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Soroban for Parents

Do I Need to Buy a Physical Soroban? My Honest Review After 6 Months

I bought a $15 Soroban after seeing others showing off theirs. My son used it for 2 weeks then went back to the app. Here's when you actually need one – and when you don't.

•10 min read

After my son learned Sorokid for a month, I joined a parent group on Facebook. I saw everyone showing off beautiful Soroban abacuses – wooden, plastic, all kinds of colors. I got excited and ordered one. $15 on Amazon. When it arrived, my son loved it – for exactly 2 weeks. Then he went back to the app. The physical Soroban now sits in a corner collecting dust. I'm writing this to share: should you buy one, and when is it actually useful?

The Short Answer: IT DEPENDS

A real abacus is a SUPPLEMENT, not a REQUIREMENT.

If your child learns through an app like Sorokid, the app already has a virtual abacus. Your child "slides" beads on the screen, interacting just like a real one. The app also has tutorials, scoring, and rewards – things a physical abacus doesn't have.

So what value does a physical Soroban add? Should you buy one? Here's my experience.

My Experience After Buying a Physical Soroban

Week 1: Totally Obsessed

When the package arrived, my son opened it excitedly. "Mom, it looks like the app!" He touched the beads, slid them around, loved the "click-click" sound.

The tactile feeling of real beads is different from touching a screen. He found it new and exciting.

Week 2: Getting Bored

He still used the real abacus, but started asking: "Mom, did I get it right?" The physical abacus doesn't auto-grade. I had to sit next to him and check.

Some days I was busy, so he just slid beads around randomly then went to play. No one told him right or wrong.

Week 3: Back to the App

He opened Sorokid on the tablet. "Mom, the app has stars and points – it's more fun!" He likes earning stars when he gets answers right. The real abacus doesn't have that.

From then on, he only uses the app. The physical Soroban sits in a corner.

Now: I Use It for Spot-Checks

Occasionally I take out the abacus and say: "Calculate 45 + 28 on this." I watch to see if he's doing the correct finger movements.

This is how I verify he actually UNDERSTANDS rather than just tapping randomly on the app. The physical Soroban is valuable as a "test" – but not as a daily learning tool.

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A physical Soroban helps kids 'feel' numbers more tangibly. But it can't replace an app for maintaining motivation and ensuring correct learning.

Pros and Cons of a Physical Soroban

Advantages

  • •Tactile: Kids can feel the beads – more tangible than a screen
  • •No electricity needed: Bring it anywhere, no battery worries
  • •Screen break: Eyes rest from digital devices
  • •Fine motor skills: Sliding beads exercises hand coordination

Disadvantages

  • •No auto-grading: Kids don't know if they're right or wrong without an adult checking
  • •No rewards: No gamification, kids get bored faster
  • •No guidance: Must already know how to slide beads, or have someone teach
  • •Less portable: Can't fit in a pocket like a phone

When You SHOULD Buy a Physical Soroban

1. Your Child Is a Tactile Learner

Some kids learn better when they can touch physical objects. If your child is this type, a real abacus may help them understand more deeply.

2. You Want Screen-Free Practice Time

Your child finished 15 minutes on the app but wants to practice more? Switch to the physical Soroban so their eyes can rest.

3. You Have Time to Sit With Your Child

A physical Soroban needs an adult to check right and wrong. If you can sit with your child for 15-20 minutes, a real abacus is a good choice.

4. Your Child Already Knows the Basics From the App

Once your child knows how to slide beads from app practice, a physical Soroban is a "level-up" for testing and reinforcing skills. Don't buy from the start when they know nothing – they won't know what to do.

When You DON'T Need One

1. Your Child Is Already Thriving on the App

If they're practicing regularly, making progress, and enjoying it – no need for a physical Soroban. Don't fix what isn't broken.

2. You Don't Have Time to Supervise

Physical Sorobans need someone to check answers. If you're busy and can't sit with your child, the abacus will just collect dust – like mine.

3. Budget Is Tight

$10-20 isn't much, but if budget is limited, prioritize the main learning tool – the app is enough.

4. Your Child Is Just Starting

If they know nothing about Soroban yet, don't buy a physical one first. Let them learn basics on the app. Once they're comfortable, then consider buying a supplement.

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Tip: If you're unsure, let your child use the app for 1-2 months first. If they're still interested and want to try something different, then it's not too late to buy a physical Soroban.

What to Buy If You Decide to Get One

  • •Size: 13 or 17-rod abacuses are most common for kids. 17 rods handle larger numbers.
  • •Material: Plastic is more durable; wood looks nicer. For young kids, plastic is more practical – no worries about breaking.
  • •Price: Around $10-20 on Amazon. No need for expensive ones – they all function the same.
  • •Important: Choose one where beads slide smoothly, not stiff. Read reviews before buying.

Best Approach: Combine Both

The best method: DON'T CHOOSE ONE – use both together.

  • •Daily practice: Use the app (has tutorials, auto-grading, motivation)
  • •Periodic check-ins: Use physical Soroban (verify understanding)
  • •Screen breaks: After app time, extra practice on real abacus
  • •Family bonding: Quiz games on physical Soroban – fun and connecting

This is what I do now. The app is the "main teacher," the physical Soroban is for "tests" and "bonus activities."

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A physical Soroban is a nice supplementary tool, but NOT REQUIRED to learn Soroban. The app alone is enough for your child to learn and progress. If you buy one, think of it as an educational bonus toy, not an essential item.

Advice for Parents

  • •Don't buy because of FOMO: Seeing others show off doesn't mean you need one. Every family is different.
  • •Let your child learn the app first: 1-2 months to grasp basics. Then consider a physical Soroban.
  • •Know your purpose: Buying to test? To reduce screen time? Or just because it's pretty? If only for aesthetics, reconsider.
  • •Don't over-expect: A physical Soroban isn't 'magical' compared to an app. Both are just tools. Your child's consistency is what matters.
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Our app includes a virtual Soroban that works just like the real thing – plus auto-grading, progress tracking, and rewards that keep kids motivated.

Try Virtual Soroban

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Soroban abacus cost?
Around $10-20 on Amazon. 13-17 rod abacuses are most common for kids. No need to buy expensive ones – they all function the same.
Is a physical Soroban required to learn?
No. If learning through an app like Sorokid, the app already has a full virtual abacus. A physical Soroban is supplementary, not mandatory.
Which is better – real abacus or app?
Each has advantages. Physical Soroban helps 'feel' numbers tangibly. App has tutorials, auto-grading, and rewards. Combining both is best.
When is the best time to buy a physical Soroban?
After your child has learned basics on the app (1-2 months). By then, they know how to move beads and can use the physical one for practice and testing.
My child only wants to use the physical Soroban. Is that okay?
It's fine, but you'll need to sit with them to check answers since there's no auto-grading. Most parents find this isn't sustainable long-term, and kids usually prefer the app's instant feedback.
What if my child gets bored of the physical Soroban quickly?
Very common. Kids miss the instant feedback and rewards that apps provide. Use the physical Soroban for periodic spot-checks or screen-break practice, not as the main learning tool.
Should I buy wooden or plastic?
For young kids, plastic is more practical – durable and doesn't break if dropped. Wood looks nicer but offers no learning advantage. Focus on smooth-sliding beads, not material.
Can I use a Chinese abacus instead?
Chinese suanpan has a different bead configuration (2+5 vs Soroban's 1+4). It works but most apps use Japanese Soroban style. Better to match what your app uses for consistency.
How do I use a physical Soroban if I don't know how it works?
Watch your child use the app first to understand the movements. Or have your child teach you – if they can explain, they truly understand. You don't need to be an expert.
Will my child progress faster with a physical Soroban?
Not necessarily. Progress depends on consistency and correct practice, not the tool. Apps often lead to faster progress because of built-in guidance and motivation. Physical Sorobans are supplementary.
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