Comparison

Build Things vs Scratch.

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Build Things

Features
Read full description

Go from idea to name, domain, fonts, colors in 30 seconds.

About

Scratch.

This app offers a minimalist approach to task management, using a single Markdown canvas for all your daily notes and to-dos. It prioritizes speed and simplicity, allowing you to quickly capture thoughts without navigating complex menus or forms. Enjoy offline access or cloud sync for seamless data management across devices.

Highlights
  • Single Markdown canvas for tasks and notes
  • Plain text with Markdown support
  • All data in one continuous page
  • Offline local mode for privacy
  • Cloud sync for multi-device access
  • Home and lock screen widgets
  • Instant opening and fast performance
Features
Read full description

Most task apps get in your way. You open them up just to write down a quick thought, and suddenly you’re picking dates, picking projects, and clicking through dropdowns. Scratch is built on a simpler idea: treat your to-do list like the paper scratchpad on your desk. It gives you a single, clean Markdown canvas for your entire day. Open the app, type what you need to do, and get back to what you were working on. No folders to manage, no forms to fill out, and no clutter. WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT * Just Plain Text: Use standard Markdown for list, checkboxes, headings, hyperlinks, and highlighting. * Everything in One Place: No nested submenus or lost lists. Your active tasks, daily notes, and quick brain dumps all live on one continuous page. * Your Data, Your Choice: Want complete privacy? Use Scratch in 100% offline Local Mode — your notes stay locked on your device. Need access everywhere? Turn on Cloud Sync to mirror your data on other devices. * Instant Access with Widgets: Keep your list front and center. Use home screen widgets to view your scratchpad at a glance, or add lock screen widgets to check tasks without even unlocking your phone. * Blazing Fast: It opens instantly and stays out of your way so you can capture ideas as fast as you think of them. If you like keeping things simple, Scratch is for you.

Screenshots

Build Things4 screens
Scratch.4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Build Things at none against Scratch.'s 3. Build Things also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 days). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Scratch. sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Build Things asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Build Things ships an update every 2 days, Scratch. every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Build Things versus Scratch.: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBuild ThingsScratch.
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size146 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperErik NelsonDustin Wiens

In-app purchases

None

Build Things

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Scratch.

One-time3
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
  • Large Tip$9.99

Questions

Is Build Things free?
Build Things is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Scratch. free?
Scratch. is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Build Things or Scratch. have ads?
Neither Build Things nor Scratch. shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Build Things or Scratch.?
Build Things ships an update every 2 days, and Scratch. every 5 days. Most recently, Build Things was updated on September 24, 2026 and Scratch. on October 6, 2026.

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