# POP vs Encode

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: POP at none against Encode's 2. POP also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). Encode's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly) and ratings volume (6.4K vs 1.2K). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. POP asks for nothing beyond the download.

Encode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encode has 6.4K ratings behind it against 1.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of POP's written reviews are positive against 89% of Encode's.

POP ships an update monthly, Encode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | POP | Encode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-prototyping-on-paper/id555647796/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K | **6.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 80.1% of reviews | **88.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 67 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ballpark Labs Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/890825264) | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) |

## What reviewers say

### POP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pop-prototyping-on-paper/id555647796)

Design interactive app prototypes directly on your mobile device. Create interfaces with a vast library of assets or import your paper sketches. Turn your designs into tappable demos and share them easily.

**Highlights:** Interactive app prototyping, Design mode with asset library, Import paper sketches, Link screens with touch areas, Shareable app demos, Syncs to web account

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Encode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756)

Learn to code with interactive, bite-sized lessons designed for busy schedules. Master popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL through hands-on exercises and challenges. Ideal for beginners, this app makes coding accessible and fun, offering certificates upon completion.

**Highlights:** Bite-sized interactive lessons, Hands-on coding exercises, Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Built-in code playground, Daily motivation streaks and hearts, Certificates of completion

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Encode Plus (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Encode Plus (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to learn and understand
- 🚀 Bite-sized, digestible lessons
- 💡 Engaging and game-like approach
- 🆓 Mostly free with no ads
- 👌 Smooth and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times after mistakes
- 💰 Restricts content behind paywall
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🤔 Lacks depth for more advanced learners

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect grammar/spelling in some lessons
- Inability to input answers in certain lessons
- Lesson content not always matching what's asked

**Requested features**

- Add more coding languages like C++, C#, and Lua
- Implement progress sync across devices
- Provide more interactive coding exercises
- Include audio/voice guidance for lessons


## Frequently asked questions

### Is POP free?

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

### Is Encode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, POP or Encode?

Encode is rated higher. POP averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Encode averages 4.8 from 6.4K ratings.

### Do POP or Encode have ads?

Encode shows ads; POP does not.

### Which is updated more often, POP or Encode?

POP ships an update monthly, and Encode every 2 weeks. Most recently, POP was updated on October 21, 2026 and Encode on October 26, 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.*