# Pocket Code vs Arduino Science Journal

The clearest difference is rating: Arduino Science Journal at 4.4 against Pocket Code's 3.0. Arduino Science Journal also leads on review sentiment (59% vs 34%) and ratings volume (1.1K vs 114). Pocket Code's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Arduino Science Journal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Pocket Code asks for nothing beyond the download.

Arduino Science Journal holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Arduino Science Journal has 1.1K ratings behind it against 114, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of Pocket Code's written reviews are positive against 59% of Arduino Science Journal's.

Pocket Code ships an update every 3 months, Arduino Science Journal every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pocket Code | Arduino Science Journal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (114 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-code/id1117935892/reviews) | **[4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arduino-science-journal/id1518014927/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 114 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.7% of reviews | **58.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 60 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [International Catrobat Association - Verein zur Foerderung freier Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1117935891) | [Arduino LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599571672) |

## What reviewers say

### Pocket Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-code/id1117935892)

Develop and play your own games, animations, and interactive applications directly on your mobile device. This visual programming tool is inspired by educational initiatives and offers a free, open-source platform for creative coding.

**Highlights:** Create games and apps, Develop animations, Interactive art creation, Music video production, Visual programming system, Share creations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Arduino Science Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arduino-science-journal/id1518014927)

Transform your smartphone into a science notebook. Use your device's sensors and connect external hardware to gather real-time data, conduct experiments, and analyze findings. Ideal for students to explore the world scientifically.

**Highlights:** Use smartphone sensors, Connect external Arduino sensors, Record and analyze real-time data, Conduct interactive experiments, Enhance lesson plans, Cross-platform support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Teacher Monthly Plan | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Teacher Plan | $63.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and inspiring
- 🚀 Engaging science experience
- 🤩 Turned user into a true scientist
- 🤖 Good introduction to conducting experiments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Keeps crashing
- 🐛 Blank screen issues
- 🐛 Sensors disappear or don't work
- 🤯 Overly complex and poor execution

**Reported bugs**

- App often crashes when trying to add sensors
- Sensor selection menu doesn't work
- Freezes on loading dashboards with blank screen
- Stopped working after iOS 15 update

**Requested features**

- iCloud sync
- CSV export for data analysis
- Velocity sensors using GPS
- Arduino sensor integration
- Buzzer with variable range


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pocket Code free?

Pocket Code is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Arduino Science Journal free?

Arduino Science Journal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pocket Code or Arduino Science Journal?

Arduino Science Journal is rated higher. Pocket Code averages 3.0 out of 5 from 114 ratings, while Arduino Science Journal averages 4.4 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do Pocket Code or Arduino Science Journal have ads?

Neither Pocket Code nor Arduino Science Journal shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pocket Code or Arduino Science Journal?

Pocket Code ships an update every 3 months, and Arduino Science Journal every 2 months. Most recently, Pocket Code was updated on September 21, 2026 and Arduino Science Journal on September 19, 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.*