Kodable
Game-based coding for kindergarten through 5th grade: maze puzzles for pre-readers in Kodable Basics, game design in Kodable Creator, and real JavaScript in Bug World, used in many U.S. elementary schools.
What is Kodable?
Kodable is a coding program for kindergarten through 5th grade, made by SurfScore, Inc. in its Kodable brand. Kids guide fuzzy characters through mazes, then design their own games, then debug real JavaScript. Kodable says it is trusted by 50% of U.S. elementary schools, so many kids meet it first at school.
At home, families use Kodable Pro, a paid plan that unlocks everything.
How it works
Each new idea starts with a short video. Kids then solve puzzles by dragging commands into place, with no typing and little reading for the youngest. Sessions are short, often 10 to 20 minutes, and kids can work alone.
Kodable has three main apps:
- Kodable Basics: maze puzzles for pre-readers and early readers, grade K and up
- Kodable Creator: kids design games with help from an AI tutor called CatBot, grade 2 and up
- Bug World: a strategy game where kids learn object-oriented programming and fix real JavaScript
Kodable Typing, a keyboarding game for grades K–5, is part of the school plans.
What it covers
| Grade band | App | Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| K–1 | Kodable Basics | Sequencing, loops, conditionals |
| 2–3 | Kodable Creator | Functions, game design, debugging |
| 2–5 (App Store lists ages 7–10) | Bug World | Objects, properties, JavaScript syntax |
Kodable's lessons are aligned to CSTA, ISTE, Common Core and NGSS standards.
Who it's best for
Kodable fits kids in grades K–5 who are new to coding, especially pre-readers. It is a smart pick when your child already uses it in class.
Kids over 11 will outgrow it fast. Android-only families should test the browser version first.
Pricing at a glance
As of October 2026, Kodable Pro is $24.99 a month, $119.99 a year or $199.99 lifetime. Monthly and yearly plans include a 7-day free trial.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Possibly. Some ESA and scholarship programs allow educational software or curriculum, but each program decides what counts. See our scholarships hub and state pages such as Arizona scholarships. You can save Kodable to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist to the programs that match your child.
How it compares
codeSpark is the closest rival for ages 3–10 and is wordless. Scratch and Code.org are free, with ScratchJr and the Pre-reader Express course for little kids. Tynker keeps going into the teen years. Browse more coding programs for kids and elementary coding.
Who Kodable is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Kids in grades K–5 starting coding for the first time
- Pre-readers who need picture-based puzzles
- Families whose school already uses Kodable
Look elsewhere if
- Kids over about age 11
- Android-only households
- Families who want month-to-month at a low price
Kodable pros and cons
Pros
- Works for pre-readers with video introductions to each concept
- Clear path from mazes to game design to JavaScript
- Strong parent materials, noted by Common Sense Media
- Ad-free, with 4.7 stars from about 21,000 App Store ratings
- Parent code links home play to school progress
Cons
- Monthly plan is expensive at $24.99
- Content ends at grade 5
- Native apps are for Apple devices; others use the web
- Some App Store reviewers report slow customer support
What’s included
- Kodable Basics: maze puzzles for pre-readers and early readers
- Kodable Creator: kids design their own games with an AI tutor
- Bug World: object-oriented programming and real JavaScript
- Kodable Typing for grades K–5
- Parent code to follow school progress at home
- Ad-free, on iPad, Chromebook and web
How much does Kodable cost?
As of October 2026, Kodable's parent page lists Kodable Pro at $24.99 a month, $119.99 a year (about $9.99 a month) or $199.99 once for lifetime access. The same prices appear as in-app purchases on the App Store. Pro unlocks Bug World, the full AI tutor in Kodable Creator, extra daily rewards and costumes. Kodable's gift memberships include 4 player profiles.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kodable Pro monthly | $24.99/mo | Monthly | $24.99/mo |
| Kodable Pro yearly | $119.99/yr | Yearly | $10/mo |
| Kodable Pro lifetime | $199.99 | One-time | — |
Free trial: Monthly and yearly Pro plans start with a free 7-day trial.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
As of October 2026, Kodable Basics has a 4.7 out of 5 rating from about 21,000 App Store ratings. Parents praise how gradually it introduces coding concepts. The most common complaints are about the subscription model and price, and a few reviewers describe trouble reaching support after purchase. Common Sense Media rates it for ages 6+ and singles out its parent resources.
Common praise
- Introduces coding concepts gradually while keeping it fun
- Parent resources and offline logic activities
- Billing problems resolved quickly for some reviewers
Common complaints
- Subscription instead of one-time purchase
- Hard to reach customer service for some buyers
- Young kids can fumble drag-and-drop
Sources: apps.apple.com · id577673067 · commonsensemedia.org · kodable
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Kodable FAQs
How much does Kodable cost for home?
Kodable Pro is $24.99 a month, $119.99 a year or $199.99 lifetime, as listed on Kodable's parent page in October 2026. Monthly and yearly plans start with a 7-day free trial.
Is Kodable free?
The Kodable Basics app is free to download, and schools can use a free Kickstart plan. Full home access to Bug World and the AI tutor needs Kodable Pro. If your child's school uses Kodable, a parent code may let them keep playing at home.
What age is Kodable for?
Kodable is built for kindergarten through 5th grade. Kodable Basics is labeled grade K and up, Kodable Creator grade 2 and up, and the App Store lists Kodable Basics for kids 4–10.
What coding language does Kodable teach?
Younger kids use picture commands for sequencing, loops and conditionals. In Bug World, older elementary students debug real JavaScript and learn object-oriented ideas.
Does Kodable work on Android or Chromebook?
Kodable lists Chromebook, iPad and web. There are native iPad apps, and other devices can use the browser version at game.kodable.com.
Is Kodable good for homeschool?
It works well as a short daily coding block for K–5. Lessons are self-guided, and the gift memberships include 4 player profiles for siblings. It is not a full computer science course for older kids.
How do I cancel Kodable?
If you subscribed in the App Store, cancel in your Apple ID subscription settings before renewal. For purchases made on Kodable's website, contact Kodable support.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: