REVIEWS / COMPARE
App Academy Open vs Scrimba Explain
App Academy Open edges ahead at 8.2 vs 7.8 — but read the trade-offs below; Scrimba Explain may still be the better fit for you.
| App Academy Open | Scrimba Explain | |
|---|---|---|
| RATING | 8.2 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| CONFIDENCE | high | medium |
| USER VOICES | 284 | 62 |
| POSITIVE | 62% | 45% |
| PRICE | — | — |
| RECOMMENDED | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
App Academy Open
★ STRENGTHS
- Genuinely free full-stack curriculum (Rails/React/Redux) with no paywall on core content
- Structured, linear progression that solves the 'what do I learn next?' problem for beginners
- Optional mentorship tier ($29.99/mo Slack access) widely seen as excellent value
✗ WATCH OUT
- Project sections provide minimal guidance relative to expected time investment per multiple users
- Curriculum may teach learning methodology rather than deep, thorough language mastery
- Free access requires email signup and JavaScript — no raw downloads available
Not recommended Full review →
Scrimba Explain
★ STRENGTHS
- Interactive video format is highly praised
- Instructors (like Bob Ziroll) are engaging
- Considered 'top' compared to other online courses
✗ WATCH OUT
- No direct feedback on the 'Explain' tool in provided data
- Learning via courses does not ease the harsh reality of job interviews
- User comments are mostly off-topic regarding general web architecture
Not recommended Full review →
HOW THIS COMPARISON WAS BUILT
Both verdicts are synthesised from real user voices on Reddit, YouTube, Hacker News, ProductHunt, Trustpilot and editorial sources — 284 for App Academy Open, 62 for Scrimba Explain. No paid placement; ratings come from raw sentiment, not our opinion. Read the methodology.