give you the skill of calculation of multiplication.

Screenshots

Abacus3 screens
Abacus Lesson3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Abacus Lesson at 5.0 against Abacus's 2.6. Abacus Lesson also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 44 months). Abacus's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume and device support 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. Abacus Lesson sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Abacus asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Abacus Lesson holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Abacus's written reviews are positive against 100% of Abacus Lesson's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Abacus ships an update every 44 months, Abacus Lesson every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Abacus versus Abacus Lesson: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAbacusAbacus Lesson
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (10 ratings)5.0 (15 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1015 — better
Update frequencyEvery 44 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS6.0 — better11.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB138 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSwitt KongdachalertHirokazu Komatsu

Customer experience

Abacus

All ratings10 ratings
Positive30.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative60.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

Abacus Lesson

All ratings15 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Abacus

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Abacus Lesson

One-time3
  • Donation Lv1 for hiding Ad$1.99
  • Donation Lv2 for hiding Ad$3.99
  • Donation Lv3 for hiding Ad$8.99

Questions

Is Abacus free?
Abacus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Abacus Lesson free?
Abacus Lesson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Abacus or Abacus Lesson?
Abacus Lesson is rated higher. Abacus averages 2.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Abacus Lesson averages 5.0 from 15 ratings.
Do Abacus or Abacus Lesson have ads?
Abacus Lesson shows ads; Abacus does not.
Which is updated more often, Abacus or Abacus Lesson?
Abacus ships an update every 44 months, and Abacus Lesson every 2 weeks. Most recently, Abacus was updated on November 1, 2026 and Abacus Lesson on November 7, 2026.

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