# Kodable Basics vs HMH Brain Arcade

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Kodable Basics at 55% against HMH Brain Arcade's 0%. Kodable Basics also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months). HMH Brain Arcade's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kodable Basics sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. HMH Brain Arcade asks for nothing beyond the download.

Kodable Basics ships an update every 3 weeks, HMH Brain Arcade every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kodable Basics | HMH Brain Arcade |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **22K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **54.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 422 MB | 233 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SurfScore, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/577654768) | [Houghton Mifflin Harcourt](https://appshunter.io/developer/409368007) |

## 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


### HMH Brain Arcade

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hmh-brain-arcade/id1532111654)

Practice math skills through engaging games that reinforce arithmetic reasoning, number fluency, and problem-solving. Unlock new challenges and levels as you progress, building proficiency in fractions, decimals, and more.

**Highlights:** Engaging math games, Arithmetic reasoning practice, Number fluency building, Progress tracking and rewards, Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, Companion to MATH 180 curriculum

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kodable Basics free?

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

### Is HMH Brain Arcade free?

HMH Brain Arcade is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Kodable Basics or HMH Brain Arcade have ads?

Neither Kodable Basics nor HMH Brain Arcade shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Kodable Basics or HMH Brain Arcade?

Kodable Basics ships an update every 3 weeks, and HMH Brain Arcade every 5 months. Most recently, Kodable Basics was updated on October 24, 2026 and HMH Brain Arcade on October 21, 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.*