Comparison

Kodable Basics vs Tynker

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Kodable Basics

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
Read full description

The coding curriculum used in over 50% of U.S. elementary schools, now at home! Kids go from solving their first maze at age 4 to writing real JavaScript by 5th grade, through games they actually ask to play. LOVED BY KIDS, TRUSTED BY SCHOOLS Rated 4.7 stars by 21,000+ families. Over 25 million downloads. Built with elementary teachers for more than a decade, and aligned to Common Core and CSTA standards, the same curriculum kids use in class. WHAT KIDS LEARN Ages 4-6 (no reading required): sequencing, patterns, and problem-solving through maze puzzles. This is the logic underneath all programming. Ages 7-10: conditions, loops, functions, and variables, leading to real typed JavaScript Every level builds critical thinking they'll use far beyond the screen MORE THAN LESSONS Kids design their own characters, build and share their own games, and jump into seasonal events. Creativity keeps them coming back long after the lesson ends. USING KODABLE AT SCHOOL? Sign in with your school account and your child's progress comes home with them. Some class content carries over free; Kodable Pro unlocks the full library at home. BUILT FOR FAMILIES No ads. Ever. Works offline for road trips, flights, and waiting rooms Designed to meet the strict privacy standards schools require TEACHERS: A complete K-5 STEM curriculum with 80+ scripted lesson plans and Google Classroom, Clever, and roster integrations is available at kodable.com. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION – Payment will be charged to iTunes Account – Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period – Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal – Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase – Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable.

About

Tynker

This app offers a fun and engaging platform for children to learn coding and artificial intelligence. It guides them from visual block coding to text-based languages like Python and JavaScript, with opportunities to mod Minecraft and create AR apps.

Highlights
  • Block-to-text coding transition
  • AI and Machine Learning basics
  • Minecraft modding and creation
  • Augmented Reality (AR) app development
  • Coding tutorials and game building
  • Robotics programming
Features
Read full description

TYNKER: THE #1 CODING & AI APP FOR KIDS Empower your child’s future with the world’s most advanced coding platform. Tynker makes learning to code an adventure. From building their first game to mastering AI and Python, our award-winning curriculum is used by over 100 million children and 150,000+ schools worldwide. Whether your child is a complete beginner or an aspiring developer, Tynker provides the tools to turn screen time into creative time. WHY CHOOSE TYNKER? * Block-to-Text Transition: Start with intuitive visual blocks and move to Python, Swift, JavaScript and Java. * AI-Ready Learning: Explore the basics of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. * Minecraft modding, mobs, skins, items * Official Partnerships: Exclusive coding paths featuring Barbie™, LEGO®, and Minecraft. * Cross-Platform: One subscription unlocks full access on iPad, iPhone, and Web. KEY FEATURES * 200+ Coding Tutorials Solve puzzles and build multi-level games while learning logic and sequencing. Master loops, variables, and functions through interactive play. Create Augmented Reality (AR) apps that bring code into the real world. * Minecraft Modding (iPad Exclusive) Design custom skins, mobs, and blocks with ease. Use code to build instant structures or change mob behaviors. Deploy your mods directly to Minecraft for endless play. * Crystal Clash: Coding Arenas The ultimate "Code-to-Win" battles! Write scripts to cast spells, avoid obstacles, and outsmart opponents in a real-time arena. * Robotics & Physical Computing Program LEGO® WeDo, and micro:bit. TRUSTED BY EXPERTS Apple: Selected for the "Everyone Can Code" program. Parents’ Choice: Gold Award Winner. Common Sense Media: 5-Star Rating for Engagement. USA Today: Rated “Best for ages 8-14.” PRIVACY TERMS Privacy Policy: https://www.tynker.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.tynker.com/terms Start your child's coding journey today. What will they create?

Screenshots

Kodable Basics4 screens
Tynker4 screens

Verdict

The call

Kodable Basics and Tynker are too close to call on the numbers: across 10 compared parameters — price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Kodable Basics sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month and Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Kodable Basics against 4.6 for Tynker. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21K and 18K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of Kodable Basics's written reviews are positive against 56% of Tynker's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, Tynker every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Kodable Basics versus Tynker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKodable BasicsTynker
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (21K ratings) — better4.6 (18K ratings)
Positive reviews54.8% of reviews56.1% of reviews — better
Number of ratings21K — better18K
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size422 MB153 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSurfScore, IncTynker

Customer experience

Kodable Basics

All ratings21,410 ratings
Positive93.7%
Neutral2.6%
Negative3.7%
Written reviews409 reviews
Positive54.8%
Neutral5.4%
Negative39.9%

Tynker

All ratings18,334 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews789 reviews
Positive56.1%
Neutral11.0%
Negative32.8%

User reviews

Kodable Basics

From 21K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 💡 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

Room to improve

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

Tynker

From 18K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Coding made fun
  • 👍 Great for learning
  • 🎨 Customizable Minecraft mods
  • 💡 Potential for more features

Room to improve

  • 🔒 Paywall for full access
  • 🐛 Bugs and glitches
  • 🤔 Limited Minecraft functionality
  • ⏱️ Slow project publishing

Bugs and requests

Kodable Basics

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • 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

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

Tynker

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Minecraft mods not working as expected
  • Syncing and publishing issues
  • Disappearing projects and progress
  • Compatibility problems with newer Minecraft versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • More Minecraft block and mob customization
  • Offline access
  • Improved community moderation
  • Ability to save and restore projects

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Kodable Basics

Subscriptions2
  • Kodable Monthly Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Kodable Yearly Plan7 Days trial$119.991 Year
One-time5
  • 3-day Parent TrialFree
  • Fuzzes to Support Computer Science$4.99
  • Pre-Trial Parent Plan$19.99
Show 2 more
  • Parent Plan$29.99
  • Kodable Lifetime Plan$199.99
4 purchases

Tynker

Subscriptions3
  • Tynker Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Tynker Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$59.993 Months
  • Yearly All-Access Plan$119.991 Year
One-time1
  • Tynker Web + Mobile Plan$314.99

Questions

Is Kodable Basics free?
Kodable Basics is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tynker free?
Tynker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Kodable Basics or Tynker?
Kodable Basics is rated higher. Kodable Basics averages 4.7 out of 5 from 21K ratings, while Tynker averages 4.6 from 18K ratings.
Do Kodable Basics or Tynker have ads?
Neither Kodable Basics nor Tynker shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Kodable Basics or Tynker?
Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, and Tynker every 3 weeks. Most recently, Kodable Basics was updated on September 24, 2026 and Tynker on September 24, 2026.

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