# Thunkable Live vs Ionic Code Play

The clearest difference is ads: Thunkable Live at none against Ionic Code Play's shown. Thunkable Live also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 16 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Thunkable Live ships an update weekly, Ionic Code Play every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thunkable Live | Ionic Code Play |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (324 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunkable-live/id1223262700/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **324** | — |
| Positive reviews | 53.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 114 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thunkable](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207985166) | [Merbin Joe](https://appshunter.io/developer/1281696078) |

## What reviewers say

### Thunkable Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunkable-live/id1223262700)

This platform allows users to create mobile applications using a visual, block-based programming language. It empowers individuals to design and control their own mobile device applications through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Explore tutorials and documentation to build your own projects.

**Highlights:** Drag and drop interface, Blocks based programming, Mobile device control, In-app tutorials, Extensive documentation

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to create apps
- 🚀 Instant live testing
- 💡 Innovative learning platform
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 👍 Versatile for all skill levels

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer iOS devices
- 🐛 Laggy performance and glitches
- 🐛 Unreliable live testing and preview
- 🐛 Confusing navigation and UI

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes or crashes
- White screen issues and app not loading
- Inability to view or edit code
- Inconsistent behavior between web and mobile versions
- Firebase integration problems

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved code editor and customization tools
- Better integration with external services
- More comprehensive documentation and tutorials
- Ability to test apps on multiple devices


### Ionic Code Play

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ionic-code-play/id1286866064)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Thunkable Live free?

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

### Is Ionic Code Play free?

Ionic Code Play is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Thunkable Live or Ionic Code Play have ads?

Ionic Code Play shows ads; Thunkable Live does not.

### Which is updated more often, Thunkable Live or Ionic Code Play?

Thunkable Live ships an update weekly, and Ionic Code Play every 16 months. Most recently, Thunkable Live was updated on September 23, 2026 and Ionic Code Play on September 10, 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.*