Comparison

Tynker vs Pocket Code

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

Head to head
About

Tynker

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
Read full description

TYNKER: THE #1 CODING & AI APP FOR KIDS Empower your child’s future with the world’s most advanced coding platform. Tynker makes learning to code an adventure. From building their first game to mastering AI and Python, our award-winning curriculum is used by over 100 million children and 150,000+ schools worldwide. Whether your child is a complete beginner or an aspiring developer, Tynker provides the tools to turn screen time into creative time. WHY CHOOSE TYNKER? * Block-to-Text Transition: Start with intuitive visual blocks and move to Python, Swift, JavaScript and Java. * AI-Ready Learning: Explore the basics of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. * Minecraft modding, mobs, skins, items * Official Partnerships: Exclusive coding paths featuring Barbie™, LEGO®, and Minecraft. * Cross-Platform: One subscription unlocks full access on iPad, iPhone, and Web. KEY FEATURES * 200+ Coding Tutorials Solve puzzles and build multi-level games while learning logic and sequencing. Master loops, variables, and functions through interactive play. Create Augmented Reality (AR) apps that bring code into the real world. * Minecraft Modding (iPad Exclusive) Design custom skins, mobs, and blocks with ease. Use code to build instant structures or change mob behaviors. Deploy your mods directly to Minecraft for endless play. * Crystal Clash: Coding Arenas The ultimate "Code-to-Win" battles! Write scripts to cast spells, avoid obstacles, and outsmart opponents in a real-time arena. * Robotics & Physical Computing Program LEGO® WeDo, and micro:bit. TRUSTED BY EXPERTS Apple: Selected for the "Everyone Can Code" program. Parents’ Choice: Gold Award Winner. Common Sense Media: 5-Star Rating for Engagement. USA Today: Rated “Best for ages 8-14.” PRIVACY TERMS Privacy Policy: https://www.tynker.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.tynker.com/terms Start your child's coding journey today. What will they create?

About

Pocket Code

Develop and play your own games, animations, and interactive applications directly on your mobile device. This visual programming tool is inspired by educational initiatives and offers a free, open-source platform for creative coding.

Highlights
  • Create games and apps
  • Develop animations
  • Interactive art creation
  • Music video production
  • Visual programming system
  • Share creations
Features
Read full description

Create, play, and share your own games, animations, interactive art, music videos, and many other kinds of apps, directly on your iPhone! Pocket Code is ideally suited for the Hour of Code during the Computer Science Education Week http://csedweek.org/ organized by code.org, the European Code Week http://codeweek.eu/ as well as other similar initiatives. Catrobat is a visual programming system and a free open source non-profit project. Catrobat and the software developed by the Catrobat team are inspired by the work of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.

Screenshots

Tynker4 screens
Pocket Code4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Tynker at 4.6 against Pocket Code's 3.0. Tynker also leads on ratings volume (18K vs 114) and review sentiment (56% vs 34%). Pocket Code's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). 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. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Pocket Code asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Tynker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 114, 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 34% of Pocket Code's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, Pocket Code every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Tynker versus Pocket Code: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTynkerPocket Code
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (18K ratings) — better3.0 (114 ratings)
Positive reviews56.1% of reviews — better33.7% of reviews
Number of ratings18K — better114
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size153 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTynkerInternational Catrobat Association - Verein zur Foerderung freier Software

Customer experience

Tynker

All ratings18,334 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews789 reviews
Positive56.1%
Neutral11.0%
Negative32.8%

Pocket Code

All ratings114 ratings
Positive43.0%
Neutral14.9%
Negative42.1%
Written reviews255 reviews
Positive33.7%
Neutral20.0%
Negative46.3%

Bugs and requests

Tynker

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Pocket Code

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Tynker

Subscriptions3
  • Tynker Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Tynker Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$59.993 Months
  • Yearly All-Access Plan$119.991 Year
One-time1
  • Tynker Web + Mobile Plan$314.99
None

Pocket Code

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Tynker free?
Tynker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pocket Code free?
Pocket Code is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Tynker or Pocket Code?
Tynker is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Pocket Code averages 3.0 from 114 ratings.
Do Tynker or Pocket Code have ads?
Neither Tynker nor Pocket Code shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Tynker or Pocket Code?
Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pocket Code every 3 months. Most recently, Tynker was updated on September 24, 2026 and Pocket Code on September 21, 2026.

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