GenomeCache vs Codon One
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GenomeCache
Explore the human genome through a virtual scavenger hunt, learning about genetic points of interest and their contribution to human traits. Test your knowledge with trivia and compete on a leaderboard.
- Virtual scavenger hunt through the human genome
- Learn about genetic points of interest
- Discover how genes contribute to human traits
- Engage with fun facts
- Test knowledge with trivia questions
- Post high scores to a leaderboard
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Genome Cache™ has been developed by the Educational Outreach Team at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama. It can be used on McMillian Park, located on the HudsonAlpha campus in Huntsville or in conjunction with the GenomeCache website (genomecache.hudsonalpha.org), anyone anywhere can create their own GenomeWalk. The app includes a total of 20 different pathways through the human genome to choose from, each highlighting 15 genetic points of interest. Explore the human genome through a virtual scavenger hunt, learn about how genes contribute to human traits, engage with fun facts, and test your knowledge with a trivia questions. Get points by finding each location and answering the trivia questions correctly and post your high score to the leader board.
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: GenomeCache at none against Codon One's 7. GenomeCache also leads on iOS requirement (11 vs 15.6). Codon One's advantage is review sentiment (76% vs 44%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support 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. GenomeCache asks for nothing beyond the download.
Codon One holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 24 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of GenomeCache's written reviews are positive against 76% of Codon One's.
GenomeCache ships an update every 3 months, Codon One every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GenomeCache | Codon One |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 (5 ratings) | 4.5 (24 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | 76.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 5 | 24 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 113 MB | 277 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology | Daniel Gebert |
Customer experience
GenomeCache
Codon One
In-app purchases
GenomeCache
No in-app purchases
Codon One
- Module 1: Chemistry of LifeFree
- Module 2: Genetics$2.99
- 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 GenomeCache free?
Is Codon One free?
Which has better reviews, GenomeCache or Codon One?
Do GenomeCache or Codon One have ads?
Which is updated more often, GenomeCache or Codon One?
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