# codeSpark vs Programming for kids

The clearest difference is rating: codeSpark at 4.6 against Programming for kids's 2.0. codeSpark also leads on ratings volume (41K vs 4) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Programming for kids's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. codeSpark sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Programming for kids sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

codeSpark holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: codeSpark has 41K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of codeSpark's written reviews are positive against 40% of Programming for kids's.

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, Programming for kids every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | codeSpark | Programming for kids |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570/reviews)** | [2.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/programming-for-kids/id1228997705/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **51.6% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 130 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) | [AMGAMES Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1028926825) |

## What reviewers say

### codeSpark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570)

This app offers hundreds of interactive coding games and activities for children aged 3-10. Kids can solve puzzles, design their own games and stories, and even participate in coding contests. It focuses on building essential coding concepts and problem-solving skills in a safe, ad-free environment.

**Highlights:** Hundreds of coding games and activities, Create your own games and stories, Puzzles to master coding concepts, Monthly coding contests, Multiplayer coding challenges, Pre-coding activities for preschoolers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $3.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $7.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $9.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $9.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $12.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $15.00 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| codeSpark Holiday Annual Membership | $63.00 | per year |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $79.99 | per year |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $90.00 | per year |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging
- 🚀 Great for learning coding
- 🎨 Lots of creative possibilities
- 🤩 Awesome game/app
- 💯 Best coding app ever

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy
- 🔍 Confusing UI/UX
- 🔑 Forced to pay for access
- 🤬 Unauthorized charges

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearing progress and lost stories
- Inconsistent performance and crashes
- Incorrect item purchases and coin deductions
- Inability to access drafts and profiles
- Incompatibility issues with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Add more pet foos and customization options
- Improve story sharing and collaboration features
- Introduce more puzzles and challenges
- Allow custom character and block creation
- Implement better communication between coders


### Programming for kids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/programming-for-kids/id1228997705)

This educational game introduces children to the fundamentals of coding through engaging robot operation puzzles. It fosters logical thinking and problem-solving skills without requiring actual programming code. Designed for interactive play with parents, it offers progressive challenges across various levels.

**Highlights:** Robot operation puzzles, Develops logical thinking, No programming code required, Progressive difficulty levels, Collect stars for applied skill, Parent-child interactive play

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Additional contents | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is codeSpark free?

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

### Is Programming for kids free?

Programming for kids is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, codeSpark or Programming for kids?

codeSpark is rated higher. codeSpark averages 4.6 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while Programming for kids averages 2.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do codeSpark or Programming for kids have ads?

Neither codeSpark nor Programming for kids shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, codeSpark or Programming for kids?

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, and Programming for kids every 2 months. Most recently, codeSpark was updated on September 25, 2026 and Programming for kids on June 1, 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.*