# PBS KIDS ScratchJr vs Osmo Shape Builder

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PBS KIDS ScratchJr at 62% against Osmo Shape Builder's 0%. PBS KIDS ScratchJr also leads on rating (4.0 vs 2.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). Osmo Shape Builder's advantage is update cadence (every 3 months vs every 12 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Osmo Shape Builder sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. PBS KIDS ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

PBS KIDS ScratchJr holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 356 and 86 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of PBS KIDS ScratchJr's written reviews are positive against 0% of Osmo Shape Builder's.

PBS KIDS ScratchJr ships an update every 12 months, Osmo Shape Builder every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PBS KIDS ScratchJr | Osmo Shape Builder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (356 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbs-kids-scratchjr/id1047840202/reviews)** | [2.3 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-shape-builder/id1492331208/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **356** | 86 |
| Positive reviews | **62.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 138 MB | 322 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PBS KIDS](https://appshunter.io/developer/324323339) | [Tangible Play](https://appshunter.io/developer/799157444) |

## What reviewers say

### PBS KIDS ScratchJr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbs-kids-scratchjr/id1047840202)

This app allows children ages 5-8 to create their own interactive stories and games using simple programming blocks. Kids can make characters move, jump, and sing, while learning foundational coding concepts and problem-solving skills. It features beloved PBS KIDS characters and offers creative tools like painting and voice recording.

**Highlights:** Create interactive stories and games, Learn basic coding concepts, Use colorful programming blocks, Incorporate PBS KIDS characters, Paint and edit characters/backgrounds, Record voice for projects, Utilize story starters for inspiration

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👨‍👧‍👦 Great for teaching kids to code
- 🎨 Fun creative storytelling and animation features
- 🎭 PBS Kids characters and themed content
- 💰 Free app with no paywall
- 📚 Educational value for young learners

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches
- ❌ Limited coding blocks compared to original ScratchJr
- 🎭 Character roster hasn't been updated in years
- ⚠️ Drawing/text tools produce poor quality output
- 🔊 Sound and voice recording features broken or missing

**Reported bugs**

- Home button causes character to revert to previous position
- Projects fail to load when creating or opening
- Voice recording feature not working or missing
- How-to tutorial videos don't play
- Drawing tool corrupts custom characters

**Requested features**

- Add more PBS Kids shows (Let's Go Luna, Dinosaur Train, Elinor Wonders Why, Hero Elementary, Wordgirl, Rosie's Rules, Alma's Way)
- Unlimited pages/slides instead of 4-slide limit
- More coding blocks from original Scratch (text-to-speech, etc.)
- Custom character creation on blank canvas
- Level maker and world maker features


### Osmo Shape Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-shape-builder/id1492331208)

This app helps young children learn basic geometric shapes through interactive play. It progresses from identifying shapes to creating them, fostering a love for learning and turning screen time into an educational experience.

**Highlights:** Learn basic geometric shapes, Compose and create shapes, Identify and describe shapes, Color recognition, Hands-on learning system, Inspires love of learning

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3-day trial of Shape Builder | Free | one-time |
| Unlock Shape Builder | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PBS KIDS ScratchJr free?

PBS KIDS ScratchJr is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Osmo Shape Builder free?

Osmo Shape Builder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PBS KIDS ScratchJr or Osmo Shape Builder?

PBS KIDS ScratchJr is rated higher. PBS KIDS ScratchJr averages 4.0 out of 5 from 356 ratings, while Osmo Shape Builder averages 2.3 from 86 ratings.

### Do PBS KIDS ScratchJr or Osmo Shape Builder have ads?

Neither PBS KIDS ScratchJr nor Osmo Shape Builder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PBS KIDS ScratchJr or Osmo Shape Builder?

PBS KIDS ScratchJr ships an update every 12 months, and Osmo Shape Builder every 3 months. Most recently, PBS KIDS ScratchJr was updated on October 24, 2026 and Osmo Shape Builder on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*