Comparison

TapCoding vs Encode

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

Head to head
About

TapCoding

Learn Swift programming through interactive, bite-sized exercises. Build code with drag-and-drop, test your knowledge with true/false questions, and practice typing code to build muscle memory. Detect errors and improve your logic and syntax comprehension.

Highlights
  • Bite-sized coding exercises
  • Drag-and-drop code building
  • True/false concept reinforcement
  • Code typing practice
  • Error spotting and logic correction
Features
Read full description

Learning to be a Swift programmer has never been so easy, convenient, or fun! TapCoding uses thousands of bite-sized exercises to teach you to code. All together, this content is easily the size of an entire programming book. But programming books are boring. Don't just read about programming in Swift. Actually do it, with all the interactive exercises: - Code building pages for producing code via drag-and-drop. - True/false exercises for emphasizing important concepts. - Code typing pages for reinforcing the rote muscle memory of coding. - Error spotting pages for comprehending existing code and detecting mistakes in logic or syntax. These exercises get you into the action, helping you engage and invest in your learning. TapCoding's carefully crafted curriculum takes you from a complete newbie up to an intermediate skill level, all from the comfort of your couch. The novice course can be unlocked 100% for free, so get started today!

About

Encode

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
Read full description

Start coding today with short, interactive lessons! Learn Python, SQL, HTML/CSS, JavaScript (and more) at your own pace. Encode makes learning to code easy! Bite-Sized Learning: Fit coding into your busy life with effective lessons you can complete in just 15 minutes daily. Hands-On Coding: Write REAL code from lesson one! Our interactive quizzes, coding exercises, and challenges build practical, real-world skills. Master In-Demand Languages: Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, & SQL. Plus, explore mini-courses in R, Swift, Java, & the Command Line. Practice Anywhere: Our built-in playground for coding means no setup headaches. Experiment, test, and write code on the go. Learning Made Fun: Daily streaks and hearts keep you motivated. Coding feels like a game, not a chore! Perfect for Absolute Beginners: No coding experience needed! Encode guides you step-by-step, demystifying complex concepts. Build Real-World Skills: Prepare to build websites, automate tasks, analyze data, or launch your tech career. Earn Your Certificate: Showcase your new coding skills with a personalized certificate of completion. Join thousands learning to code with Encode. Visit https://upskew.com/privacy for our Privacy Policy and https://upskew.com/tos for our Terms of Use. Illustrations by Ouch (https://icons8.com/ouch). Questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you at support@upskew.com.

Screenshots

TapCoding4 screens
Encode4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: TapCoding at none against Encode's shown. TapCoding also leads on iOS requirement (9.2 vs 15.0). Encode's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (6.4K vs 344). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. TapCoding sells 4 one-off in-app purchases 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Encode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encode has 6.4K ratings behind it against 344, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of TapCoding's written reviews are positive against 89% of Encode's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TapCoding ships an update every 3 weeks, Encode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
TapCoding versus Encode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTapCodingEncode
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (344 ratings)4.8 (6.4K ratings) — better
Positive reviews79.9% of reviews88.8% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3446.4K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.2 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB85 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFlairify LLCUpskew Pty. Ltd.

Customer experience

TapCoding

All ratings344 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral5.2%
Negative5.2%
Written reviews194 reviews
Positive79.9%
Neutral8.8%
Negative11.3%

Encode

All ratings6,375 ratings
Positive95.7%
Neutral2.8%
Negative1.5%
Written reviews249 reviews
Positive88.8%
Neutral4.8%
Negative6.4%

User reviews

TapCoding

From 344 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to understand lessons
  • 🚀 Concise and well-structured content
  • 💡 Creative use of iOS GUI for learning
  • 👍 Helpful for beginners
  • 👍 Clear and simple explanations

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Outdated Swift version
  • 🐛 Typing exercises not very useful on mobile
  • 🔒 No progress saving between lessons
  • 🔒 Restricted access to more advanced content
  • 🔋 Constant white background straining on eyes

Encode

From 6.4K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Bugs and requests

TapCoding

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Lesson progress reset when app is closed
  • Typing exercises not registering correct input
  • Loading cloud data issue on some devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add dark mode option
  • Implement progress saving between lessons
  • Provide more advanced content beyond basics
  • Improve typing exercises for mobile experience
  • Add more learning categories and content

Encode

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

4 requests
  • 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

In-app purchases

4 purchases

TapCoding

One-time4
  • Builder's Curriculum$5.99
  • Master's Curriculum$9.99
  • Builder's Curriculum (Full Price)$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Master's Curriculum (Full Price)$14.99
2 purchases

Encode

Subscriptions2
  • Encode Plus (Monthly)$9.991 Month
  • Encode Plus (Annual)$39.991 Year

Questions

Is TapCoding free?
TapCoding 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, TapCoding or Encode?
Encode is rated higher. TapCoding averages 4.5 out of 5 from 344 ratings, while Encode averages 4.8 from 6.4K ratings.
Do TapCoding or Encode have ads?
Encode shows ads; TapCoding does not.
Which is updated more often, TapCoding or Encode?
TapCoding ships an update every 3 weeks, and Encode every 2 weeks. Most recently, TapCoding was updated on September 29, 2026 and Encode on October 6, 2026.

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