# ScratchJr vs Code Land

The clearest difference is rating: Code Land at 4.5 against ScratchJr's 3.9. Code Land also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). ScratchJr's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Code Land sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Land holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 1.6K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 67% and 66% positive.

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, Code Land every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScratchJr | Code Land |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-land-coding-for-kids/id1574136692/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1.6K |
| Positive reviews | **66.8% of reviews** | 66.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 51 MB | 821 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scratch Foundation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1066012912) | [Learny Land](https://appshunter.io/developer/1380183676) |

## 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


### Code Land

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-land-coding-for-kids/id1574136692)

This app teaches children coding through engaging games and activities. It covers fundamental programming concepts, logic, and problem-solving skills, with content suitable for ages 4 and up. The app offers a safe, ad-free learning environment with regular new content.

**Highlights:** Learn coding concepts (loops, sequences, conditions), Develop logical thinking and problem-solving, Hundreds of challenges across various worlds, Offline play supported, Child-friendly interface, Content for ages 4+, Supports multiple users

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Code Land + All Learny Land apps | $8.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription to Code Land | $9.99 | per month |
| Code Land premium. Annual | $20.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription Offer | $39.99 | per year |
| Code Land Unlimited | $49.99 | per year |
| Code Land + All Learny Land apps | $49.99 | per year |
| Code Land + All Learny Land apps | $59.99 | per year |
| Code Land Unlimited | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎉 Fun and engaging
- 💻 Helpful for learning coding
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🧠 Improves problem-solving skills
- 🌈 Colorful and appealing visuals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🕰️ Limited free trial period
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🔇 Sound issues
- 🤔 Confusing to earn in-game currency

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- In-app purchases not working properly

**Requested features**

- More levels and worlds to explore
- Ability to create own games
- Multiplayer or competitive modes
- More age-appropriate content for older kids


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScratchJr free?

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

### Is Code Land free?

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

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

Code Land is rated higher. ScratchJr averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Code Land averages 4.5 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do ScratchJr or Code Land have ads?

Neither ScratchJr nor Code Land shows ads.

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

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, and Code Land every 3 weeks. Most recently, ScratchJr was updated on October 13, 2026 and Code Land on October 13, 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.*