Tynker vs Thames & Kosmos Junior
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?
Thames & Kosmos Junior
Build and program a robotic friend using a physical kit. Control its movements, lights, and sounds through an intuitive visual coding interface. This app offers a fun, hands-on introduction to robotics, engineering, and computer science for young learners.
- Build and code a robotic buddy
- Learn coding with block-based interface
- Program movement, lights, and sounds
- Remote control and programming modes
- Robot workshop diagnostic game
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This app is used to control and program the robot built using the Robotics: Smart Machines - Junior kit from Thames & Kosmos. Build and program a loyal robotic pal! Discover the world of robotics — an exciting, interdisciplinary field combining physics, engineering, and computer science. This kit gives kids a simple, fun, and customizable introduction to robotics. As soon as Junior is assembled, you can begin programming its movements directly on a built-in keypad. You can also download the free Junior app to unlock all of the Junior’s capabilities. Did you assemble everything correctly? Play a make-believe robot workshop game in the app to diagnose any onboard issues. You control Juniors’s movements and sounds. Have fun and drive Junior by remote control or by using your device as a gyroscope. Code programs for Junior using an easy, visual interface included in the app. Junior’s microcontroller — the robot’s “brain” — has separate inputs for the LED lights that light up its eyes, a speaker, two motors (left and right), and a battery. As you assemble this robot, you will learn how Junior’s functions relate to each of these elements. A full-color, 32-page step-by-step illustrated manual helps kids assemble the model and use all of the functions of the app — all while teaching them about robotics in the real world. The app requires a tablet (recommended) or smartphone running iOS. • Build and code your own robotic buddy • Learn to code! Easy, block-based coding app with dozens of cool functions • Program movement, lights, and sounds • Remote control and programming modes
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Thames & Kosmos Junior at 100% against Tynker's 56%. Thames & Kosmos Junior also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). Tynker's advantage is ratings volume (18K vs 24). 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. Thames & Kosmos Junior asks for nothing beyond the download.
Thames & Kosmos Junior holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 24, 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 100% of Thames & Kosmos Junior's.
| Parameter | Tynker | Thames & Kosmos Junior |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (18K ratings) | 4.9 (24 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 55.9% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 18K — better | 24 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 10.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 153 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tynker | Franckh-Kosmos Verlags GmbH & Co. KG |
Customer experience
Tynker
Thames & Kosmos Junior
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
Thames & Kosmos Junior
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
Thames & Kosmos Junior
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Tynker free?
Is Thames & Kosmos Junior free?
Which has better reviews, Tynker or Thames & Kosmos Junior?
Do Tynker or Thames & Kosmos Junior have ads?
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