# Lightbot Jr vs Codenames

The clearest difference is rating: Codenames at 4.7 against Lightbot Jr's 4.2. Codenames also leads on ratings volume (1.1K vs 11) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Lightbot Jr's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 66%) and price ($2.99 vs $4.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Lightbot Jr costs $2.99 and Codenames $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Codenames holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Codenames has 1.1K ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 79% of Lightbot Jr's written reviews are positive against 66% of Codenames's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Lightbot Jr ships an update every 2 months, Codenames fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightbot Jr | Codenames |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [4.2 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightbot-jr-coding-puzzles-for-ages-4-plus/id858640629/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **78.9% of reviews** | 66.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#13** |
| Size | 54 MB | 221 MB |
| Requires iOS | **5.1.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [SpriteBox LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/517384301) | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightbot Jr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightbot-jr-coding-puzzles-for-ages-4-plus/id858640629)

Introduce young children to programming concepts through engaging puzzles. Players guide characters to solve challenges using sequencing, debugging, and loops, fostering a foundational understanding of computer science.  Supports multiple players and languages.

**Highlights:** Sequencing instructions, Debugging problems, Creating reusable procedures, Executing loops, 42 challenging levels, Multiple player profiles, Multilingual support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Codenames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930)

**Currently charting:** #13 Top Paid · Board, #15 Top Paid · Puzzle, #134 Top Paid · Games (US App Store)

Engage in a strategic word game of deduction and teamwork. Give one-word clues to help your team guess associated words before the opposing team. Enjoy a blend of casual fun and deep thinking with turn-based multiplayer matches.

**Highlights:** Turn-based multiplayer, One-word clue system, Teamwork and deduction, Multiple game modes, Spymaster and Operative roles, Logic and creativity challenges

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and intuitive gameplay
- 🎨 Excellent visual design
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🕹️ Engaging single-player modes
- 🤝 Enjoyable multiplayer experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Long wait times for other players
- 🌐 Connectivity issues and server problems
- 🌍 Cultural differences and language barriers
- 🔒 Restrictive clue-giving rules
- 🤖 Jury system allowing questionable words

**Reported bugs**

- Initial launch with only Czech language support
- Occasional app crashes and server disconnections

**Requested features**

- Add Codenames Duet mode
- Implement AI/bot players for faster games
- Allow custom word packs and themes
- Add a 'speed mode' for faster gameplay
- Improve the jury system to maintain game integrity


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightbot Jr free?

Lightbot Jr costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Codenames free?

Codenames costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Lightbot Jr or Codenames?

Codenames is rated higher. Lightbot Jr averages 4.2 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Codenames averages 4.7 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do Lightbot Jr or Codenames have ads?

Neither Lightbot Jr nor Codenames shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lightbot Jr or Codenames?

Lightbot Jr ships an update every 2 months, and Codenames fortnightly. Most recently, Lightbot Jr was updated on October 11, 2026 and Codenames on October 15, 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.*