# Sololearn vs Octopus

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Sololearn at 82K against Octopus's 5. Sololearn also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Octopus's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (13.6 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sololearn sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Octopus sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Octopus holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sololearn has 82K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Sololearn's written reviews are positive against 71% of Octopus's.

Sololearn ships an update every 2 weeks, Octopus monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sololearn | Octopus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (82K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sololearn-learn-to-code/id1210079064/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octopus-learn-programming/id1565140788/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **82K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 70.1% of reviews | **71.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 130 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sololearn Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/933957049) | [Alaa CHERBIB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1097070945) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Octopus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octopus-learn-programming/id1565140788)

Learn to code in popular languages like Python, Java, Swift, and JavaScript, plus web development with HTML and CSS. Offers detailed tutorials and interactive exercises for all skill levels. Join a community of learners to advance your programming journey.

**Highlights:** Learn Python, Java, Swift, JavaScript, Web development with HTML and CSS, Detailed tutorials, Interactive coding exercises, Community collaboration, Courses for all levels

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Learn programming - 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| Learn programming - 3 Months | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| Learn programming - 1 Year | $84.99 | per year |
| Learn programming - No limits | $44.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sololearn free?

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

### Is Octopus free?

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

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

Octopus is rated higher. Sololearn averages 4.8 out of 5 from 82K ratings, while Octopus averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Sololearn or Octopus have ads?

Both Sololearn and Octopus show ads.

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

Sololearn ships an update every 2 weeks, and Octopus monthly. Most recently, Sololearn was updated on September 28, 2026 and Octopus on September 16, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*