Scratch
Scratch: A free, project-based starting point for learning programming concepts visually. Ranked #4 of 42 in Coding Learning Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for young beginners learning programming concepts.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forYoung beginners learning programming concepts
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Feedback modeMixed
- Founded2003
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Scratch
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. Learners can work with sprites, backdrops, sounds, graphics, variables, lists, control flow, events, sensing, operators, and custom blocks. Beginner tutorials and starter projects provide structured entry points, while project sharing and remixing add a social, project-based learning format.
The published plan structure is straightforward: Scratch has a Free plan with block-based project creation, online project sharing, and learning tutorials and starter projects. There are no paid tiers to compare, so access to the core learning environment does not depend on selecting a subscription level. Scratch is available on the web, Windows, macOS, and Android. Its ecosystem also includes extensions for hardware devices and web services, with integrations listed for LEGO WeDo 1.0, LEGO WeDo 2.0, and PicoBoard. That combination gives educators and families options for connecting visual programming to physical projects.
Scratch is strongest when the goal is to make programming concepts approachable through visible, creative results. The environment covers meaningful foundations, including variables, lists, control logic, sensing, operators, events, and custom blocks, while its moderated online community supports sharing. Its main boundary is equally clear: the experience centers on the Scratch visual language, so it is not a direct substitute for text-based development. Choose Scratch for young learners who benefit from guided, project-based visual programming and creative experimentation. Choose another tool when the priority is learning conventional programming syntax or moving directly into text-based software development.
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Scratch pricing
Scratch fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Feedback mode | Mixed |
| Learning format | Mixed |
| Programming languages | Scratch (visual, block-based programming language) |
| Project-based learning | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| Computer science topics | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Hardware devices, Web services |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | scratch.mit.edu |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Scratch integrations
Scratch lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Hardware devices
- Web services
Alternatives to Scratch
- CodeAI (formerly Code.org)A free, structured web curriculum with classroom tools, labs, and educator support.9.4
- freeCodeCampA completely free, open-source path from coding challenges to full-stack certifications.9.3
- CodecademyA broad coding curriculum with free entry and structured paid paths.9.2
See all Scratch alternatives →
Scratch vs the competition
- Scratch vs CodeAI (formerly Code.org)
- Scratch vs freeCodeCamp
- Scratch vs MIT App Inventor
- Scratch vs Codewars
- Scratch vs LeetCode
- Scratch vs Project Euler
Compare Scratch with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Scratch is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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