# Pocket Code vs Builda

The clearest difference is rating: Builda at 3.7 against Pocket Code's 3.0. Builda also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (61% vs 34%). Pocket Code's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 24) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Builda sells 24 in-app purchases, starting at $2.69 per month. Pocket Code asks for nothing beyond the download.

Builda holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Builda has 805 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 61% of Builda's.

Pocket Code ships an update every 3 months, Builda fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pocket Code | Builda |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (114 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-code/id1117935892/reviews) | **[3.7 (805 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/builda-create-and-play-games/id1596868497/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 114 | **805** |
| Positive reviews | 33.7% of reviews | **60.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 60 MB | 243 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [International Catrobat Association - Verein zur Foerderung freier Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1117935891) | [Beijing Hortor Interactive Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1563356470) |

## 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


### Builda

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/builda-create-and-play-games/id1596868497)

Create and play games directly on your phone without coding. Collaborate with friends, draw and animate characters, and explore a vast library of community-made games. Share your own unique creations with a global community of builders.

**Highlights:** Create games without coding, Collaborate with friends, Draw and animate characters, Remix games with level builder, Play community-made games, Share creations globally

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (24)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $2.69 | per month |
| Quarterly | $7.69 | per 3 months |
| Pro - 1 Month Auto-renewal | $9.69 | per month |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| 6 Sparks | $0.99 | one-time |
| 35000 GCoins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month Friend Gift | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month Friend Gift - Repay | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30 Sparks | $4.99 | one-time |
| 175000 GCoins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Auto-renewal - Repay | $7.69 | one-time |
| 3 Months | $7.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Friend Gift | $7.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Friend Gift - Repay | $7.99 | one-time |
| 68 Diamonds | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro - 1Month | $9.99 | one-time |
| 355000 GCoins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 715000 GCoins | $19.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months | $30.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months Friend Gift | $30.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months Friend Gift - Repay | $30.99 | one-time |
| 1800000 GCoins | $49.99 | one-time |
| 3650000 GCoins | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pocket Code free?

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

### Is Builda free?

Builda is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pocket Code or Builda?

Builda is rated higher. Pocket Code averages 3.0 out of 5 from 114 ratings, while Builda averages 3.7 from 805 ratings.

### Do Pocket Code or Builda have ads?

Builda shows ads; Pocket Code does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pocket Code or Builda?

Pocket Code ships an update every 3 months, and Builda fortnightly. Most recently, Pocket Code was updated on September 21, 2026 and Builda on September 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.*