# Tynker vs OctoStudio

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OctoStudio at none against Tynker's 4. OctoStudio also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 56%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). Tynker's advantage is ratings volume (18K vs 64). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. OctoStudio asks for nothing beyond the download.

OctoStudio holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 64, 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 83% of OctoStudio's.

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, OctoStudio monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tynker | OctoStudio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467/reviews) | **[4.8 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octostudio-coding-for-kids/id6461573316/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 64 |
| Positive reviews | 56.1% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 153 MB | 51 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) | [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/353590322) |

## 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


### OctoStudio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octostudio-coding-for-kids/id6461573316)

Create animations and games using coding blocks on your mobile device. Bring your own photos and sounds to life, and share your interactive projects with others. Developed by the creators of Scratch at MIT, it's a free and fun way to learn coding.

**Highlights:** Create animations and games, Use coding blocks, Incorporate photos and sounds, Interactive project features, Share projects as video or GIF, Offline project creation, Learn coding through play

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tynker free?

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

### Is OctoStudio free?

OctoStudio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

OctoStudio is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while OctoStudio averages 4.8 from 64 ratings.

### Do Tynker or OctoStudio have ads?

Neither Tynker nor OctoStudio shows ads.

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

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and OctoStudio monthly. Most recently, Tynker was updated on September 24, 2026 and OctoStudio on September 20, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*