# Tynker vs Encode

The clearest difference is ads: Tynker at none against Encode's shown. Encode's advantage is review sentiment (89% vs 56%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month and Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Encode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18K and 6.4K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Tynker's written reviews are positive against 89% of Encode's.

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, Encode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tynker | Encode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 6.4K |
| Positive reviews | 56.1% of reviews | **88.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 153 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) |

## 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


### Encode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756)

Learn to code with interactive, bite-sized lessons designed for busy schedules. Master popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL through hands-on exercises and challenges. Ideal for beginners, this app makes coding accessible and fun, offering certificates upon completion.

**Highlights:** Bite-sized interactive lessons, Hands-on coding exercises, Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Built-in code playground, Daily motivation streaks and hearts, Certificates of completion

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Encode Plus (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Encode Plus (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to learn and understand
- 🚀 Bite-sized, digestible lessons
- 💡 Engaging and game-like approach
- 🆓 Mostly free with no ads
- 👌 Smooth and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times after mistakes
- 💰 Restricts content behind paywall
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🤔 Lacks depth for more advanced learners

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect grammar/spelling in some lessons
- Inability to input answers in certain lessons
- Lesson content not always matching what's asked

**Requested features**

- Add more coding languages like C++, C#, and Lua
- Implement progress sync across devices
- Provide more interactive coding exercises
- Include audio/voice guidance for lessons


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tynker free?

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

### Is Encode free?

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

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

Encode is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Encode averages 4.8 from 6.4K ratings.

### Do Tynker or Encode have ads?

Encode shows ads; Tynker does not.

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

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and Encode every 2 weeks. Most recently, Tynker was updated on October 7, 2026 and Encode on October 6, 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.*