Top 9 Coding Apps for Beginners to Learn Programming in 2026

A coding app teaches you programming right on your phone: during your commute, on a break, or whenever you have a few spare minutes.

Looking for the best option to match your learning goals and needs? 

We tested and ranked nine of the best coding apps for iOS and Android, based on features, teaching quality, and real-world popularity.

The best beginner coding apps: In a nutshell 

App	Best for	Price
Mimo	Learning to code with AI and building a career	Start for free; Pro $9.99/mo; Max $39.99/mo
Sololearn	Community-driven learning with 20+ languages	Start for free; Pro ~$1.50/week
DataCamp	Building data science skills	Start for free; Premium from $13/mo
Codecademy Go	Practicing what you learn on desktop	Start for free; Pro $13.91/mo
Enki	Combining coding with extra tech skills	Start for free; Pro $4.99/mo
Udemy	Video-based courses from instructors	Approximately $9.99–$89.99 per course
Programming Hub	Learning by running real code examples	Start for free; Pro $6.99/mo
Replit	Building and shipping real apps with AI	Start for free; Core $25/mo
Tynker	Teaching kids to code through games	Start for free; from $25/mo

Let’s look at each of them in detail.

1. Mimo: Best for learning to code with AI and building a real career

• What makes it special: Combines bite-sized lessons with career paths, certifications, practical exercises with AI assistance, and an AI app builder
• Price: Free plan available; Pro $9.99/month; Max $39.99/month (includes AI credits and full web access)
• Rating: 4.9 on App Store

Mimo is a polished and extremely popular AI-powered coding app for absolute beginners. The lessons are short, interactive, and not overwhelming.

You can learn Python, JavaScript, Typescript, HTML, CSS, SQL, and other languages—and follow structured career paths if you’re serious about becoming a developer or a data scientist.

The Max plan also gives you access to an AI app builder where you describe an idea, and Mimo generates a working app. 

This makes learning more engaging and practical—you can experiment with vibe coding, then dig into the code behind the apps you generate.

Plus, there’s a web version with full programming courses, certifications, and a code editor with an AI assistant if you want to go all in.

Best features

• Bite-sized lessons: 5-minute exercises with practical tasks that fit into any schedule
• Career paths: Front-end, back-end, full-stack, and Python tracks with certification
• AI app builder and an AI Assistant: Turn ideas into working apps with text prompts and code faster with AI-powered tips
• Mobile IDE: Write and run code directly in the app
• Web + mobile experience: Learn on your phone and continue on desktop

Our take

• Choose Mimo if: You’re a complete beginner who wants a clear learning/career path and the option to build apps with AI.

• Skip if: You prefer learning through video content rather than interactive lessons and exercises.

2. Sololearn: Best for community-driven learning with 20+ languages

• What makes it special: Huge language selection and an active community
• Price: Free with limited features; Pro ~$1.50/week (billed yearly) with 14-day free trial
• Rating: 4.8 on the App Store

Sololearn is a solid pick if you want variety of coding languages. It covers 20+ programming languages—including Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, C++, SQL, and more. 

The lessons are bite-sized and quiz-based, so you’re constantly testing what you’ve learned.

What really sets Sololearn apart is its community. You can post your code, get feedback from other learners, and challenge people to head-to-head coding battles. 

The free version is decent for basics, but Pro unlocks real-life projects, in-lesson practice, and removes ads.

Best features

• 20+ languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, C#, SQL, HTML, CSS, and more
• Community features: Share code, get feedback, and compete with other learners
• AI assistant (Kodie): Get instant help when you’re stuck
• Mobile code editor: Write and run code directly in the app
• Personalized learning: Adapts to your pace and skill level

Our take

• Choose Sololearn if: You want access to lots of languages and like learning alongside a community.
• Skip if: You prefer a more structured, guided curriculum over self-directed exploration.

3. DataCamp: Best for building data science skills

• What makes it special: Deep focus on data-related skills with 600+ courses, real-world projects, and industry-recognized certifications
• Price: Free tier with limited access; Premium from ~$13/month (billed yearly) or $41/month
• Rating: 4.8 on the App Store (4.5K ratings)

DataCamp is the go-to if you’re specifically interested in data science, analytics, or AI—not general web development. 

It covers Python, SQL, R, Power BI, Tableau, and machine learning with short video lessons and hands-on coding exercises. 

You work with real datasets and build dashboards, which makes it practical for anyone eyeing a data analyst or data scientist role.

Premium unlocks learning paths, real-world projects, and certifications that actually carry weight in job applications.

Best features

• 600+ courses: Python, SQL, R, Power BI, Tableau, machine learning, and AI
• Real-world projects: Work with actual datasets and build portfolio pieces
• Career certifications: Industry-recognized credentials for Data Analyst, Data Scientist, etc.
• AI-assisted learning: Get instant explanations and help debugging code
• Mobile + desktop sync: Continue learning seamlessly across devices

Our take

• Choose DataCamp if: You want to learn data skills on a deep level — e.g., Python for analysis, SQL for databases, or AI/ML fundamentals.

• Skip if: You’re more interested in web development, app building, or general programming.

4. Codeacademy Go: Best for practicing what you learn on Codecademy’s web platform

• What makes it special: It’s a companion app for reviewing and reinforcing coding concepts, not a standalone learning tool.
• Price: Free with basic features; Plus $10.49/month; Pro $13.91/month (billed yearly)
• Rating: 4.8 on the App Store (37K ratings)

Codecademy Go is a coding app that gives you access to Codecademy’s course library—Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, data science, and more. 

Courses range from 7 to 23+ hours and are structured for beginners. On top of that, you get daily flashcards and practice exercises to help retain what you’ve learned.

The Pro plan unlocks career paths, skill paths, projects, and interview prep. 

Your progress syncs between mobile and desktop, so you can switch devices without losing your place.

Best features

• Daily flashcards: Quick syntax review you can skim in minutes
• Smart practice: AI-generated decks based on your learning progress
• Synced recommendations: Course suggestions tied to your web activity
• Progress tracking: Maintain streaks and see how far you’ve come
• 700+ courses (Pro): Full access to career paths and interview prep on desktop

Our take

• Choose Codeacademy Go: You’re already using Codecademy on desktop and want quick practice on the go.

• Skip if: You prefer more gamified lessons and want to build with AI.

5. Enki: Best for combining coding lessons with extra skills

• What makes it special: Uses workout-style daily lessons to help concepts stick and offers a variety of skills for various backgrounds
• Price: Free with limited access; Pro $4.99/month or $24.99/year (with 7-day free trial)
• Rating: 4.7 on the App Store 

The Enki coding app treats coding like a fitness routine. You get daily “workouts” with bite-sized lessons designed to build habits and reinforce what you’ve learned through spaced repetition.

The app covers 30+ skills including Python, JavaScript, SQL, React, Git, and even non-coding topics like Excel, Zapier, and data analysis. 

It’s broader than most coding apps, which makes it useful if you want to pick up adjacent tech skills alongside programming.

There’s also an AI mentor that explains concepts, reviews your code, and answers questions when you’re stuck. 

Best features

• Daily workouts: Spaced repetition keeps concepts fresh without overwhelming you
• AI mentor: Get 1:1 AI coaching, code reviews, and explanations on demand
• Coding playground: Write and test code directly in the app
• 30+ skills: Goes beyond coding into data tools, productivity apps, and tech fundamenttic
• Team learning: Track progress with friends or coworkers

Our take

• Choose Enki if: You want a habit-based approach with daily reminders and like the idea of learning more than just code—data skills, Git, productivity tools.

• Skip if: You want structured career paths or certifications. Enki is better for supplementing your skills than building a career from scratch.

6. Udemy: Best for video-based courses from instructors

• What makes it special: Massive marketplace with thousands of coding courses taught by independent instructors
• Price: Pay per course (typically $9.99-$19.99 on sale, up to $89.99 full price)
• Rating: 4.7 on the App Store 

Udemy is video course marketplace that can help you learn coding. You buy individual courses from independent instructors and keep them forever.

The coding selection is huge. 

You’ll find everything from beginner Python bootcamps to advanced web development, with courses ranging from a few hours to 50+ hours of content. 

The app itself is solid for watching videos and doing quizzes, but there’s no built-in code editor—you’ll need to code on your computer alongside the lessons. 

Best features

• Lifetime access to courses: Buy once, keep forever—no subscription needed
• Offline downloads: Watch lessons without an internet connection
• Instructor Q&A: Get answers directly from course creators
• Notes and bookmarks: Mark important sections for quick reference
• Course selection: Thousands of coding courses across every language and framework

Our take

• Choose Udemy’s app if: You prefer learning through video content and want in-depth courses on specific topics. 

• Skip if: You want bite-sized, interactive lessons with gamification and an integrated code editor.

7. Programming Hub: Best for learning by reading and running real code examples

• What makes it special: Covers 20+ languages with 5,000+ code examples you can run directly in the app
• Price: Free with limited access; Pro $6.99/month or $41.99/year
• Rating: 4.8 on the App Store

Programming Hub is another solid option if you want to explore many different programming languages in one place. 

It covers 35+ courses including Python, JavaScript, Java, C, C++, Swift, R, HTML, CSS, SQL, and even niche options like Assembly and Linux Shell Scripting.

The standout feature is the built-in compiler that lets you run code in 20+ languages directly in the app. 

There’s also a library of 5,000+ pre-written programs you can study and experiment with, which is helpful for seeing how real code works.

Best features:

• 35+ courses: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, Swift, R, SQL, HTML, and many more
• Built-in compiler: Write and run code in 20+ languages without leaving the app
• 5,000+ code examples: Pre-compiled programs to study and learn from
• Bite-sized lessons: Quick 10-minute lessons with illustrations
• Certifications: Earn certificates as you complete courses

Our take

• Choose Programming Hub if: You want to sample lots of different languages or need a quick reference for code examples and syntax.

• Skip if: You want structured career paths or deep, project-based learning.

8. Replit: Best for building and shipping real apps with AI

• What makes it special: Describe what you want in plain English, and Replit Agent builds it for you,
• Price: Free with daily Agent credits (limited to basic apps); Core $25/month for more credits and app hosting
• Rating: 4.7 on the App Store 

Replit is tool for building actual apps using AI, right from your phone. 

Just like with Mimo’s AI app generator, you can tell Replit Agent what you want (“make me a habit tracker” or “build a portfolio site”), and get a working app.

You can clone and remix projects from 33 million other creators, collaborate in real-time with friends, and deploy apps instantly with custom URLs.

Note that this coding app is great for building actual products, but it doesn’t offer learning support or courses for people who want to learn development.

Best features

• Replit Agent: Describe your app idea in plain English and watch it get built
• Instant deployment: Your projects go live immediately with shareable URLs
• Real-time collaboration: Invite others to build on a project with you in real-time
• 33M+ templates: Clone and remix projects from other creators
• Any language, any framework: Not locked into specific technologies

Our take

• Choose Replit if: You want to build and ship real apps fast, even without coding experience. 

• Skip if: You want structured lessons that teach you programming fundamentals. Replit is for making things, not learning syntax.

9. Tynker: Best for teaching kids to code through games and Minecraft

• What makes it special: Block-based coding that progresses to real languages, with Minecraft modding, drone programming, and game building

• Price: Free with limited access; $25/month (yearly) or $780 lifetime for up to 3 children

• Rating: 4.6 on the App Store

Tynker is built for kids aged 5-18. It starts with visual block coding—drag and drop instead of typing—then gradually introduces JavaScript, HTML, and Python as kids get more comfortable.

What keeps kids hooked: they can mod Minecraft (design skins, change mob behaviors, build structures), program drones, control LEGO robots, and build their own games. 

It’s less about “learning to code” and more about making cool things and learning in the process.

Best features

• Block-to-text progression: Start with visual blocks, advance to JavaScript, Python, and HTML
• Minecraft modding: Design skins, mobs, and structures kids can use in-game
• Drone and robot coding: Program real devices like drones, LEGO WeDo, and micro:bit
• 200+ tutorials: Puzzles, games, and step-by-step projects
• Family plans: One subscription covers up to 3 kids

Our take

• Choose Tynker if: You’re a parent or teacher looking for a coding app that’ll keep your kids engaged—especially if they’re into Minecraft or building games.

• Skip if: You’re an adult learner. Tynker is designed for children and the content reflects that.

Choose the coding app that fits how you learn

The best coding app is the one you’ll actually stick with. 

Think about how you learn best—bite-sized daily lessons, long video courses, or building real projects—and pick accordingly.

Here’s a quick recap of the top 5 coding apps from our list:

• Mimo: Best for interactive, bite-sized lessons with a clear career path
• DataCamp: Best for video lessons focused on data and analytics
• Udemy: Best for in-depth video courses you can keep forever
• Enki: Best for daily habit-based practice across multiple skills

Ready to start coding? Try Mimo for free and start learning, coding, and building with AI.