Scratch

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Score8.4

Rank#19 of 136

From$2.92/mo

Free planYes

Runs onAndroid, macOS, Web, Windows

Summary

Scratch is a programming platform for creating and sharing interactive stories, games, and animations. Designed especially for ages 8 to 16, it also serves people of all ages and aims to build creative thinking, systematic reasoning, and collaboration through project-based learning. Scratch is available on the web and on Android, macOS, and Windows; app downloads are listed for Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, ChromeOS, and Android tablets running Android 6.0+. The app works offline, but projects created offline are not accessible by Scratch. Extensions add blocks for connecting projects to hardware devices or web services. Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab, and it says it is used in more than 150 countries and available in more than 40 languages. The platform is free. Optional Annual Membership costs 35.00 USD per year, and Lifetime Membership costs 150.00 USD per once; both are donations and include early or exclusive content, tutorials, merchandise, and store discounts.

Who it is for

Scratch suits young learners, especially ages 8 to 16, who want to make projects while developing programming and collaboration skills. Its web and app access also accommodates people of all ages.

What is good

Free platform for creating and sharing projects
Project-based learning with creative and collaborative goals
Offline app use is available
Extensions connect projects to hardware or web services

What to know first

Offline-created projects are not accessible by Scratch
Android app downloads are listed for tablets
Memberships require donations of 35.00 USD yearly or 150.00 USD once

Verdict

Scratch combines project creation and sharing with learning goals for young people. Its free platform works across web and several app platforms, though projects made offline are not accessible by Scratch.

Scratch plans and pricing

All plans

Scratch platform Free Free digital platform for creating and sharing projects scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026

Annual Membership $35/yr $35 membership donation per year Early and exclusive content · members-only tutorials · merchandise and discounts scratchfoundation.org · 30 Sept 2026

Lifetime Membership $150 once $150 one-time membership donation Early and exclusive content · members-only tutorials · merchandise and discounts scratchfoundation.org · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on coding playgrounds

Free plan: Yesscratch.mit.edu

Facts

Purpose: Scratch lets users program interactive stories, games, and animations and share creations in its online community.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Learning goals: Scratch aims to help young people think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Audience: Scratch is designed especially for ages 8 to 16, and is also used by people of all ages.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Global reach: Scratch says it is used in more than 150 countries and is available in more than 40 languages.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Offline use: The Scratch app can be used offline, and projects made in it are not accessible by Scratch.mitscratch.freshdesk.com · 30 Sept 2026
Download platforms: The Scratch app download information lists Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, ChromeOS, and Android tablets running Android 6.0+.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Extensions: Scratch extensions add blocks that connect projects to hardware devices or web services.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Community safety: Scratch asks community members to keep personal information private and report content that violates its community guidelines.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Privacy: Scratch says it does not sell or rent account information, and limits information collected during signup and made public on the website.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Security: Scratch says it uses administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, including SSL/TLS for data transfers and restricted access to its servers.mitscratch.freshdesk.com · 30 Sept 2026
Privacy limitation: Scratch states that no security system is impenetrable and it cannot completely guarantee database security or prevent interception during internet transmission.mitscratch.freshdesk.com · 30 Sept 2026
Support: Parents can contact Scratch staff through the Contact Us link and ask questions in the discussion forums.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Organization: Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab.scratch.mit.edu · 30 Sept 2026
Membership benefits: Scratch Membership offers early or exclusive content, including new sprites, members-only tutorials, merchandise, and store discounts.scratchfoundation.org · 30 Sept 2026