Comparison

Hew Playground vs Simple JavaScript

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

Head to head
About

Hew Playground

Features
Read full description

Write, run and learn Hew on your iPhone or iPad. Hew is a programming language built around actors that communicate by sending messages. Edit code with syntax highlighting, live errors and warnings, compiler-powered completions, type information and quick access to symbols. Run code on your device, or choose Remote to use the Hew server with an internet connection. Explore 13 interactive lessons, 13 examples and 19 quick reference cards. Learn the basics, then try actors, closures, async/await and state machines. Load runnable snippets straight into the editor and open the Hew documentation in the app. Save and organise your programs, import and export .hew files, and share code or a hew.run link. Stop running programs, protect unsaved changes and save your work when the app goes into the background. On iPad, resize the side-by-side editor and output panes. Hew Playground supports Dynamic Type, VoiceOver labels and hardware keyboards, and is available in 11 languages. Requires iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or later. Learn more at https://hew.sh

About

Simple JavaScript

Features
Read full description

“Want to try code while you’re on the go?” This app is a simple JavaScript editor and runtime designed for smartphones. It provides a powerful code editor with syntax highlighting, allowing you to write and run JavaScript code instantly. It is suitable for everything from learning JavaScript to practical coding and testing. Common use cases include: * Learning JavaScript * Programming practice * Learning web development * Studying algorithms * Testing code snippets * Verifying sample code * Taking JavaScript notes * Creating scripts * Testing functions * Writing code for technical blogs * Training and workshops * Building prototypes * Managing code snippets * Experimenting with new ideas * Creating a simple testing environment during development JavaScript can be used in many different ways, and this app helps you quickly write, test, and manage your code. If you are looking for a JavaScript editor and runtime, give it a try. ■ Features • Intuitive Interface Simple tools should be easy to use. The editor is designed to be fast, responsive, and comfortable for everyday coding. • Run Code Instantly Execute JavaScript code with a single tap. View output and error messages immediately. • Code Auto Completion Built-in code completion helps you write code more efficiently. • Code Formatting Automatically format your code to improve readability and maintain a clean coding style. • Find and Replace Search and replace text within your code quickly and easily. • Code Folding Collapse and expand code blocks to make large files easier to navigate. • Easy Cursor Navigation Move the cursor using directional controls for more precise editing. • Automatic Saving Your code is automatically saved while editing, so you never have to worry about losing changes. • Ready to Use No account registration is required. Start coding immediately after installation. • Export and Share Export and share your code with others. Useful for backups and editing on different devices. • Dark Theme Support Supports dark mode for comfortable coding day and night.

Screenshots

Hew Playground4 screens
Simple JavaScript4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hew Playground at none against Simple JavaScript's 2. Simple JavaScript's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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. Simple JavaScript sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Hew Playground asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hew Playground ships an update every 3 months, Simple JavaScript every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Hew Playground versus Simple JavaScript: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHew PlaygroundSimple JavaScript
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.015.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStephen OlesenYUKI TANAIKE

In-app purchases

None

Hew Playground

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Simple JavaScript

Subscriptions2
  • Simple JavaScript Pro (Monthly)$1.991 Month
  • Simple JavaScript Pro (Annual)$18.001 Year

Questions

Is Hew Playground free?
Hew Playground is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Simple JavaScript free?
Simple JavaScript is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Hew Playground or Simple JavaScript have ads?
Neither Hew Playground nor Simple JavaScript shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hew Playground or Simple JavaScript?
Hew Playground ships an update every 3 months, and Simple JavaScript every 3 weeks. Most recently, Hew Playground was updated on October 24, 2026 and Simple JavaScript on October 25, 2026.

Other comparisons