# Tynker Junior vs SAM Studio

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SAM Studio at 100% against Tynker Junior's 59%. SAM Studio also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). Tynker Junior's advantage is ratings volume (4.2K vs 3) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. SAM Studio asks for nothing beyond the download.

SAM Studio holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker Junior has 4.2K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Tynker Junior's written reviews are positive against 100% of SAM Studio's.

Tynker Junior ships an update every 2 months, SAM Studio every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tynker Junior | SAM Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-studio/id1582863218/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.2K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 58.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 396 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) | [SAM Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1033131753) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### SAM Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-studio/id1582863218)

This platform offers tools and curriculum-aligned lesson plans for engaging STEAM and coding education. It features intuitive visual coding apps and wireless electronic blocks to bring computational thinking to life in the classroom.

**Highlights:** Curriculum-aligned lesson plans, Intuitive visual flow-based and block-based coding, Wireless Bluetooth electronic blocks, Lesson Builder tool, Teacher support and training, Support for various sensors and motors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tynker Junior free?

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

### Is SAM Studio free?

SAM Studio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Tynker Junior or SAM Studio?

SAM Studio is rated higher. Tynker Junior averages 4.5 out of 5 from 4.2K ratings, while SAM Studio averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Tynker Junior or SAM Studio have ads?

Neither Tynker Junior nor SAM Studio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tynker Junior or SAM Studio?

Tynker Junior ships an update every 2 months, and SAM Studio every 5 months. Most recently, Tynker Junior was updated on October 8, 2026 and SAM Studio on September 26, 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.*