Most beginner coding courses spend the first five lessons explaining what a variable is before letting you near a single line of code. Sololearn teaches you about code by having you actually code.
From the first lesson in practice mode, you're writing actual Python, using real commands and real structure rather than reading about how it works in theory.
I found it while testing apps for our guide to the best apps to learn a new skill, and it's the most practical free coding tool I've tested on mobile.
What is Sololearn?
Sololearn is a free coding app for iPhone and Android users to learn and practice. It teaches programming languages through structured lessons with a built-in code editor. Pick a coding language, choose a learning path, and work through exercises that require you to write, read, and debug actual code.
The app also includes a streak system to keep you consistent (and motivated), plus a community of other learners to compare progress with. Better yet, you get a certificate when you complete a course.
Code from anywhere without watching your data
Syncing your progress, accessing lessons, and running code in Sololearn all use data when you're away from Wi-Fi. International data plans keep you connected at a fixed monthly cost rather than unpredictable roaming rates, so you can keep your streak going from anywhere.
Here are the most popular plans with international data included:
|
#1
|
Bell
Ultra Unlimited Canada-International
$95.00/mth
(includes Autopay and promotional discount)
|
|
#2
|
Telus
Complete - Unlimited 5G+ Explore
$105.00/mth
(after $10/mo. credit)
|
Two different modes: Which should you choose?
When you start a course in Sololearn, the app asks whether you want to approach it through theory or practice. Theory mode walks you through concepts before you apply them. Practice mode puts you in the code immediately and teaches through doing rather than reading.
I chose practice mode for Python, and Sololearn had me coding the first lesson. I was writing Python syntax, working with actual variables and print commands, and running the code to see the output in real time. The course structure is clear and progresses logically, so each new lesson builds directly on what came before rather than introducing unrelated concepts out of nowhere.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
With Sololearn, you learn by doing, which sets it apart from most coding apps that overexplain before letting you touch anything. It really makes you feel like you earned the certificate.
What programming languages does Sololearn teach?
Sololearn covers Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Java, C++, SQL, Swift, and more. Each language has its own dedicated course with a theory path and a practice path. Python is one of the most popular courses on the platform and a sensible first choice if you haven't decided which language to focus on.
How good is the free version?
The free version is solid, which isn't something you can say about every app that calls itself free. The full course content is accessible without a subscription. Ads appear every few lessons, and they're noticeable enough to interrupt your flow, but not so frequent that they make the app unusable. The learning itself is solid enough to put up with them. If the interruptions bother you, the paid tier removes them.
How I tested Sololearn
- Hands-on testing
Completed multiple Python lessons in both theory and practice mode, writing and running actual code in the built-in editor. - Course structure
Evaluated lesson progression, exercise difficulty scaling, and how well the course builds on prior knowledge. - Free tier assessment
Assessed the frequency and impact of ads in the free version and compared it against the paid tier.
Sololearn app: FAQ
Is Sololearn free?
Yes, Sololearn's full course content is free to access. The free version includes ads every few lessons, and a paid tier is available to remove them and unlock additional features.
What coding languages does Sololearn teach?
Sololearn teaches Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Java, C++, SQL, Swift, and more. Each language has a dedicated course with both theory and practice paths.
Is Sololearn good for complete beginners?
Yes, Sololearn is built for beginners and starts from zero. Practice mode is well-suited to people who learn better by doing than by reading explanations first.
Does Sololearn give you a certificate?
Yes, Sololearn gives you a certificate when you complete a course, which can be shared on LinkedIn or added to a portfolio to show your progress.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
Related Articles
Find Better Phones and Plans
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
