# TapCoding vs Tynker Junior

TapCoding and Tynker Junior both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 80% of TapCoding's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's. TapCoding also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (9.2 vs 15.0). Tynker Junior's advantage is ratings volume (4.2K vs 344). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TapCoding sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for TapCoding against 4.5 for Tynker Junior. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker Junior has 4.2K ratings behind it against 344, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of TapCoding's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's.

TapCoding ships an update every 3 weeks, Tynker Junior every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TapCoding | Tynker Junior |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (344 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tapcoding/id1106047716/reviews) | [4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 344 | **4.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **79.9% of reviews** | 58.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 396 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) | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) |

## 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


### Tynker Junior

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000)

This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive coding adventures. Designed for young learners, it makes learning to code fun and accessible.

**Highlights:** Word-free picture block coding, Problem-solving and logic development, Music and art creation, 200+ coding challenges, Tap-based interface, Voiceovers for guidance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Individual Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 💡 Good introduction to coding concepts
- 🚀 Easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy code and bugs
- 💰 Limited access without subscription
- 🤔 Misleading about subscription details

**Reported bugs**

- Levels/games not progressing properly
- Login and account issues
- Compatibility problems on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced coding lessons
- Improve customer support and responsiveness
- Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TapCoding free?

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

### Is Tynker Junior free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TapCoding or Tynker Junior?

TapCoding and Tynker Junior are both rated 4.5 out of 5 on the App Store, from 344 and 4.2K ratings respectively.

### Do TapCoding or Tynker Junior have ads?

Neither TapCoding nor Tynker Junior shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TapCoding or Tynker Junior?

TapCoding ships an update every 3 weeks, and Tynker Junior every 2 months. Most recently, TapCoding was updated on October 12, 2026 and Tynker Junior on October 8, 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.*