# ScratchJr vs codeSpark

The clearest difference is rating: codeSpark at 4.6 against ScratchJr's 3.9. codeSpark also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (41K vs 1.8K). ScratchJr's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and review sentiment (67% vs 52%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. codeSpark sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ScratchJr asks for nothing beyond the download.

codeSpark holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: codeSpark has 41K ratings behind it against 1.8K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of ScratchJr's written reviews are positive against 52% of codeSpark's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | ScratchJr | codeSpark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scratchjr/id895485086/reviews) | **[4.6 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.8K | **41K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.8% of reviews** | 51.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 51 MB | 130 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) | [Homer](https://appshunter.io/developer/601437929) |

## 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


### codeSpark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codespark-coding-for-kids/id923441570)

This app offers hundreds of interactive coding games and activities for children aged 3-10. Kids can solve puzzles, design their own games and stories, and even participate in coding contests. It focuses on building essential coding concepts and problem-solving skills in a safe, ad-free environment.

**Highlights:** Hundreds of coding games and activities, Create your own games and stories, Puzzles to master coding concepts, Monthly coding contests, Multiplayer coding challenges, Pre-coding activities for preschoolers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $3.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $7.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $9.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $9.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $12.99 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $15.00 | per month |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| codeSpark Holiday Annual Membership | $63.00 | per year |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $79.99 | per year |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $90.00 | per year |
| codeSpark Academy Enrollment | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging
- 🚀 Great for learning coding
- 🎨 Lots of creative possibilities
- 🤩 Awesome game/app
- 💯 Best coding app ever

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy
- 🔍 Confusing UI/UX
- 🔑 Forced to pay for access
- 🤬 Unauthorized charges

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearing progress and lost stories
- Inconsistent performance and crashes
- Incorrect item purchases and coin deductions
- Inability to access drafts and profiles
- Incompatibility issues with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Add more pet foos and customization options
- Improve story sharing and collaboration features
- Introduce more puzzles and challenges
- Allow custom character and block creation
- Implement better communication between coders


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ScratchJr free?

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

### Is codeSpark free?

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

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

codeSpark is rated higher. ScratchJr averages 3.9 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while codeSpark averages 4.6 from 41K ratings.

### Do ScratchJr or codeSpark have ads?

Neither ScratchJr nor codeSpark shows ads.

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

ScratchJr ships an update every 6 months, and codeSpark fortnightly. Most recently, ScratchJr was updated on September 22, 2026 and codeSpark on September 24, 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.*