Comparison

Tynker vs Hoopla

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

Hoopla

This app uses fun, expert-designed activities to help children aged 3-8 reduce anxiety and build emotional skills. It offers meditations, games, and songs to improve sleep, manage tantrums, and strengthen family bonds through interactive play.

Highlights
  • Expert-backed activities for children
  • Interactive family games
  • Multi-sensory emotional regulation tools
  • Quick, effective mindfulness exercises
  • Builds emotional skills
  • Simplifies parenting resources
Features
Read full description

Reduce anxiety and promote mental wellness in children aged 3-8 through fun, engaging activities. Hoopla combines the power of play with evidence-based strategies. Each activity is under 5 minutes instilling healthy habits and designed by experts to calm tantrums, improve sleep, and strengthen emotional bonds. Discover our collection of meditations, mindfulness exercises, songs, and interactive games crafted to relieve stress, enhance emotional growth, and deepen family connections. Start transforming screen time into positive family time with Hoopla. Why Hoopla Stands Out: Expert-Backed for Kids: Developed with child psychologists and educators, tailored for young children’s developmental stages. Interactive Family Fun: All games and activities are designed for parents and kids to enjoy together, strengthening family connections. Multi-Sensory Tools: Using the vibration of the phone, calm and regulate emotions by effectively engaging your child’s senses with tools designed to mimic physical sensory toys. Quick and Effective: Fit mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social-emotional learning seamlessly into your child’s day, requiring no special setup or props. Build Emotional Skills: Equip your children with essential skills to manage emotions, navigate challenges, and thrive through active play and engaging activities. Simplify Parenting: Access resources, tips, and follow-up activities that support your child’s and your own mental health. Start Your Free Trial: Download Hoopla today for a 7-day free trial. Manage subscriptions easily within the app. Privacy and Terms: We prioritize your family's privacy. Read our full privacy policy and terms of service at https://hooplafun.com.

Screenshots

Tynker4 screens
Hoopla4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hoopla at 100% against Tynker's 56%. Tynker's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.6 vs 4.2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 and Hoopla sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Tynker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 5, 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 Hoopla's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Tynker versus Hoopla: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTynkerHoopla
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (18K ratings) — better4.2 (5 ratings)
Positive reviews55.9% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings18K — better5
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size153 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTynkerHoopla FZ-LLC

Customer experience

Tynker

All ratings18,334 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.1%
Written reviews794 reviews
Positive55.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative33.0%

Hoopla

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

Hoopla

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
4 purchases

Hoopla

Subscriptions4
  • Hoopla$9.991 Month
  • Hoopla$12.991 Month
  • Hoopla$39.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Hoopla$44.991 Year

Questions

Is Tynker free?
Tynker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Hoopla free?
Hoopla is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Tynker or Hoopla?
Tynker is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while Hoopla averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.
Do Tynker or Hoopla have ads?
Hoopla shows ads; Tynker does not.
Which is updated more often, Tynker or Hoopla?
Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and Hoopla every 3 weeks. Most recently, Tynker was updated on November 6, 2026 and Hoopla on November 3, 2026.

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