# Encode vs Prep Circa

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Prep Circa at none against Encode's 2. Prep Circa also leads on ads (none vs shown). Encode's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, Prep Circa every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encode | Prep Circa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.4K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 86 MB | 155 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) | [Dashur AI LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1742272567) |

## 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


### Prep Circa

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/prep-circa/id6499061920)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encode free?

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

### Is Prep Circa free?

Prep Circa is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Encode or Prep Circa have ads?

Encode shows ads; Prep Circa does not.

### Which is updated more often, Encode or Prep Circa?

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Prep Circa every 2 months. Most recently, Encode was updated on September 24, 2026 and Prep Circa on August 13, 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.*