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Head-to-head · Coding Learning Software

Scratch vs Codewars

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Scratch #4 in Coding Learning Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Scratch
Codewars #6 in Coding Learning Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Codewars

Scratch leads on 1 check, Codewars on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreScratch · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresScratch · 3 of 3

Scratch scores higher on our rubric for coding learning software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

On feedback mode, Scratch gives you Mixed where Codewars offers Automated. On learning format, Scratch gives you Mixed where Codewars offers Exercises. Scratch offers project-based learning; Codewars doesn't.

Scratch is the better fit for young beginners learning programming concepts. Codewars is the better fit for developers practicing short coding challenges.

  • Scratch fits best

    Young beginners learning programming concepts

  • Codewars fits best

    Developers practicing short coding challenges

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Scratch 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Codewars 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #4 in Coding Learning Software #6 in Coding Learning Software
Best for Young beginners learning programming concepts Developers practicing short coding challenges
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $40/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Android Web
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Scratch 3/3 · Codewars 1/3
Project-based learning ✓ (best) —
Mobile apps ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Computer science topics ✓ ✓
Specs
Feedback mode Mixed Automated
Learning format Mixed Exercises
Programming languages Scratch (visual, block-based programming language) Agda, BF, C, CFML, C++, COBOL, CoffeeScript, Clojure, CommonLisp, Coq, Crystal, C#, D, Dart, Elixir, Elm, Erlang, Factor, Forth, Fortran, F#, Go, Groovy, Haskell, Haxe, Idris, Java, JavaScript, Julia, Kotlin, λ Calculus, Lean, Lua, NASM, Nim, Objective-C, OCaml, Pascal, Perl, PHP, PowerShell, Prolog, PureScript, Python, R, Racket, Raku, Reason, RISC-V, Ruby, Rust, Scala, Shell, Solidity, SQL, Swift, TypeScript, VB
Our review
Pros
  • Free access to block-based coding, tutorials, and starter projects
  • Creates stories, games, animations, music, and art
  • Moderated sharing community with hardware and web-service extensions
  • Community-created kata with sample and full test suites
  • Supports many programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and Rust
  • Training routines, discussions, rankings, and solution comparison
Cons
  • Block-based focus does not provide text-based development
  • Hardware integrations center on LEGO WeDo and PicoBoard
  • Visual projects may not suit learners ready for conventional coding syntax
  • Focused on exercises rather than verified project-based learning
  • No mobile apps
  • Advanced Codewars Red features require a subscription
Our verdict

Scratch is a free, block-based programming platform for children and other beginners. Its drag-and-snap interface introduces programming concepts through interactive stories, games, animations, music, and art rather than typed code.…

Read the review →

Codewars is a browser-based coding practice platform for developers who want to improve programming skills through short, community-created kata. Users solve challenges in an in-browser editor, run sample tests, submit solutions to full…

Read the review →
  1. ScratchCoding Learning Software 9.1Free plan
  2. CodewarsCoding Learning Software 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Scratch — where it wins

    • Free access to block-based coding, tutorials, and starter projects
    • Creates stories, games, animations, music, and art
    • Moderated sharing community with hardware and web-service extensions

    Where it doesn't

    • Block-based focus does not provide text-based development
    • Hardware integrations center on LEGO WeDo and PicoBoard
    • Visual projects may not suit learners ready for conventional coding syntax

  • Codewars — where it wins

    • Community-created kata with sample and full test suites
    • Supports many programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, and Rust
    • Training routines, discussions, rankings, and solution comparison

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on exercises rather than verified project-based learning
    • No mobile apps
    • Advanced Codewars Red features require a subscription

More comparisons

All coding learning software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update