# PHP Bites vs Encode

The clearest difference is rating: Encode at 4.8 against PHP Bites's 3.8. Encode also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 50%) and ratings volume (6.4K vs 10). PHP Bites's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PHP Bites sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Encode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encode has 6.4K ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of PHP Bites's written reviews are positive against 89% of Encode's.

PHP Bites ships an update every 5 weeks, Encode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PHP Bites | Encode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/php-bites-learn-how-to-code-in-php-with-interactive-mini-lessons/id1061516656/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **6.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **88.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 3 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alan Nawoj](https://appshunter.io/developer/1722514765) | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) |

## What reviewers say

### PHP Bites

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/php-bites-learn-how-to-code-in-php-with-interactive-mini-lessons/id1061516656)

Learn PHP coding through interactive mini-lessons and challenges. This app covers core concepts, allows you to run sample code, and awards a certificate upon completion. Ideal for beginners and experienced developers alike.

**Highlights:** Interactive mini-lessons, Challenge questions, Core PHP concepts, Run sample code, Syntax coloring, Certificate of completion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Topics and Lessons | $2.99 | one-time |


### Encode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756)

Learn to code with interactive, bite-sized lessons designed for busy schedules. Master popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL through hands-on exercises and challenges. Ideal for beginners, this app makes coding accessible and fun, offering certificates upon completion.

**Highlights:** Bite-sized interactive lessons, Hands-on coding exercises, Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Built-in code playground, Daily motivation streaks and hearts, Certificates of completion

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Encode Plus (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Encode Plus (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to learn and understand
- 🚀 Bite-sized, digestible lessons
- 💡 Engaging and game-like approach
- 🆓 Mostly free with no ads
- 👌 Smooth and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times after mistakes
- 💰 Restricts content behind paywall
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🤔 Lacks depth for more advanced learners

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect grammar/spelling in some lessons
- Inability to input answers in certain lessons
- Lesson content not always matching what's asked

**Requested features**

- Add more coding languages like C++, C#, and Lua
- Implement progress sync across devices
- Provide more interactive coding exercises
- Include audio/voice guidance for lessons


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PHP Bites free?

PHP Bites is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Encode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PHP Bites or Encode?

Encode is rated higher. PHP Bites averages 3.8 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Encode averages 4.8 from 6.4K ratings.

### Do PHP Bites or Encode have ads?

Encode shows ads; PHP Bites does not.

### Which is updated more often, PHP Bites or Encode?

PHP Bites ships an update every 5 weeks, and Encode every 2 weeks. Most recently, PHP Bites was updated on October 2, 2026 and Encode on October 11, 2026.

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