Comparison

DNA Translator vs Codon One

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • DNA to RNA transcription
  • RNA to Protein translation
  • Three reading frames
  • Single/three letter amino acid codes
  • Save and edit past translations
Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Interactive learning modules
  • Quick quizzes for comprehension
  • Clear diagrams and plain language
  • Molecule reference guide
  • Sequence analysis tools
  • Genetic code exploration
Features
Read full description

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

DNA Translator3 screens
Codon One4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Codon One sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. DNA Translator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
DNA Translator versus Codon One: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNA TranslatorCodon One
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (9 ratings) — better4.5 (25 ratings)
Positive reviews85.7% of reviews — better76.5% of reviews
Number of ratings925 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.1 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB277 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAdam DemingDaniel Gebert

Customer experience

DNA Translator

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

Codon One

All ratings25 ratings
Positive84.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative8.0%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive76.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative23.5%

In-app purchases

None

DNA Translator

No in-app purchases

7 purchases

Codon One

One-time7
  • Module 2: GeneticsFree
  • Module 1: Chemistry of LifeFree
  • Module 3: Evolution$2.99
Show 4 more
  • 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?
DNA Translator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Codon One free?
Codon One is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, DNA Translator or Codon One?
DNA Translator is rated higher. DNA Translator averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Codon One averages 4.5 from 25 ratings.
Do DNA Translator or Codon One have ads?
Neither DNA Translator nor Codon One shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DNA Translator or Codon One?
DNA Translator ships an update every 3 weeks, and Codon One every 3 weeks. Most recently, DNA Translator was updated on October 24, 2026 and Codon One on October 29, 2026.

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