# MAD vs OctoStudio

The clearest difference is rating: OctoStudio at 4.8 against MAD's 3.5. OctoStudio also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 67%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). MAD's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

OctoStudio holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 65 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of MAD's written reviews are positive against 88% of OctoStudio's.

MAD ships an update every 3 months, OctoStudio monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MAD | OctoStudio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mad-store/id939406790/reviews) | **[4.8 (65 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octostudio-coding-for-kids/id6461573316/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **65** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 39 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MAD-learn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272124741) | [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/353590322) |

## What reviewers say

### MAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mad-store/id939406790)

This platform allows students and teachers to preview and showcase apps they create using a mobile app development program. It provides a space to present innovative ideas, receive feedback, and potentially gain global recognition for student-created applications.

**Highlights:** Preview student-created apps, Showcase app creations, Enter 9-digit preview codes, Receive feedback on apps, Potential for global publication

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### OctoStudio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octostudio-coding-for-kids/id6461573316)

Create animations and games using coding blocks on your mobile device. Bring your own photos and sounds to life, and share your interactive projects with others. Developed by the creators of Scratch at MIT, it's a free and fun way to learn coding.

**Highlights:** Create animations and games, Use coding blocks, Incorporate photos and sounds, Interactive project features, Share projects as video or GIF, Offline project creation, Learn coding through play

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MAD free?

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

### Is OctoStudio free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MAD or OctoStudio?

OctoStudio is rated higher. MAD averages 3.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while OctoStudio averages 4.8 from 65 ratings.

### Do MAD or OctoStudio have ads?

Neither MAD nor OctoStudio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MAD or OctoStudio?

MAD ships an update every 3 months, and OctoStudio monthly. Most recently, MAD was updated on November 1, 2026 and OctoStudio on November 3, 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.*