# Encode vs React Native Hacker News

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: React Native Hacker News at none against Encode's 2. React Native Hacker News also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Encode's advantage is ratings volume (6.4K vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. React Native Hacker News asks for nothing beyond the download.

React Native Hacker News holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encode has 6.4K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of Encode's written reviews are positive against 100% of React Native Hacker News's.

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, React Native Hacker News every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encode | React Native Hacker News |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/react-native-hacker-news/id1220272464/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.4K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 88.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 86 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) | [George Jose](https://appshunter.io/developer/1220272463) |

## 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


### React Native Hacker News

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/react-native-hacker-news/id1220272464)

An open-source client for Hacker News, built with React Native. It offers a clean and simple interface for browsing news and articles. View the source code on GitHub.

**Highlights:** Clean interface, Simple navigation, Open source, React Native client, Hacker News access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encode free?

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

### Is React Native Hacker News free?

React Native Hacker News is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Encode or React Native Hacker News?

React Native Hacker News is rated higher. Encode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.4K ratings, while React Native Hacker News averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Encode or React Native Hacker News have ads?

Encode shows ads; React Native Hacker News does not.

### Which is updated more often, Encode or React Native Hacker News?

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, and React Native Hacker News every 6 weeks. Most recently, Encode was updated on September 24, 2026 and React Native Hacker News on June 1, 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.*