Comparison

On vs Code the Beat

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

Head to head
About

On

Features
Read full description

On-Key transcends being merely a virtual piano app - it's an inclusive musical universe! With its unique approach, it provides a welcoming environment for all aspiring musicians. Carefully chosen colors ensure visual comfort, and the clear, readable interface caters to a wide range of users. Dive into interactive lessons, refine your skills, and explore a vast musical repertoire. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, On-Key adapts to your pace, offering support and encouragement with every note. Discover the magic of barrier-free music, join a vibrant community, and embark on your musical journey today. Download On-Key and let the music guide your inspiration, where everyone has a place to play and express themselves. Developed by Julia Gusmão, Luana Thomas, Matheus Venturini, Nathan Schostack and Pedro Muller.

About

Code the Beat

Learn Swift programming by creating music. This app uses interactive lessons and a unique visual style to teach coding concepts like variables, functions, and loops through musical composition. It offers an accessible and engaging experience for all ages.

Highlights
  • Learn Swift programming
  • Create musical compositions
  • Interactive coding lessons
  • Pixel art visual style
  • OpenDyslexic font option
  • Real-time code-to-sound feedback
Features
Read full description

Code the Beat is a unique and immersive experience where learning to code becomes an adventure through music. Guided by the animated character BeatBot, players dive into the world of programming while creating their own musical compositions using real Swift code. Learn Swift, One Beat at a Time Each level introduces a fundamental coding concept in an interactive and creative way. Whether you’re new to coding or want to experience it in a fresh format, Code the Beat makes learning engaging and intuitive. • Variables: Start your journey by playing notes on a virtual piano. As you play, you’ll see how variables can store musical values—bridging sound and code in real time. • Functions: Use a DJ pad to trigger chords and learn how functions group together instructions to create reusable code blocks—just like combining notes to form a chord. • Arrays: Drag and drop chords to create your own musical sequence, understanding how arrays store and manage collections of values. • Loops: Turn your chord sequence into a loop to discover how iteration works. Watch your music repeat endlessly while learning the basics of for and while loops. • Conditionals: Add drum sounds at specific beats and learn how conditions like if, &&, and || control logic in programming, affecting how and when code executes. A Retro, Accessible Visual Experience The game is styled in nostalgic pixel art, designed entirely using Aseprite. Each visual element, from the animated BeatBot to floating musical notes, is carefully crafted to make learning fun. Users can also enable OpenDyslexic font in the main menu, ensuring an inclusive experience for those with dyslexia or who prefer an alternative to the pixel font. Interactive Sound & Animation Code the Beat features responsive audio and animations throughout the app. Touch piano keys, trigger chords, and watch your code come alive through visual feedback and electric piano sounds—all recorded by the developer. For Learners of All Ages Whether you’re a curious student, a creative coder, or someone looking to combine music and logic in a new way, Code the Beat is designed for you. It’s not just a game—it’s a playful introduction to the world of software development through a universal language: music.

Screenshots

On3 screens
Code the Beat3 screens

Verdict

The call

On and Code the Beat are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
On versus Code the Beat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOnCode the Beat
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.5
Further details — not scored
Size408 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLuana ThomasThiago Dias

In-app purchases

None

On

No in-app purchases

None

Code the Beat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is On free?
On is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Code the Beat free?
Code the Beat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do On or Code the Beat have ads?
Neither On nor Code the Beat shows ads.

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