# Kodable Basics vs Lightbot

The clearest difference is rating: Kodable Basics at 4.7 against Lightbot's 4.1. Kodable Basics also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (21K vs 242). Lightbot's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and review sentiment (80% vs 55%). 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. Lightbot asks for nothing beyond the download.

Kodable Basics holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Kodable Basics has 21K ratings behind it against 242, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of Kodable Basics's written reviews are positive against 80% of Lightbot's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Kodable Basics ships an update every 3 weeks, Lightbot every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kodable Basics | Lightbot |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067/reviews)** | [4.1 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightbot-code-hour/id873943739/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21K** | 242 |
| Positive reviews | 54.6% of reviews | **79.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 422 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **5.1.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SurfScore, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/577654768) | [SpriteBox LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/517384301) |

## 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


### Lightbot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightbot-code-hour/id873943739)

This programming puzzle game introduces players to coding logic through interactive challenges. Guide a robot using commands to solve levels, learning concepts like procedures, loops, and conditionals. It's designed for beginners, making coding accessible and fun for students.

**Highlights:** Programming puzzle gameplay, Introduces programming logic, Teaches procedures, loops, conditionals, 20 levels for beginners, Multiplayer progress tracking, Supports multiple languages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great level design
- 🤩 Fun and addictive
- 🧠 Helps develop coding skills
- 🎓 Good for kids and beginners
- 🏆 Awesome game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Levels too difficult
- 🤏 Not enough space for code
- 🕰️ Game too short
- 🙄 Unclear tutorial
- 🎵 Bad music

**Reported bugs**

- Level 1-7 impossible to complete
- Procedures level 5 glitched
- Robot not moving as expected

**Requested features**

- More levels and content
- Ability to create own games
- Better tutorial and instructions
- More music options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kodable Basics free?

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

### Is Lightbot free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Kodable Basics or Lightbot?

Kodable Basics is rated higher. Kodable Basics averages 4.7 out of 5 from 21K ratings, while Lightbot averages 4.1 from 242 ratings.

### Do Kodable Basics or Lightbot have ads?

Neither Kodable Basics nor Lightbot shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Kodable Basics or Lightbot?

Kodable Basics ships an update every 3 weeks, and Lightbot every 6 months. Most recently, Kodable Basics was updated on October 5, 2026 and Lightbot on September 29, 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.*