# Artsy vs Begin Learning

The clearest difference is rating: Artsy at 4.7 against Begin Learning's 3.9. Artsy also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (700 vs 16). Begin Learning's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Artsy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $59.99 per year. Begin Learning asks for nothing beyond the download.

Artsy holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Artsy has 700 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Artsy's written reviews are positive against 60% of Begin Learning's.

Artsy ships an update every 2 weeks, Begin Learning every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Artsy | Begin Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (700 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artsy-sketch-and-write/id1524253112/reviews)** | [3.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begin-learning/id6450722013/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **700** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 124 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TinyTap Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/369576418) | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) |

## What reviewers say

### Artsy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artsy-sketch-and-write/id1524253112)

Develop your creativity and drawing skills with a variety of engaging exercises. Explore different categories like mandalas, calligraphy, and famous art. Unlock unlimited access to all sketch packs with a subscription.

**Highlights:** Variety of creative exercise categories, Daily added unique activities, Printable artwork option, Personal drawing portfolio, Rich color palette, Apple Pencil and 3D Touch support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, SharePlay

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sketch Packs Family Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Sketch Packs Family Access | $77.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly and easy to use for all ages
- 🎨 Great for creative expression and drawing
- 👶 Excellent for young children's development
- ✨ Beautiful visual results on larger screens
- 🔄 Constantly updated with fresh content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription pricing ($39.99-$40)
- 🔐 Paywall restricts free content access
- 🎯 Limited functionality without premium
- 🔄 Repetitive account creation prompts
- 📱 Palm detection issues on touchscreen

**Reported bugs**

- Forced account creation loop when closing subscription prompt
- Drawing tool unresponsive or non-functional
- Palm touches interfere with stylus drawing

**Requested features**

- Cross stitch coloring books
- Diamond painting feature
- Mosaic and bead arts
- Hidden pictures mode
- Connect the dots activities


### Begin Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begin-learning/id6450722013)

Explore a curated collection of award-winning learning games for children aged 2-10. This free app offers engaging activities in early reading, math, STEM, coding, and social-emotional skills, featuring content from popular educational brands.

**Highlights:** Curated selection of award-winning learning games, Covers early reading, math, STEM, coding, and social-emotional skills, Content from Sesame Street, HOMER, codeSpark, and Little Passports, Designed for ages 2-10, Focuses on curiosity, character, core skills, creativity, and critical thinking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Artsy free?

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

### Is Begin Learning free?

Begin Learning is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Artsy or Begin Learning?

Artsy is rated higher. Artsy averages 4.7 out of 5 from 700 ratings, while Begin Learning averages 3.9 from 16 ratings.

### Do Artsy or Begin Learning have ads?

Neither Artsy nor Begin Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Artsy or Begin Learning?

Artsy ships an update every 2 weeks, and Begin Learning every 3 months. Most recently, Artsy was updated on October 20, 2026 and Begin Learning on October 6, 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.*