# Encode vs Curio

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Curio at none against Encode's 2. Curio 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 iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). 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. Curio asks for nothing beyond the download.

Curio 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 Curio's.

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, Curio every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encode | Curio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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/curio-learn-anything/id6760644187/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.4K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 88.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 85 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) | [Gopal Bagaswar](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885477880) |

## 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


### Curio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curio-learn-anything/id6760644187)

This app uses AI to create personalized, day-by-day learning paths for any subject. It offers structured curricula, quizzes, flashcards, and progress tracking to help users master new skills efficiently. Learn coding, music, languages, and more with a clear roadmap from beginner to expert.

**Highlights:** AI-generated personalized curricula, Day-by-day learning plans, Spaced repetition flashcards, Quizzes and active recall, Gamified progress tracking (XP, streaks, levels), Multiple learning realms, Focus tools and study tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encode free?

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

### Is Curio free?

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

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

Curio is rated higher. Encode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.4K ratings, while Curio averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Encode or Curio have ads?

Encode shows ads; Curio does not.

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

Encode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Curio every 4 days. Most recently, Encode was updated on November 2, 2026 and Curio on October 31, 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.*