# Tynker vs Osmo Kaleidoscope

The clearest difference is price: Tynker at Free against Osmo Kaleidoscope's $9.99. Tynker also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (18K vs 30). Osmo Kaleidoscope's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (75% vs 56%). On iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Tynker is free to download; Osmo Kaleidoscope costs $9.99 up front. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Osmo Kaleidoscope asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tynker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 30, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of Tynker's written reviews are positive against 75% of Osmo Kaleidoscope's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, Osmo Kaleidoscope every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tynker | Osmo Kaleidoscope |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $9.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467/reviews)** | [4.3 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-kaleidoscope/id1468962586/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 30 |
| Positive reviews | 55.9% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Size | 153 MB | 428 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) | [Tangible Play](https://appshunter.io/developer/799157444) |

## 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


### Osmo Kaleidoscope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-kaleidoscope/id1468962586)

Design unique kaleidoscope images using everyday objects and your tablet's camera. This app encourages hands-on learning, fostering creativity, and exploring symmetry in STEM for children.

**Highlights:** Create kaleidoscope images, Use everyday objects, Tablet camera integration, Foster creativity, Discover symmetry in STEM, Develop fine-motor skills

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tynker free?

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

### Is Osmo Kaleidoscope free?

Osmo Kaleidoscope costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Tynker or Osmo Kaleidoscope?

Tynker is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Osmo Kaleidoscope averages 4.3 from 30 ratings.

### Do Tynker or Osmo Kaleidoscope have ads?

Osmo Kaleidoscope shows ads; Tynker does not.

### Which is updated more often, Tynker or Osmo Kaleidoscope?

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and Osmo Kaleidoscope every 2 months. Most recently, Tynker was updated on November 6, 2026 and Osmo Kaleidoscope on November 4, 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.*