# Programming for kids vs Tynker Junior

The clearest difference is rating: Tynker Junior at 4.5 against Programming for kids's 2.0. Tynker Junior also leads on ratings volume (4.2K vs 4) and review sentiment (59% vs 40%). Programming for kids's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Programming for kids sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Tynker Junior holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker Junior has 4.2K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Programming for kids's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Programming for kids | Tynker Junior |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/programming-for-kids/id1228997705/reviews) | **[4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **4.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **58.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 38 MB | 396 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AMGAMES Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1028926825) | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) |

## What reviewers say

### Programming for kids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/programming-for-kids/id1228997705)

This educational game introduces children to the fundamentals of coding through engaging robot operation puzzles. It fosters logical thinking and problem-solving skills without requiring actual programming code. Designed for interactive play with parents, it offers progressive challenges across various levels.

**Highlights:** Robot operation puzzles, Develops logical thinking, No programming code required, Progressive difficulty levels, Collect stars for applied skill, Parent-child interactive play

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Additional contents | $2.99 | one-time |


### Tynker Junior

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000)

This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive coding adventures. Designed for young learners, it makes learning to code fun and accessible.

**Highlights:** Word-free picture block coding, Problem-solving and logic development, Music and art creation, 200+ coding challenges, Tap-based interface, Voiceovers for guidance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Individual Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 💡 Good introduction to coding concepts
- 🚀 Easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy code and bugs
- 💰 Limited access without subscription
- 🤔 Misleading about subscription details

**Reported bugs**

- Levels/games not progressing properly
- Login and account issues
- Compatibility problems on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced coding lessons
- Improve customer support and responsiveness
- Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Programming for kids free?

Programming for kids is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Tynker Junior free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Programming for kids or Tynker Junior?

Tynker Junior is rated higher. Programming for kids averages 2.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Tynker Junior averages 4.5 from 4.2K ratings.

### Do Programming for kids or Tynker Junior have ads?

Neither Programming for kids nor Tynker Junior shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Programming for kids or Tynker Junior?

Programming for kids ships an update every 2 months, and Tynker Junior every 2 months. Most recently, Programming for kids was updated on June 1, 2026 and Tynker Junior 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.*