# Encode vs Sololearn

Encode and Sololearn both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 89% of Encode's written reviews are positive against 70% of Sololearn's. Sololearn's advantage is ratings volume (82K vs 6.4K). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Sololearn sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 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 — 4.8 for Encode against 4.8 for Sololearn. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sololearn has 82K ratings behind it against 6.4K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of Encode's written reviews are positive against 70% of Sololearn's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encode | Sololearn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews) | [4.8 (82K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sololearn-learn-to-code/id1210079064/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6.4K | **82K** |
| Positive reviews | **88.7% of reviews** | 70.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 86 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) | [Sololearn Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/933957049) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Sololearn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sololearn-learn-to-code/id1210079064)

Learn programming languages like Python, Java, and C# through interactive lessons and hands-on practice. This app offers bite-sized courses, coding challenges, and AI-powered support to help you build practical coding skills on the go. Join millions of learners worldwide advancing their careers and creating real-world solutions.

**Highlights:** Interactive coding lessons, Hands-on coding exercises, AI-powered coding support, Mobile code editor, Community support, Personalized learning paths

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sololearn PRO Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| SoloLearn PRO Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Sololearn PRO Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| SoloLearn PRO Annual | $47.99 | per year |
| PRO Annual (14 days trial) | $47.99 | per year |
| SoloLearn PRO Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Sololearn PRO Annual | $69.99 | per year |
| SoloLearn PRO Annual | $69.99 | per year |
| Sololearn PRO Annual | $79.99 | per year |
| Sololearn PRO Annual | $79.99 | per year |
| Full access to AI courses | $97.99 | per year |
| Sololearn MAX | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging
- 🚀 Helps get an understanding of code
- 🚀 Easy to learn and use
- 👍 Great for beginners
- 👍 Awesome learning app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Outdated terms and lack of intelligence in verifying answers
- 🐛 Issues with the app crashing or not loading properly
- 💰 Expensive subscription, especially compared to other options
- 💰 Free version is very limited
- 🔒 Difficult to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect test answers even when the code is correct
- Inability to enter certain characters or syntax correctly
- Lessons not saving progress properly
- Landscape mode not supported on tablets
- Frequent crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced courses and content
- Improve code editor and IDE functionality
- Implement better explanations and feedback for incorrect answers
- Add more programming languages like Lua
- Improve search and navigation within the app


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encode free?

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

### Is Sololearn free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Encode or Sololearn?

Encode and Sololearn are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 6.4K and 82K ratings respectively.

### Do Encode or Sololearn have ads?

Both Encode and Sololearn show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Encode or Sololearn?

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sololearn every 2 weeks. Most recently, Encode was updated on September 20, 2026 and Sololearn on September 24, 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.*