# ScratchJr vs Pocket Code

The clearest difference is rating: ScratchJr at 3.9 against Pocket Code's 3.0. ScratchJr also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 34%) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 114). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ScratchJr holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScratchJr has 1.8K ratings behind it against 114, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of ScratchJr's written reviews are positive against 34% of Pocket Code's.

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, Pocket Code every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScratchJr | Pocket Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews)** | [3.0 (114 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-code/id1117935892/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 114 |
| Positive reviews | **66.8% of reviews** | 33.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 51 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scratch Foundation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1066012912) | [International Catrobat Association - Verein zur Foerderung freier Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1117935891) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScratchJr free?

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

### Is Pocket Code free?

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

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

ScratchJr is rated higher. ScratchJr averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Pocket Code averages 3.0 from 114 ratings.

### Do ScratchJr or Pocket Code have ads?

Neither ScratchJr nor Pocket Code shows ads.

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

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, and Pocket Code every 3 months. Most recently, ScratchJr was updated on September 24, 2026 and Pocket Code on September 21, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*