# TapCoding vs Encode

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.

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.

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.

TapCoding ships an update every 3 weeks, Encode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TapCoding | Encode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (344 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tapcoding/id1106047716/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 344 | **6.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 79.9% of reviews | **88.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Flairify LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/364237972) | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) |

## What reviewers say

### TapCoding

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tapcoding/id1106047716)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Builder's Curriculum | $5.99 | one-time |
| Master's Curriculum | $9.99 | one-time |
| Builder's Curriculum (Full Price) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Master's Curriculum (Full Price) | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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

[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 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 9, 2026.

---

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