# Encode vs SideMe

The clearest difference is ads: SideMe at none against Encode's shown. Encode's advantage is review sentiment (89% vs 67%) and ratings volume (6.4K vs 270). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and SideMe sells 9 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 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encode has 6.4K ratings behind it against 270, 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 67% of SideMe's.

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, SideMe fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encode | SideMe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** | [4.6 (270 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sideme-learn-coding/id6743945588/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.4K** | 270 |
| Positive reviews | **88.7% of reviews** | 67.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 86 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) | [JASON TIM TRISTAN PRADEAU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1702944813) |

## 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


### SideMe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sideme-learn-coding/id6743945588)

Learn coding through a fun, gamified experience. Master Python and other programming topics with interactive lessons, bug-fixing challenges, and project-based learning. Earn rewards and unlock content as you progress.

**Highlights:** Gamified learning path, Interactive lesson levels, Bug detection and fixing, Project creation, XP and reward system, Short, efficient sessions

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Super SideMe (monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Super SideMe (monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Super SideMe (yearly) | $59.99 | per year |
| Super SideMe (yearly) | $59.99 | per year |
| Easy Starter Gems Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gems chest (200) | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gems chest (450) | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gems chest (950) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Boost Starter Gems Pack | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encode free?

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

### Is SideMe free?

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

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

Encode is rated higher. Encode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.4K ratings, while SideMe averages 4.6 from 270 ratings.

### Do Encode or SideMe have ads?

Encode shows ads; SideMe does not.

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

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, and SideMe fortnightly. Most recently, Encode was updated on September 24, 2026 and SideMe on September 22, 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.*