# TimeTree vs Codon One

The clearest difference is rating: Codon One at 4.5 against TimeTree's 3.5. Codon One also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months) and review sentiment (76% vs 65%). TimeTree's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Codon One holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 25 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of TimeTree's written reviews are positive against 76% of Codon One's.

TimeTree ships an update every 8 months, Codon One every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TimeTree | Codon One |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timetree/id372842500/reviews) | **[4.5 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codon-one-biology-study/id1517313390/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **25** |
| Positive reviews | 65.1% of reviews | **76.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 66 MB | 277 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Arizona and Penn State Universities](https://appshunter.io/developer/372842503) | [Daniel Gebert](https://appshunter.io/developer/1517313389) |

## What reviewers say

### TimeTree

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timetree/id372842500)

Explore a vast public knowledge base of evolutionary timescales and divergence times among organisms. This app uses a hierarchical system to find and present molecular time estimates from scientific literature, allowing users to compare species and view summary statistics.

**Highlights:** Explore evolutionary timescales, View organism divergence times, Access scientific literature data, Hierarchical tree-based system, Compute summary statistics, Compare species divergence

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Codon One

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codon-one-biology-study/id1517313390)

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:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Module 2: Genetics | Free | one-time |
| Module 1: Chemistry of Life | Free | one-time |
| Module 3: Evolution | $2.99 | one-time |
| Module 4: Science History | $2.99 | one-time |
| Module 5: Cell Biology | $2.99 | one-time |
| Module 6: Development | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TimeTree free?

TimeTree 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, TimeTree or Codon One?

Codon One is rated higher. TimeTree averages 3.5 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Codon One averages 4.5 from 25 ratings.

### Do TimeTree or Codon One have ads?

Neither TimeTree nor Codon One shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TimeTree or Codon One?

TimeTree ships an update every 8 months, and Codon One every 3 weeks. Most recently, TimeTree was updated on October 20, 2026 and Codon One on October 29, 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.*