# Tynker vs micro

The clearest difference is rating: Tynker at 4.6 against micro's 3.3. Tynker also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (18K vs 89). micro's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. micro asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tynker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 89, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Tynker's written reviews are positive against 44% of micro's.

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, micro every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tynker | micro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467/reviews)** | [3.3 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microbit/id1092687276/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 89 |
| Positive reviews | **56.1% of reviews** | 43.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 153 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) | [Micro:bit Educational Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1484783422) |

## What reviewers say

### Tynker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467)

This app offers a fun and engaging platform for children to learn coding and artificial intelligence. It guides them from visual block coding to text-based languages like Python and JavaScript, with opportunities to mod Minecraft and create AR apps.

**Highlights:** Block-to-text coding transition, AI and Machine Learning basics, Minecraft modding and creation, Augmented Reality (AR) app development, Coding tutorials and game building, Robotics programming

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tynker Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Tynker Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly All-Access Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Coding made fun
- 👍 Great for learning
- 🎨 Customizable Minecraft mods
- 💡 Potential for more features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paywall for full access
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🤔 Limited Minecraft functionality
- ⏱️ Slow project publishing

**Reported bugs**

- Minecraft mods not working as expected
- Syncing and publishing issues
- Disappearing projects and progress
- Compatibility problems with newer Minecraft versions

**Requested features**

- More Minecraft block and mob customization
- Offline access
- Improved community moderation
- Ability to save and restore projects


### micro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microbit/id1092687276)

This app is the essential companion for the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized programmable computer. It allows you to wirelessly beam programs to your micro:bit via Bluetooth and includes access to a block-based programming editor. Monitor sensor data and control your micro:bit in real-time.

**Highlights:** Wireless flashing of micro:bit hex files, Access to Microsoft MakeCode editor, Bluetooth beaming of programs, Real-time sensor data monitoring, Control micro:bit buttons and pins, Debug running program code, Store and manage HEX files

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and quick to set up
- 💻 Allows coding on mobile devices
- 🎓 Great for learning and education
- ⚡ Fast download and installation
- 🔧 Works well once properly configured

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent Bluetooth pairing failures
- 🐛 App crashes during code flashing
- 🐛 Connection drops after flashing
- 📱 Poor optimization for phone screens
- 🔌 Requires frequent device reconnection

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth pairing fails or shows false success
- App crashes when flashing code to micro:bit
- Connection lost after code flashing
- White screen display issue
- Login fails with Google accounts

**Requested features**

- Offline mode for iOS
- Integrated IDE in app instead of Safari redirect
- Support for multiple languages
- Persistent Bluetooth connection after flashing
- Mute audio functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tynker free?

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

### Is micro free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Tynker or micro?

Tynker is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while micro averages 3.3 from 89 ratings.

### Do Tynker or micro have ads?

Neither Tynker nor micro shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tynker or micro?

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and micro every 7 months. Most recently, Tynker was updated on September 24, 2026 and micro on September 19, 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.*