Tynker vs VR Magic
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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?
VR Magic
Explore magic tricks and illusions in augmented and virtual reality. Learn techniques like misdirection and suggestion, then follow step-by-step instructions to perform over 30 classic tricks. Requires a physical book to activate the AR experiences.
- Augmented and virtual reality magic illusions
- Learn misdirection and suggestion techniques
- Step-by-step AR instructions
- Over 30 classic magic tricks
- Interactive AR book activation
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ABACUS HQ: Step on stage with Professor Maxwell to explore amazing magic tricks and illusions that come alive in augmented and virtual reality! Learn the techniques behind the tricks including misdirection, sleight of hand and the power of suggestion before watching the tricks performed in integrated AR and VR. Once you’ve seen how it’s done, follow the AR step-by-step instructions to learn over 30 classic tricks, all in Professor Maxwell’s VR Magic! To activate the experiences, simply download the app and hold your phone over the book included in the kit to see Professor Maxwell come to life!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: VR Magic at 100% against Tynker's 56%. VR Magic also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). Tynker's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (18K vs 18). 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
Both are free to download. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. VR Magic 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 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of Tynker's written reviews are positive against 100% of VR Magic'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, VR Magic every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Tynker | VR Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (18K ratings) — better | 4.3 (18 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 56.1% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 18K — better | 18 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 153 MB | 1.7 GB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tynker | Abacus |
Customer experience
Tynker
VR Magic
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
VR Magic
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Tynker
- 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
- Tynker Web + Mobile Plan$314.99
VR Magic
No in-app purchases









