Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

First Grade Learning Games vs PBS KIDS Games

First Grade Learning Games 4.4★ · Free + IAP 40
Winner PBS KIDS Games
PBS KIDS Games 4.4★ · Free to download 85

PBS KIDS Games is the better choice due to its truly free access to a wide variety of educational games and its recent re-introduction of offline play, while First Grade Learning Games is heavily criticized for its paywall and misleading 'free' advertising.

Full reviews: First Grade Learning Games · PBS KIDS Games

First Grade Learning Games faces strong criticism for locking most content behind a paywall, leading to user frustration despite some positive feedback on its educational value. PBS KIDS Games, on the other hand, is praised for being completely free, offering a large selection of educational games, and has recently addressed user concerns by bringing back offline play functionality.

Head to head

Features & Content edge: PBS KIDS GamesR1R7R13R22
First Grade Learning Games First Grade Learning Games offers a variety of educational content, including math, spelling, patterns, and sight words, which some users find fun and effective for learning . However, a significant number of users complain that most of these games are locked behind a paywall, making the app feel restrictive R1R7R13R22.
PBS KIDS Games PBS KIDS Games provides a vast collection of educational games, with users highlighting drawing, dance parties, hide and seek, and animal protection activities . Many appreciate the wide variety and the fact that it's entirely free and ad-free R80R99. Recent updates have also restored the ability to download games for offline play, a feature highly valued by users for travel R92R95R98R101.
Ease of Use & Accessibility edge: PBS KIDS GamesR3R9R13R19
First Grade Learning Games Users find First Grade Learning Games simple to navigate R3. However, the constant prompts to pay and the locked content severely hinder the user experience, making it difficult to access games without a subscription R9R13R19R22.
PBS KIDS Games PBS KIDS Games is generally easy to use, with a straightforward interface for kids to find and play games . While some users initially reported issues with games freezing, not loading, or the removal of offline play , recent updates have addressed the critical offline play issue, improving accessibility for travel R92R95R98R101.
Reliability & Performance tieR27R47R49R53
First Grade Learning Games There are no specific reviews detailing technical glitches or performance issues for First Grade Learning Games, though one user mentioned a non-functional password reset and login R47. The primary reliability concern stems from its payment model, with users reporting being charged unexpectedly or unable to cancel subscriptions R27R49R53.
PBS KIDS Games PBS KIDS Games has faced numerous reports of technical issues, including games freezing, not loading, or exhibiting bugs . Some users also noted the temporary removal of offline play as a significant reliability problem for travel . However, recent updates have restored offline play, indicating some responsiveness to user feedback R92R95R98R101.
Price & Value edge: PBS KIDS GamesR7R9R12R13
First Grade Learning Games First Grade Learning Games is heavily criticized for its pricing model. Despite being advertised as 'Free + IAP,' many users feel it's misleading because almost all content is locked behind a paywall, costing $6.99 for the full game or a $40 annual subscription R9R12R13R16. Users express frustration at having to pay for basic learning content R7R13.
PBS KIDS Games PBS KIDS Games is consistently praised for being completely free, with no in-app purchases or ads R80R99. Users highlight this as a major advantage, offering excellent educational value without any cost R80R99. One review mentions a price of $5.99, but this appears to be an outlier or misunderstanding, as the overwhelming sentiment is that the app is free .
Support edge: PBS KIDS GamesR27R48R49R53
First Grade Learning Games One user reported a positive experience with First Grade Learning Games' support, stating that the vendor fixed a problem with the app when contacted and was very helpful R48. However, other users reported issues with subscriptions, including being charged unexpectedly and difficulty canceling, suggesting potential problems with billing support R27R49R53.
PBS KIDS Games PBS KIDS Games users have frequently voiced concerns about bugs, missing features (like offline play), and specific game issues . The recent re-introduction of offline play suggests that the developers are responsive to user feedback and actively work to resolve issues R92R95R98R101.
Pick First Grade Learning Games if

You are willing to pay for a dedicated first-grade learning app and value a structured educational approach, especially if you've had positive experiences with the developer's support in the past R48.

Pick PBS KIDS Games if

You are looking for a completely free, ad-free educational game app with a vast library of content from popular children's shows, and you need reliable offline play for travel or limited internet access R80R92.

Evidence note: The review volume for PBS KIDS Games is significantly higher, providing a broader range of user experiences and feedback, especially regarding technical issues and feature requests. First Grade Learning Games has fewer reviews, but a very strong and consistent negative sentiment regarding its pricing model.

Frequently asked

Is First Grade Learning Games truly free?
No, First Grade Learning Games is not truly free; while it is free to download, most of its content is locked behind a paywall, requiring users to purchase the full game for $6.99 or a subscription, leading to many complaints about misleading advertising R9R12R13R16.
Does PBS KIDS Games offer offline play?
Yes, PBS KIDS Games has recently re-introduced the ability to download games for offline play, which is a highly valued feature for users, especially for travel R92R95R98R101.
Are there ads in PBS KIDS Games?
No, PBS KIDS Games is praised by users for being completely free and having no ads, providing an uninterrupted experience for children R80R99.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US I hate it: I love it and when I was older, it still was locked
  2. [R7] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US I don’t like this: This needs free stuff like math for kids to learn math i I’m going to be mad
  3. [R13] First Grade Learning Games 2/5 · US Bad if you don’t got money (me): I don’t like how you have stars to complete and I also HATE how the game keeps on saying “buy the full game to unlock everything!” Like seriously people need to stop being money hungry pigs! (Pls don’t download this app)
  4. [R22] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US L: Everything is locked
  5. [R3] First Grade Learning Games 3/5 · US I’m just playing the game: The first thing I noticed was that the game was very simple
  6. [R9] First Grade Learning Games 3/5 · US My Review: Basically, you can’t do anything without giving money! I really do not recommend getting this app if you want a free learn to read app for your child!
  7. [R19] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US No free games: There’s no free games. You have to pay for a membership to play even one game.
  8. [R27] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US Do not download, scam: They promised you a free trial of a few days before you pay for it, but they will charge you regardless. I canceled my subscription thinking they would refund me, nope, was charged. This is a scam.
  9. [R47] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US Password reset and login between apps is broken: Non functional
  10. [R49] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US Can’t cancel: It says to cancel through the App Store. Can’t figure out how to cancel this.
  11. [R53] First Grade Learning Games 1/5 · US Took my money without asking: The subscription automatically renews at $40 after the trial. Other apps at least have the courtesy to prompt you for renewal once the trial has ended. I would not recommend trying this app unless you are fully willing to pay $40 for it.
  12. [R12] First Grade Learning Games 3/5 · US Educated my children: My children were homeschooled so I got them this app but I had to pay 6.99
  13. [R48] First Grade Learning Games 5/5 · US Good listeners: When the app didn’t work, I contacted the vendor and he fixed my problem. They were very helpful. My grandkids love the app!
  14. [R16] First Grade Learning Games 2/5 · US Says free: Says free but it’s not
  15. [R92] PBS KIDS Games 5/5 · US Download Online Games Again!: On long car or airport trips- we heavily rely on PBS games. We were disappointed when the games weren’t available for download- but PBS fixed it? Thank you!
  16. [R95] PBS KIDS Games 5/5 · US Offline Play: Thank you for re-instating the ability to download games available for offline use! High quality games that my kids love.
  17. [R98] PBS KIDS Games 5/5 · US Offline Games Are Back!: Thanks for hearing us out! Parents and kids favorite games app is back with offline! Support your local station.
  18. [R101] PBS KIDS Games 5/5 · US Fixed the ability to download!: We trust and love PBS Kids for their high quality, learning oriented games. And best of all, the latest app update reintroduced the ability to download games. This is a lifesaver for us when we travel! Thank you for fixing this!!!
  19. [R80] PBS KIDS Games 5/5 · US WHY IS THIS SO AMAZING: 1.Its free💸 2.No adds📺 3. Nostalgic🤔 4. No bad stuff🤗 5. Just AMAZING 🤩
  20. [R99] PBS KIDS Games 3/5 · US I love PBS Kids: I like this app it didn’t have any app purchases and it also boots creativity and learning it is for all ages. It’s free. It’s so fun. I didn’t have anything bad so it’s so fun. Sometimes I even use it. This is so funny.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store