# PBS KIDS ScratchJr vs Learn Coding for Kids

The clearest difference is rating: Learn Coding for Kids at 5.0 against PBS KIDS ScratchJr's 4.0. Learn Coding for Kids also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months) and device support (3 vs 1). PBS KIDS ScratchJr's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (289 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Learn Coding for Kids sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. PBS KIDS ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

Learn Coding for Kids holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PBS KIDS ScratchJr has 289 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PBS KIDS ScratchJr ships an update every 12 months, Learn Coding for Kids every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PBS KIDS ScratchJr | Learn Coding for Kids |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (289 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pbs-kids-scratchjr/id1047840202/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-coding-for-kids/id6739499511/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **289** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 62.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 138 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PBS KIDS](https://appshunter.io/developer/324323339) | [MEHMET CANKER (TR)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1565350155) |

## 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


### Learn Coding for Kids

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-coding-for-kids/id6739499511)

This app guides children through learning Python with AI-powered lessons and interactive tools. It features a built-in IDE for writing and running code, AI assistance for fixing errors, and code generation examples. Kids can also take notes, save projects, and participate in online coding challenges.

**Highlights:** AI-powered Python learning, Built-in IDE for coding, AI-assisted code fixing, AI code generation, Python compiler integration, Note-taking feature, Save and revisit code projects, Online coding challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Learn to Code for kids | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Learn to Code for Kids Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Learn to Code for Kids Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PBS KIDS ScratchJr free?

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

### Is Learn Coding for Kids free?

Learn Coding for Kids is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PBS KIDS ScratchJr or Learn Coding for Kids?

Learn Coding for Kids is rated higher. PBS KIDS ScratchJr averages 4.0 out of 5 from 289 ratings, while Learn Coding for Kids averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do PBS KIDS ScratchJr or Learn Coding for Kids have ads?

Neither PBS KIDS ScratchJr nor Learn Coding for Kids shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PBS KIDS ScratchJr or Learn Coding for Kids?

PBS KIDS ScratchJr ships an update every 12 months, and Learn Coding for Kids every 2 months. Most recently, PBS KIDS ScratchJr was updated on October 19, 2026 and Learn Coding for Kids on October 6, 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.*