# DNA Translator vs Functional Groups

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DNA Translator at none against Functional Groups's 1. DNA Translator also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (11.1 vs 15.0). Functional Groups's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 86%). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Functional Groups sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DNA Translator asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for DNA Translator against 4.9 for Functional Groups. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 21 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 86% of DNA Translator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Functional Groups's.

DNA Translator ships an update every 3 weeks, Functional Groups every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DNA Translator | Functional Groups |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dna-translator/id1435730627/reviews)** | [4.9 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/functional-groups/id1670252638/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adam Deming](https://appshunter.io/developer/1416426022) | [Clarity Applications](https://appshunter.io/developer/1646120472) |

## What reviewers say

### DNA Translator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dna-translator/id1435730627)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Functional Groups

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/functional-groups/id1670252638)

Master organic chemistry functional groups through an engaging and interactive learning experience. Ideal for students in introductory or advanced courses, MCAT prep, and A-Level chemistry, this app covers dozens of essential groups with practice modes and progress tracking.

**Highlights:** 25+ basic and advanced functional groups, 300+ organic compounds, Multiple practice modes, Customizable study groups, Personalized review, Reference table and definitions, Progress tracking with achievements

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Access | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DNA Translator free?

DNA Translator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Functional Groups free?

Functional Groups is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, DNA Translator or Functional Groups?

DNA Translator is rated higher. DNA Translator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Functional Groups averages 4.9 from 21 ratings.

### Do DNA Translator or Functional Groups have ads?

Neither DNA Translator nor Functional Groups shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DNA Translator or Functional Groups?

DNA Translator ships an update every 3 weeks, and Functional Groups every 4 months. Most recently, DNA Translator was updated on October 3, 2026 and Functional Groups on October 11, 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.*