# codeSpark vs Begin Learning

The clearest difference is rating: codeSpark at 4.6 against Begin Learning's 3.9. codeSpark also leads on ratings volume (41K vs 16) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). Begin Learning's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and review sentiment (60% vs 52%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. codeSpark sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Begin Learning asks for nothing beyond the download.

codeSpark holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: codeSpark has 41K ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of codeSpark's written reviews are positive against 60% of Begin Learning's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, Begin Learning every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | codeSpark | Begin Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570/reviews)** | [3.9 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begin-learning/id6450722013/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 51.6% of reviews | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 130 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) |

## 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


### Begin Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/begin-learning/id6450722013)

Explore a curated collection of award-winning learning games for children aged 2-10. This free app offers engaging activities in early reading, math, STEM, coding, and social-emotional skills, featuring content from popular educational brands.

**Highlights:** Curated selection of award-winning learning games, Covers early reading, math, STEM, coding, and social-emotional skills, Content from Sesame Street, HOMER, codeSpark, and Little Passports, Designed for ages 2-10, Focuses on curiosity, character, core skills, creativity, and critical thinking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is codeSpark free?

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

### Is Begin Learning free?

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

### Which has better reviews, codeSpark or Begin Learning?

codeSpark is rated higher. codeSpark averages 4.6 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while Begin Learning averages 3.9 from 16 ratings.

### Do codeSpark or Begin Learning have ads?

Neither codeSpark nor Begin Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, codeSpark or Begin Learning?

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, and Begin Learning every 3 months. Most recently, codeSpark was updated on September 25, 2026 and Begin Learning on August 12, 2026.

---

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