# codeSpark vs MagPaint

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MagPaint at 100% against codeSpark's 52%. MagPaint also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). codeSpark's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.7) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months). 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 MagPaint 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 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: codeSpark has 41K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of codeSpark's written reviews are positive against 100% of MagPaint's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, MagPaint every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | codeSpark | MagPaint |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magpaint-experiment/id979443186/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 51.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 130 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) | [APP Technology Co. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/524936444) |

## 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


### MagPaint

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/magpaint-experiment/id979443186)

A digital magnetic drawing and writing board for children. It offers an instant clean slate for creativity and sharing. The app includes reminders to protect young eyes during extended use.

**Highlights:** Multifunctional drawing and writing board, Instant clean and share functionality, Realistic magnetic board experience, Eye protection reminders, Child-friendly interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MagPaint (Remove Ads) | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is codeSpark free?

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

### Is MagPaint free?

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

### Which has better reviews, codeSpark or MagPaint?

codeSpark is rated higher. codeSpark averages 4.6 out of 5 from 41K ratings, while MagPaint averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do codeSpark or MagPaint have ads?

Neither codeSpark nor MagPaint shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, codeSpark or MagPaint?

codeSpark ships an update fortnightly, and MagPaint every 5 months. Most recently, codeSpark was updated on September 25, 2026 and MagPaint on September 17, 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.*