# Begin Learning vs Noggin

The clearest difference is update cadence: Noggin at every 2 weeks against Begin Learning's every 3 months. Noggin also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.9) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Begin Learning's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Noggin holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 55 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Begin Learning's written reviews are positive against 72% of Noggin's.

Begin Learning ships an update every 3 months, Noggin every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 12, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Begin Learning | Noggin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begin-learning/id6450722013/reviews) | **[4.2 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noggin/id6748613407/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **55** |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 137 MB | 882 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) | [Noggin Holdings, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1786213207) |

## What reviewers say

### Begin Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begin-learning/id6450722013)

Explore a curated collection of award-winning learning games for children aged 2-10. This free app offers engaging activities in early reading, math, STEM, coding, and social-emotional skills, featuring content from popular educational brands.

**Highlights:** Curated selection of award-winning learning games, Covers early reading, math, STEM, coding, and social-emotional skills, Content from Sesame Street, HOMER, codeSpark, and Little Passports, Designed for ages 2-10, Focuses on curiosity, character, core skills, creativity, and critical thinking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Noggin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/noggin/id6748613407)

This app offers a safe, ad-free environment for children to explore their interests through interactive games and curated videos. It encourages hands-on learning and skill-building in areas like baking, chess, and DIY, turning screen time into active discovery.

**Highlights:** Interactive mini-games, Curated video library, Hands-on skill building, Ad-free environment, Safe for all ages, Interest-based content categories

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great new beta app
- 👍 Fun and engaging gameplay
- 👍 Warm, colorful, and visually appealing design
- 💡 Focuses on skill-building activities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Lack of original Noggin shows and games
- 🐛 Confusing age selection

**Reported bugs**

- Rip-off app with the same name on the App Store

**Requested features**

- Bring back Moose and Zee
- Add voice-overs and books
- Expand the virtual world with more quests and content


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Begin Learning free?

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

### Is Noggin free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Begin Learning or Noggin?

Noggin is rated higher. Begin Learning averages 3.9 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Noggin averages 4.2 from 55 ratings.

### Do Begin Learning or Noggin have ads?

Neither Begin Learning nor Noggin shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Begin Learning or Noggin?

Begin Learning ships an update every 3 months, and Noggin every 2 weeks. Most recently, Begin Learning was updated on August 12, 2026 and Noggin on September 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.*