# Kodable Basics vs Tynker Junior

The clearest difference is rating: Kodable Basics at 4.7 against Tynker Junior's 4.5. Kodable Basics also leads on ratings volume (21K vs 4.2K). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kodable Basics sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month and Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Kodable Basics holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Kodable Basics has 21K ratings behind it against 4.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of Kodable Basics's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, Tynker Junior every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kodable Basics | Tynker Junior |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067/reviews)** | [4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21K** | 4.2K |
| Positive reviews | 54.8% of reviews | **58.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 422 MB | 396 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SurfScore, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/577654768) | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) |

## What reviewers say

### Kodable Basics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067)

This app teaches children aged 4-10 foundational computer science concepts through engaging, game-based activities. It helps kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by guiding them through mazes and allowing them to create their own games. The curriculum is designed to transition from basic logic to writing real code.

**Highlights:** Game-based learning approach, Develops critical thinking, Teaches coding concepts, Builds foundational computer science skills, Creative activities, Seasonal events

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kodable Monthly Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Kodable Yearly Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| 3-day Parent Trial | Free | one-time |
| Fuzzes to Support Computer Science | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pre-Trial Parent Plan | $19.99 | one-time |
| Parent Plan | $29.99 | one-time |
| Kodable Lifetime Plan | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Fun and educational coding game
- 👍 Helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- 🚀 Engaging for kids of various ages
- 🎨 Ability to create custom characters and games

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription-based model with high costs
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Misleading trial period and automatic subscription
- 📉 Declining quality and value over time

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to access app after subscription cancellation
- Persistent crashes at certain levels or stages
- Syncing and progress issues across devices
- Unresponsive controls and UI elements

**Requested features**

- More free content and levels
- Improved stability and performance
- Customization options for parents/teachers
- Better customer support and communication


### Tynker Junior

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000)

This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive coding adventures. Designed for young learners, it makes learning to code fun and accessible.

**Highlights:** Word-free picture block coding, Problem-solving and logic development, Music and art creation, 200+ coding challenges, Tap-based interface, Voiceovers for guidance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Individual Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 💡 Good introduction to coding concepts
- 🚀 Easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy code and bugs
- 💰 Limited access without subscription
- 🤔 Misleading about subscription details

**Reported bugs**

- Levels/games not progressing properly
- Login and account issues
- Compatibility problems on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced coding lessons
- Improve customer support and responsiveness
- Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kodable Basics free?

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

### Is Tynker Junior free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Kodable Basics or Tynker Junior?

Kodable Basics is rated higher. Kodable Basics averages 4.7 out of 5 from 21K ratings, while Tynker Junior averages 4.5 from 4.2K ratings.

### Do Kodable Basics or Tynker Junior have ads?

Neither Kodable Basics nor Tynker Junior shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Kodable Basics or Tynker Junior?

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, and Tynker Junior every 2 months. Most recently, Kodable Basics was updated on September 24, 2026 and Tynker Junior on September 22, 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.*