# ScratchJr vs Emoji Explore

The clearest difference is rating: Emoji Explore at 5.0 against ScratchJr's 3.9. Emoji Explore also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 months). ScratchJr's advantage is ratings volume (1.8K vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Emoji Explore holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ScratchJr has 1.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, Emoji Explore every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ScratchJr | Emoji Explore |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emoji-explore/id6479929462/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 66.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 51 MB | 1 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) | [Apostol & Hall](https://appshunter.io/developer/320592318) |

## 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


### Emoji Explore

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emoji-explore/id6479929462)

Explore a vibrant collection of emojis by scrolling through them. Tap any emoji to see it enlarged. This app is offered as a free educational tool for young children.

**Highlights:** Interactive emoji scrolling, Tap to enlarge emojis, Free educational tool, Designed for young children, Simple and intuitive interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScratchJr free?

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

### Is Emoji Explore free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ScratchJr or Emoji Explore?

Emoji Explore is rated higher. ScratchJr averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Emoji Explore averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do ScratchJr or Emoji Explore have ads?

Neither ScratchJr nor Emoji Explore shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ScratchJr or Emoji Explore?

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, and Emoji Explore every 2 days. Most recently, ScratchJr was updated on September 30, 2026 and Emoji Explore on September 19, 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.*