# Kodable Basics vs ScratchJr

The clearest difference is rating: Kodable Basics at 4.7 against ScratchJr's 3.9. Kodable Basics also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (21K vs 1.8K). ScratchJr's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and review sentiment (67% vs 55%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kodable Basics sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

Kodable Basics holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Kodable Basics has 21K ratings behind it against 1.8K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of Kodable Basics's written reviews are positive against 67% of ScratchJr's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, ScratchJr every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kodable Basics | ScratchJr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067/reviews)** | [3.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21K** | 1.8K |
| Positive reviews | 54.8% of reviews | **66.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 422 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SurfScore, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/577654768) | [Scratch Foundation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1066012912) |

## What reviewers say

### Kodable Basics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067)

This app teaches children aged 4-10 foundational computer science concepts through engaging, game-based activities. It helps kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by guiding them through mazes and allowing them to create their own games. The curriculum is designed to transition from basic logic to writing real code.

**Highlights:** Game-based learning approach, Develops critical thinking, Teaches coding concepts, Builds foundational computer science skills, Creative activities, Seasonal events

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kodable Monthly Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Kodable Yearly Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| 3-day Parent Trial | Free | one-time |
| Fuzzes to Support Computer Science | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pre-Trial Parent Plan | $19.99 | one-time |
| Parent Plan | $29.99 | one-time |
| Kodable Lifetime Plan | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Fun and educational coding game
- 👍 Helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- 🚀 Engaging for kids of various ages
- 🎨 Ability to create custom characters and games

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription-based model with high costs
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Misleading trial period and automatic subscription
- 📉 Declining quality and value over time

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to access app after subscription cancellation
- Persistent crashes at certain levels or stages
- Syncing and progress issues across devices
- Unresponsive controls and UI elements

**Requested features**

- More free content and levels
- Improved stability and performance
- Customization options for parents/teachers
- Better customer support and communication


### ScratchJr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086)

This app allows young children to create their own interactive stories and games by snapping together graphical programming blocks. It fosters problem-solving, creative expression, and develops early numeracy and literacy skills in a fun, motivating context.

**Highlights:** Program interactive stories, Create games, Snap-together programming blocks, Develop problem-solving skills, Foster creative expression, Learn coding fundamentals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use for kids
- 🚀 Great for coding and creating animations
- 💡 Allows customization of characters and backgrounds
- ⭐ Fun and engaging for young users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy drawing/editing tools
- 🔧 Limited number of frames/scenes per project
- 🎨 Lack of color options and customization
- 🔊 Poor audio quality and limited sound options

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing and crashing issues
- Incorrect character movements and positioning
- Saving and loading problems
- Microphone and recording bugs

**Requested features**

- Add more frames/scenes per project
- Improve drawing/editing tools
- Expand color and customization options
- Enhance audio features and sound library
- Integrate with the full Scratch platform


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kodable Basics free?

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

### Is ScratchJr free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Kodable Basics or ScratchJr?

Kodable Basics is rated higher. Kodable Basics averages 4.7 out of 5 from 21K ratings, while ScratchJr averages 3.9 from 1.8K ratings.

### Do Kodable Basics or ScratchJr have ads?

Neither Kodable Basics nor ScratchJr shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Kodable Basics or ScratchJr?

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, and ScratchJr every 6 months. Most recently, Kodable Basics was updated on September 24, 2026 and ScratchJr on September 22, 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.*