Comparison

Tynker vs GLICODE™

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

GLICODE™

Learn fundamental coding concepts through a fun, interactive game using Pocky snacks. Arrange them to guide a mascot through challenges, mastering sequences, loops, and if statements. It's a unique way to introduce programming to young learners.

Highlights
  • Learn coding fundamentals
  • Use Pocky snacks as input
  • Augmented reality interaction
  • Guide mascot through levels
  • Teaches sequences, loops, and if statements
  • Engaging and fun learning
Features
Read full description

GLICODE TM turns every packet of Pocky into a bite-sized coding lesson. By laying out Pocky in the right order, you can use Japan’s (and the world's) favourite snacks to learn algorithmic thinking in a fun and engaging way. Take control of Glico's mascot HUG HUG as he makes his way around an imaginary world, trying to spread happiness. You will need to learn different coding functions to help him navigate a range of levels so he can make his way to a child in need of a smile. [WHAT YOU CAN LEARN] By arranging Pocky in different sequences you can learn three basic coding fundamentals: ・SEQUENCES ・LOOPS ・'IF' STATEMENTS [EQUIPMENT REQUIRED] 1. "GLICODE" App Download the "GLICODE" app from App Store. 2. Snacks All you need to play "GLICODE" is a regular packet of Chocolate Pocky. As the levels progress they will become harder to test you on what you've learnt. Remember to save a few extra Pocky for the difficult levels - you'll need them! 3. Placemat For the best results make sure the snacks are placed on a plain white background. Use a white placemat, paper or plate to lay your snacks out on. [INSTRUCTIONS] 1. Line up your snacks. Remember not to place them too close together. 2. Capture. Use your phone’s camera to take a picture of your snack sequence from above. 3. Test your sequence. Hit the play button to see your code executed as HUG HUG moves through the course. 4. Eat your delicious code. If you pass the level you can eat your delicious code and get ready for the next challenge. *Be mindful of hygiene - we recommend you wash your hands before playing with your snacks. *Please make sure your white placemat is clean. [Adopted by school lesson program with MIC!] In Japan "GLICODE" was adopted by "Popularization of Programming education for young segment" program supported by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in 2016. Elementary school teachers are using this app as a tool in the classroom to teach the basics of programming to early elementary school kids. GLICODE TM is a free educational app that teaches children about the principles of coding - with Pocky! GLICODE TM is a trademark of the programming education app by Ezaki Glico.

Screenshots

Tynker4 screens
GLICODE™4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Tynker at 4.6 against GLICODE™'s 3.0. Tynker also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (18K vs 66). GLICODE™'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (11.0 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. GLICODE™ 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 66, 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 32% of GLICODE™'s.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, GLICODE™ every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Tynker versus GLICODE™: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTynkerGLICODE™
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (18K ratings) — better3.0 (66 ratings)
Positive reviews56.0% of reviews — better31.6% of reviews
Number of ratings18K — better66
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size153 MB1.1 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTynkerEZAKI GLICO CO.,LTD.

Customer experience

Tynker

All ratings18,334 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews793 reviews
Positive56.0%
Neutral11.0%
Negative33.0%

GLICODE™

All ratings66 ratings
Positive43.9%
Neutral9.1%
Negative47.0%
Written reviews38 reviews
Positive31.6%
Neutral13.2%
Negative55.3%

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

GLICODE™

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

GLICODE™

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Tynker free?
Tynker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is GLICODE™ free?
GLICODE™ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Tynker or GLICODE™?
Tynker is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while GLICODE™ averages 3.0 from 66 ratings.
Do Tynker or GLICODE™ have ads?
Neither Tynker nor GLICODE™ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Tynker or GLICODE™?
Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and GLICODE™ every 4 months. Most recently, Tynker was updated on October 17, 2026 and GLICODE™ on October 15, 2026.

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