The Best Coding Apps for Beginners: The Top Free and Paid Apps

As the tech industry continues to boom, there are many resources for beginners to develop coding skills. From coding bootcamps to online coding games, there is an opportunity that suits every learning style. One of the best ways to build programming skills, however, is to use coding apps for beginners. 

The best coding apps will help you practice fundamental programming skills while also giving you a better understanding of how the technology works. Further, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers will see a 25% increase in jobs in the next ten years, so now is a great time to start building development skills. In this article, we will cover the best apps to learn coding, how much they cost, and what the learning process is like for each one. 

What Are the Benefits of Coding Apps for Beginners? 

If you want to learn how to code, there are many benefits to using coding apps for beginners. First, coding apps are easily accessible and can be quickly downloaded onto your smartphone. Unlike programming courses, you can use a coding app at your own leisure, which allows you to build coding skills while working and maintaining your daily routine. 

The best apps to learn coding will also present the content in an interactive way that gives you hands-on experience with real code. Lastly, even premium subscriptions for coding apps cost a small fraction of what the tuition for college courses or coding bootcamps does. Plus, the best coding apps will still help you gain programming knowledge in multiple languages. 

The 12 Best Coding Apps for Beginners: Platforms, Features, and Costs

In this section, we will highlight the top coding apps for beginners. We will cover what platforms the top apps are available on, what you can learn on each app, and the cost of the monthly subscriptions. Whether you are interested in game design or web development, these are the best apps to learn coding.  

Codecademy Go 

• Platform: Android, iOS

The Codecademy Go app was created to further supplement the Codecademy learning experience. There are both free and paid versions of the app. With the free version, you can practice HTML, CSS, or Python once per day, which makes this a great coding app for beginners.

Alternatively, the pro version of Codecademy Go allows students to unlock many more exercises and advanced lessons in languages like SQL, JavaScript, and C#. In addition, you will be able to follow the Codecademy Pro Path, a plan that can help you work toward a tech career. This subscription includes certifications, career services, and group connection opportunities. The Plus version of Codecademy provides unlimited app access without extra career resources.

With any of the available plans, you can practice coding, learn about new programming concepts, and read industry-related articles. Codecademy Go Pro costs $24.99 per month, while the Plus version costs $17.49 per month.

CodeGym 

• Platform: Android

This is one of the best apps to learn Java coding skills. With a focused approach and 1,200 different coding tasks, CodeGym can help beginners develop solid Java coding experience. CodeGym’s program is broken up into 40 levels, which helps ensure that students master Java programming fundamentals before moving on to advanced topics. 

There is a free version of the app that lets you try out some of the content to see if the learning style is right for you. The premium version of the app, billed at $29 each month, gives you access to all of the learning material. Eager learners can also sign up for CodeGym’s Premium Pro subscription. This also allows students to get feedback on their coding style and recheck their work for up to three days after completing a task. This option costs $99 per month. 

CodeHub

• Platform: Android

The CodeHub app is a free resource that provides lessons in C, C++, Java, and Python. For students that want to learn web development, the CodeHub app also has lessons in CSS and HTML. The newest version of the app also covers frameworks like Node, Django, Express, Java Spring Boot, Angular, and Bootstrap. 

Though this app is only available on the Google Play Store, its cost-free model makes it one of the best coding apps for beginners. In fact, it is a great, low-barrier resource to help you start a career in tech and land high-paying roles. For example, you can learn HTML and Python, which are some of the most-used languages by software developers according to Statista, using this app.

Codemurai 

• Platform: Android, iOS

Codemurai is one of the best coding apps for beginners interested in web development, game development, and programming apps. Geared towards those who are new to the world of coding, Codemurai offers over 100 coding exercises and a comprehensive library of programming lessons that have been created by experienced developers. 

With this app, you can build skills in languages like Java, CSS, React, JavaScript, Swift, and HTML. In addition, you can get experience with technologies such as MongoDB, TypeScript, and iOS SDK. This app features gamified learning, allowing users to earn or buy coins to progress through lessons.

Encode

• Platform: Android, iOS

Designed as a coding app for beginners, the Encode app starts off with lessons that don’t require app users to have any prior coding skills. On this app, you can learn HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript. As lessons can be accessed offline, this app promotes learning on the go in the form of small and quick exercises. A subscription for Encode can be billed at $2.99 per month or $6.49 per year. 

Enki

• Platform: Android, iOS

The Enki app is one of the best coding apps for those who want to develop a wide range of programming skills. Through more than 2,500 separate lessons, the app covers 20 different in-demand skills. These include Git, Linux, Webflow, HTML, Python, NFTs, Zapier, JavaScript, and much more. 

When signing up for the app, Enki will ask you questions about your employment, learning goals, level of knowledge, and interests, to create a tailored learning experience that makes learning to code more fun. Though some of the content is available for free on a read-only basis, you can unlock all of the Enki app’s interactive content for just $7.99 a month.

Grasshopper

• Platform: Android

Another one of the best apps to learn coding, Grasshopper specifically teaches coding for beginners. Perfect for aspiring web developers, the Grasshopper app teaches a variety of skills surrounding JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This app can help you develop valuable skills while receiving real-time feedback. You can even work on full coding projects with Grasshopper. 

Though this coding app is completely free, it is continually being updated with new lessons and content. After completing the lessons on the app, even beginner coders will have enough knowledge to build a simple webpage. Overall, Grasshopper makes learning to code rewarding and fun. 

Khan Academy

• Platform: Android, iOS

Operating as a non-profit, Khan Academy is a well-known online education provider with courses that cover a wide range of subjects and levels. With that, the Khan Academy app makes the school’s great content even more accessible. When it comes to coding courses, you can learn SQL, web development, game development, and more

The Khan Academy app is a completely free coding app for beginners. From interactive exercises to quizzes and videos, you can learn in a variety of ways with this app. Further, you can download content so that you can also use the app offline. 

Mimo

• Platform: Android, iOS

With an impressive library of over 13,000 coding exercises, Mimo is definitely one of the best apps to learn coding. Featuring small, quick tasks and daily streaks, the Mimo app aims to motivate learners and make learning to code more manageable. You can learn all of the core web development languages as well as Ruby, C++, C#, and more. 

While some of the content on Mimo is free, a Mimo Pro subscription will give you unlimited access to all of the courses on the app for $9.99 per month. With the subscription, you can also practice your coding skills by completing hands-on projects. 

Programming Hero

• Platform: Android, iOS

If you want to learn how to code, one of the best coding apps is Programming Hero. This beginner-friendly app aims to make learning to code a fun, interactive process. Programming Hero even lets you build your own game as you complete lessons, which is especially interesting for learners who want to work in game development.

Most of the lessons are centered around Python, but the web development course also teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This app offers a variety of content for free. However, premium subscribers will get access to exclusive content, such as coding exercises, content updates, additional reading materials, and more. The premium subscription for Programming Hero costs $9.99 per month.

Programming Hub

• Platform: Android, iOS

With Programming Hub, you can learn how to code in more than 20 languages, including JavaScript, HTML, C++, Python, Swift, and R Programming. You can choose between over 150 different courses and more than 5,000 coding examples, making this one of the best apps to learn coding.

While Programming Hub does offer some free course material, the options are limited compared to the paid content catalog. The Programming Hub Pro subscription costs $6.99 per month and offers unlimited access to all of the app’s content. In addition, subscribers will receive a certificate upon completing a course. 

Sololearn

• Platform: Android, iOS

Sololearn is one of the best coding apps for beginners, with introductory courses for more than 10 programming languages, in addition to entry-level courses for broader subjects like machine learning and data science. Great for building a robust skillset, the Sololearn app also offers intermediate and advanced courses. 

Some learners may also enjoy Sololearn’s community forum, where app users can discuss coding exercises, ask questions, and chat about the app. Impressively, this app offers all of its lessons and course materials for free. However, you can also opt for a paid subscription to Sololearn that comes with an ad-free experience, unlimited access, and a feature that allows you to set goals. The subscription costs $12.99 per month. 

Are Coding Apps For Beginners Worth It?

Coding apps for beginners are worth it because they offer an accessible, user-friendly entry into the technical world of coding. By using the best apps to learn coding, you can build skills at your own pace and according to your unique interests. This can help you get lucrative positions in high-growth fields. For example, according to BLS, web developers will see job growth of 23% in the next decade. 

From Python to JavaScript to Swift, coding apps for beginners can help you learn in-demand coding languages. Plus, with both free and paid options, there really is a coding app for everyone. Whether you want a more gamified learning experience or prefer to get real-time feedback, you can start your coding journey with one of the apps highlighted above. 

Best Coding Apps for Beginners FAQ