# codeSpark vs Otto AR

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Otto AR at none against codeSpark's 10. codeSpark's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. codeSpark sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Otto AR asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 14, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | codeSpark | Otto AR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 51.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 132 MB | 418 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) | [KSURSF](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867237029) |

## What reviewers say

### codeSpark

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

This app introduces children aged 3-10 to coding through a variety of fun puzzles, games, and creative tools. Kids can design their own games, participate in contests, and learn computational thinking without needing to read. It offers a safe, ad-free environment with a parent dashboard for progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Hundreds of coding games and activities, Create and publish own games, Storytelling and creativity tools, Monthly coding contests, Multiplayer coding games, Parent dashboard for progress tracking

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | $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


### Otto AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/otto-ar/id6761494762)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is codeSpark free?

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

### Is Otto AR free?

Otto AR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do codeSpark or Otto AR have ads?

Neither codeSpark nor Otto AR shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, codeSpark or Otto AR?

codeSpark ships an update every 2 weeks, and Otto AR every 2 weeks. Most recently, codeSpark was updated on November 14, 2026 and Otto AR on October 31, 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.*
