# Tynker vs ScratchJr

The clearest difference is rating: Tynker at 4.6 against ScratchJr's 3.9. Tynker also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (18K vs 1.8K). ScratchJr's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (67% vs 56%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tynker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tynker holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tynker has 18K ratings behind it against 1.8K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of Tynker'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.

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, ScratchJr every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tynker | ScratchJr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467/reviews)** | [3.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **18K** | 1.8K |
| Positive reviews | 56.1% of reviews | **66.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 153 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) | [Scratch Foundation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1066012912) |

## What reviewers say

### Tynker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-coding-for-kids/id805869467)

This app offers a fun and engaging platform for children to learn coding and artificial intelligence. It guides them from visual block coding to text-based languages like Python and JavaScript, with opportunities to mod Minecraft and create AR apps.

**Highlights:** Block-to-text coding transition, AI and Machine Learning basics, Minecraft modding and creation, Augmented Reality (AR) app development, Coding tutorials and game building, Robotics programming

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tynker Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Tynker Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly All-Access Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Coding made fun
- 👍 Great for learning
- 🎨 Customizable Minecraft mods
- 💡 Potential for more features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paywall for full access
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🤔 Limited Minecraft functionality
- ⏱️ Slow project publishing

**Reported bugs**

- Minecraft mods not working as expected
- Syncing and publishing issues
- Disappearing projects and progress
- Compatibility problems with newer Minecraft versions

**Requested features**

- More Minecraft block and mob customization
- Offline access
- Improved community moderation
- Ability to save and restore projects


### 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 Tynker free?

Tynker 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, Tynker or ScratchJr?

Tynker is rated higher. Tynker averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18K ratings, while ScratchJr averages 3.9 from 1.8K ratings.

### Do Tynker or ScratchJr have ads?

Neither Tynker nor ScratchJr shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tynker or ScratchJr?

Tynker ships an update every 3 weeks, and ScratchJr every 6 months. Most recently, Tynker 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.*