# codeSpark vs Tynker Junior

The clearest difference is update cadence: codeSpark at fortnightly against Tynker Junior's every 2 months. codeSpark also leads on ratings volume (41K vs 4.2K). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. codeSpark sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for codeSpark against 4.5 for Tynker Junior. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: codeSpark has 41K ratings behind it against 4.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 52% of codeSpark's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's.

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, Tynker Junior every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | codeSpark | Tynker Junior |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570/reviews)** | [4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | 4.2K |
| Positive reviews | 51.6% of reviews | **58.8% 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 | 126 MB | 396 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) |

## 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

**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


### Tynker Junior

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000)

This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive coding adventures. Designed for young learners, it makes learning to code fun and accessible.

**Highlights:** Word-free picture block coding, Problem-solving and logic development, Music and art creation, 200+ coding challenges, Tap-based interface, Voiceovers for guidance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Individual Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
- 💡 Good introduction to coding concepts
- 🚀 Easy to use interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy code and bugs
- 💰 Limited access without subscription
- 🤔 Misleading about subscription details

**Reported bugs**

- Levels/games not progressing properly
- Login and account issues
- Compatibility problems on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced coding lessons
- Improve customer support and responsiveness
- Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is codeSpark free?

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

### Is Tynker Junior free?

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

### Which has better reviews, codeSpark or Tynker Junior?

codeSpark is rated higher. codeSpark averages 4.6 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while Tynker Junior averages 4.5 from 4.2K ratings.

### Do codeSpark or Tynker Junior have ads?

Neither codeSpark nor Tynker Junior shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, codeSpark or Tynker Junior?

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, and Tynker Junior every 2 months. Most recently, codeSpark was updated on October 19, 2026 and Tynker Junior on October 18, 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.*