# ScratchJr vs Builda

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ScratchJr at none against Builda's 25. ScratchJr also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). Builda's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Builda sells 25 in-app purchases, starting at $2.69 per month. ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

ScratchJr holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.9K and 869 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of ScratchJr's written reviews are positive against 61% of Builda's.

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, Builda fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScratchJr | Builda |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.9 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews)** | [3.7 (869 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/builda-create-and-play-games/id1596868497/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.9K** | 869 |
| Positive reviews | **66.9% of reviews** | 61.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 264 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Scratch Foundation, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1066012912) | [Beijing Hortor Interactive Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1563356470) |

## 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


### Builda

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/builda-create-and-play-games/id1596868497)

Create and play games directly on your phone without coding. Collaborate with friends, draw and animate characters, and explore a vast library of community-made games. Share your own unique creations with a global community of builders.

**Highlights:** Create games without coding, Collaborate with friends, Draw and animate characters, Remix games with level builder, Play community-made games, Share creations globally

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (25)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $2.69 | per month |
| Quarterly | $7.69 | per 3 months |
| Pro - 1 Month Auto-renewal | $9.69 | per month |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| 6 Sparks | $0.99 | one-time |
| 35000 GCoins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month Friend Gift | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month Friend Gift - Repay | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30 Sparks | $4.99 | one-time |
| 175000 GCoins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Auto-renewal - Repay | $7.69 | one-time |
| 3 Months | $7.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Friend Gift | $7.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months Friend Gift - Repay | $7.99 | one-time |
| 68 Diamonds | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro - 1Month | $9.99 | one-time |
| 355000 GCoins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 128 Sparks | $19.99 | one-time |
| 715000 GCoins | $19.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months | $30.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months Friend Gift | $30.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months Friend Gift - Repay | $30.99 | one-time |
| 1800000 GCoins | $49.99 | one-time |
| 3650000 GCoins | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScratchJr free?

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

### Is Builda free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScratchJr or Builda?

ScratchJr is rated higher. ScratchJr averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.9K ratings, while Builda averages 3.7 from 869 ratings.

### Do ScratchJr or Builda have ads?

Builda shows ads; ScratchJr does not.

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

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, and Builda fortnightly. Most recently, ScratchJr was updated on October 29, 2026 and Builda on October 27, 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.*