Duolingo vs ScratchJr

Duolingo8.0Visit ScratchJr7.9Visit

Higher score Duolingo #7 in Kinder Apps 8.0/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Duolingo

vs

ScratchJr #8 in Kinder Apps 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit ScratchJr

• Duolingo fits best

  Older children building a language-learning habit

• ScratchJr fits best

  Free introductory coding and creative projects

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Side by side

Feature	Duolingo 8.0/10 Visit ↗	ScratchJr 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.0	7.9
Ranking	#7 in Kinder Apps	#8 in Kinder Apps
Best for	Older children building a language-learning habit	Free introductory coding and creative projects
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	Free plan · 14-day trial	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	14 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Mobile
Platforms	Web, macOS, iOS, Android	iOS, Android
Support	Email	Email, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Duolingo 0/2 · ScratchJr 0/2
Parental controls	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Progress reports	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Age range	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Curriculum focus	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Child profiles	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Short lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening Placement testing and personalized review adapt practice to progress Stories, speech exercises, and offline lessons add variety	Children snap graphical blocks together to program characters. Multi-page projects combine stories, scenes, sounds, and photos. A paint editor and sample projects give children ways to create and explore.
Cons	The focus is language learning rather than broader children’s subjects The free tier is supported by advertising Limited downloaded content constrains offline learning	Designed for tablet use rather than as a desktop-first coding environment. Programming is based on graphical blocks, not text-based code. Supplemental books and coding cards may be purchased separately.
Our verdict	Duolingo offers short, interactive lessons across more than 40 languages through its website and apps. For older children ready to practice a language independently or with family support, its mix of speaking, writing, reading, and… Read the review →	ScratchJr is a free introductory programming app for children ages 5–7. It lets young learners snap graphical blocks together to make characters move, jump, dance, and interact in their own stories and games. The app is aimed at families… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Duolingo — where it wins

  • Short lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening
  • Placement testing and personalized review adapt practice to progress
  • Stories, speech exercises, and offline lessons add variety

  Where it doesn't

  • The focus is language learning rather than broader children’s subjects
  • The free tier is supported by advertising
  • Limited downloaded content constrains offline learning

• ScratchJr — where it wins

  • Children snap graphical blocks together to program characters.
  • Multi-page projects combine stories, scenes, sounds, and photos.
  • A paint editor and sample projects give children ways to create and explore.

  Where it doesn't

  • Designed for tablet use rather than as a desktop-first coding environment.
  • Programming is based on graphical blocks, not text-based code.
  • Supplemental books and coding cards may be purchased separately.

• Duolingo8.0/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

  A familiar, game-based language practice option for older children and families.

  Visit DuolingoFull verdict →
• ScratchJr7.9/10 · Free plan

  A free tablet app for children ages 5–7 to make stories and games with coding blocks.

  Visit ScratchJrFull verdict →