# W3 vs Encode

The clearest difference is rating: Encode at 4.8 against W3's 3.5. Encode also leads on ratings volume (6.4K vs 12) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. W3 sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Encode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Encode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encode has 6.4K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of W3's written reviews are positive against 89% of Encode's.

W3 ships an update every 2 months, Encode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | W3 | Encode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/w3/id987493634/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **6.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 78.9% of reviews | **88.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 229 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yangguang Ma](https://appshunter.io/developer/670518380) | [Upskew Pty. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1198851755) |

## What reviewers say

### W3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/w3/id987493634)

This app offers nearly 100 programming tutorials covering front-end, back-end, mobile development, and AI. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions and practical examples for beginners, with offline access to all content.

**Highlights:** Nearly 100 programming tutorials, Front-end, back-end, and mobile development, Beginner-friendly instructions, Practical examples and troubleshooting, Offline access to all content, Regularly updated content

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| $1.99 / Month | $1.99 | per month |
| $19.99 / Year | $19.99 | per year |
| Reading Custom Settings | $1.99 | one-time |
| Donate | $1.99 | one-time |
| Donate | $3.99 | one-time |
| Donate | $7.99 | one-time |
| Donate | $14.99 | one-time |
| Donate | $29.99 | one-time |


### Encode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encode-learn-to-code/id1198851756)

Learn to code with interactive, bite-sized lessons designed for busy schedules. Master popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL through hands-on exercises and challenges. Ideal for beginners, this app makes coding accessible and fun, offering certificates upon completion.

**Highlights:** Bite-sized interactive lessons, Hands-on coding exercises, Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Built-in code playground, Daily motivation streaks and hearts, Certificates of completion

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Encode Plus (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| Encode Plus (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to learn and understand
- 🚀 Bite-sized, digestible lessons
- 💡 Engaging and game-like approach
- 🆓 Mostly free with no ads
- 👌 Smooth and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times after mistakes
- 💰 Restricts content behind paywall
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🤔 Lacks depth for more advanced learners

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect grammar/spelling in some lessons
- Inability to input answers in certain lessons
- Lesson content not always matching what's asked

**Requested features**

- Add more coding languages like C++, C#, and Lua
- Implement progress sync across devices
- Provide more interactive coding exercises
- Include audio/voice guidance for lessons


## Frequently asked questions

### Is W3 free?

W3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Encode free?

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

### Which has better reviews, W3 or Encode?

Encode is rated higher. W3 averages 3.5 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Encode averages 4.8 from 6.4K ratings.

### Do W3 or Encode have ads?

Both W3 and Encode show ads.

### Which is updated more often, W3 or Encode?

W3 ships an update every 2 months, and Encode every 2 weeks. Most recently, W3 was updated on August 26, 2026 and Encode on September 24, 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.*