# Calliope mini vs First Coding

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calliope mini | First Coding |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-coding/id1608410616/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | **25.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 37 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Calliope gGmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1309545544) | [A B](https://appshunter.io/developer/1024482339) |

## What reviewers say

### Calliope mini

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calliope-mini/id1309545545)

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.

**Highlights:** Program micro-controller, Build robots, Transmit messages, Control LEDs, Use motion sensor, Bluetooth communication

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### First Coding

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-coding/id1608410616)

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.

**Highlights:** Write your own programs, Control a robot, Graphical programming interface, Pre-made examples, Bluetooth connectivity, Age-appropriate learning

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calliope mini free?

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

### Is First Coding free?

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

### Do Calliope mini or First Coding have ads?

Neither Calliope mini nor First Coding shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Calliope mini or First Coding?

Calliope mini ships an update every 3 months, and First Coding every 5 months. Most recently, Calliope mini was updated on November 2, 2026 and First Coding on November 3, 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.*