# LockDown Browser vs Codon

The clearest difference is rating: Codon at 5.0 against LockDown Browser's 1.2. Codon also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 5 weeks). LockDown Browser's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (3.9K vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Codon sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. LockDown Browser asks for nothing beyond the download.

Codon holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LockDown Browser has 3.9K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Codon every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LockDown Browser | Codon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codon-learn-biology/id6796637767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.9K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 7.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Respondus Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/365544611) | [OMAR DANIEL GRAZIANO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896485759) |

## What reviewers say

### LockDown Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775)

This application creates a secure browser environment for online exams, preventing access to other applications, websites, or device functions. It ensures the integrity of assessments by locking users into the exam until submission. It is compatible with specific learning systems and can be used with proctoring systems if enabled by an instructor.

**Highlights:** Locks down exam environment, Prevents switching applications, Blocks access to other URLs, Disables screenshots, Prohibits copying or printing, Integrates with learning systems

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well on iPad
- 🔒 Secures exams
- 👍 Helpful for online tests

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
- 🔒 Locks down devices too aggressively
- 👎 Unreliable and glitchy
- 💤 Slow and unresponsive
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to load tests and quizzes
- Prevents device power off and exit
- Incompatible with other apps like Canvas
- Randomly kicks users out of exams

**Requested features**

- Improved compatibility with iPads
- Better error handling and recovery
- Streamlined setup and onboarding
- More user-friendly interface


### Codon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codon-learn-biology/id6796637767)

Master biology from molecules to ecosystems with a comprehensive, offline curriculum. Explore 100 lessons, researcher profiles, and landmark experiments. Learn mechanisms and track progress with spaced repetition and interactive quizzes.

**Highlights:** Offline biology curriculum, 100 lessons with narration, Researcher profiles, Interactive quizzes with explanations, Spaced repetition learning, Offline access, no account needed, Home screen widgets

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Codon Full Access | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LockDown Browser free?

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

### Is Codon free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LockDown Browser or Codon?

Codon is rated higher. LockDown Browser averages 1.2 out of 5 from 3.9K ratings, while Codon averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do LockDown Browser or Codon have ads?

Neither LockDown Browser nor Codon shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LockDown Browser or Codon?

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, and Codon every 10 days. Most recently, LockDown Browser was updated on October 1, 2026 and Codon on September 22, 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.*