DNA Translator vs Codon One
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DNA Translator
This app allows users to transcribe DNA sequences into RNA and then translate RNA into polypeptide chains. It displays amino acid codes in three reading frames and saves all past translations for easy editing.
- DNA to RNA transcription
- RNA to Protein translation
- Three reading frames
- Single/three letter amino acid codes
- Save and edit past translations
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Have the ability to transcribe and translate nucleotide sequences into polypeptide chains. Click and see single/three letter amino acid codes in 3 different reading frames. All of your past translations will be saved so you can go back and edit them anytime.
Codon One
Master molecular biology, genetics, evolution, and life chemistry through interactive modules and quizzes. Explore essential concepts with clear diagrams and concise explanations. Includes helpful tools for sequence analysis and genetic code reference.
- Interactive learning modules
- Quick quizzes for comprehension
- Clear diagrams and plain language
- Molecule reference guide
- Sequence analysis tools
- Genetic code exploration
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Codon One helps you learn biology step by step, with short lessons, quick quizzes, flashcards, and a searchable glossary. Build a solid foundation in molecular biology, genetics, evolution, cell biology, development, and the history of science. Each section breaks complex ideas into clear explanations, diagrams, and focused checks for understanding. Core course (Modules) Module 1: Chemistry of Life – atoms & elements, bonds, water, pH, biomolecules Module 2: Genetics – chromosomes, replication, transcription, translation, regulation Module 3: Evolution – history of life, phylogeny, selection, drift, speciation, molecular evolution Module 4: History of Science – ideas, methods, and experiments that shaped modern biology Module 5: Cell Biology – membranes & transport, organelles & energy, cytoskeleton, signaling, cell division Module 6: Development – fertilization & body plans, differentiation, pattern formation & morphogenesis, growth & repair, evo-devo Additional topics are planned for future updates, including Animal Physiology, Microbiology & Immunology, Plant Biology, and more. Glossary & Flashcards Look up the essentials in one place - key terms from every module, plus the 20 amino acids and the nucleobases. Turn any topic into a flashcard deck and review with smart, spaced practice that focuses on the cards you find hardest. Quiz & Progress Practice across biochemistry, genetics, evolution, cell biology, development, and science history in a dedicated quiz area. Track improvement with success rates and per-topic stats, and let the app resurface your weak questions for targeted review. Keep a daily streak going to build a steady habit. Got a good question? Submit it directly from the app. Built-in Tools Sequence Operator: paste DNA, reverse or complement it, transcribe to RNA, translate in all six reading frames, and view length, GC content, and melting temperature. Codon Picker: explore the genetic code, see which codons map to each amino acid or stop signal, and tweak bases to see the effect. Triplet Encoder: write a message in amino-acid single-letter code and encode it as a DNA triplet sequence, then decode it by translation. Found a bug or have suggestions? Email info@codon-one.com - we read every message.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DNA Translator at none against Codon One's 7. DNA Translator also leads on review sentiment (86% vs 76%) and iOS requirement (11.1 vs 15.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Codon One sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. DNA Translator asks for nothing beyond the download.
DNA Translator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 25 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of DNA Translator's written reviews are positive against 76% of Codon One's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DNA Translator | Codon One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (9 ratings) — better | 4.5 (25 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews — better | 76.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 25 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 11.1 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 277 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Adam Deming | Daniel Gebert |
Customer experience
DNA Translator
Codon One
In-app purchases
DNA Translator
No in-app purchases
Codon One
- Module 2: GeneticsFree
- Module 1: Chemistry of LifeFree
- Module 3: Evolution$2.99
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- Module 4: Science History$2.99
- Module 5: Cell Biology$2.99
- Module 6: Development$2.99
- Unlock All$8.99
Questions
Is DNA Translator free?
Is Codon One free?
Which has better reviews, DNA Translator or Codon One?
Do DNA Translator or Codon One have ads?
Which is updated more often, DNA Translator or Codon One?
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