Calliope mini vs First Coding
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Calliope mini
This app allows users to program a micro-controller to build robots, transmit messages, and make things move. It features LEDs, buttons, sensors, and Bluetooth for creative coding projects.
- Program micro-controller
- Build robots
- Transmit messages
- Control LEDs
- Use motion sensor
- Bluetooth communication
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With Calliope mini you have countless creative options right at your fingertips. You want to build a robot or transmit messages? With just a few clicks you can create a program for the controller and make things move. Besides 25 red plus three RGB-LEDs and two programmable buttons the board contains a combined position sensor with motion sensor and compass as well as a bluetooth module that allows the Calliope mini to communicate with other devices.
First Coding
Learn the fundamentals of programming and robotics with an interactive app designed for young learners. Bring robots to life by writing your own code through a user-friendly graphical interface and pre-made examples.
- Write your own programs
- Control a robot
- Graphical programming interface
- Pre-made examples
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Age-appropriate learning
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Ein eigenes Programm zu schreiben und einen Roboter zum Leben zu erwecken ist unglaublich spannend und aufregend! Diese Technik ist aus der heutigen Welt nicht mehr wegzudenken. Um auch den Jüngsten dieses spannende und wichtige Thema näher zu bringen, ist unser fischertechnik Early Coding genau richtig. Der Einstieg in die Welt der Informatik und Robotik gelingt durch die fertigen Komponenten mit viel Spielspaß und Begeisterung. Die zwei Motoren und Sensoren sind in einem Block fix und fertig integriert. Das heißt: einschalten, mit dem mobilen Endgerät über Bluetooth verbinden und loslegen! Die einfache grafische Programmierumgebung mit den vorgefertigten Beispielen ist altersgerecht aufgebaut – perfekt für den Start in die Welt der Robotik! Das erste eigene Programm zu erstellen ist mit der Software ebenfalls kinderleicht möglich.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Calliope mini at 26% against First Coding's 0%. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Calliope mini ships an update every 3 months, First Coding every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Calliope mini | First Coding |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 1.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 25.6% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Calliope gGmbH | A B |
Customer experience
Calliope mini
First Coding
In-app purchases
Calliope mini
No in-app purchases
First Coding
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Calliope mini free?
Is First Coding free?
Do Calliope mini or First Coding have ads?
Which is updated more often, Calliope mini or First Coding?
Other comparisons
