Best 10 Scratch Alternatives in 2026: Free and Paid Coding Tools

Introduction

MakeCode Arcade is the best overall Scratch alternative for learners who want to move toward text code, with Snap! and Code.org as other strong picks. This list of Scratch alternatives covers 10 tools, from free to paid, for ages from kindergarten to high school.

Why people look for alternatives to Scratch

Scratch works well for open-ended creation, but some learners want something a little different:

• A guided curriculum instead of open-ended projects.
• A path from blocks to Python, JavaScript or Java.
• Simpler puzzles for younger children, or deeper computer science concepts for older learners.
• A specific output, such as 3D animation, retro games or mobile apps.

Quick comparison table

1. Tynker

Best for: kids who want guided courses and game-making.

Tynker offers block and Python coding on Web, iOS and Android. It's a commercial subscription product, so it costs money, but you get a more structured curriculum than Scratch gives you.

The guided courses that lead into Python are the main draw.

2. Code.org

Best for: classrooms and beginners who want free structured lessons.

Code.org is a nonprofit with block-based courses and Hour of Code activities. Scratch invites open-ended creation. Code.org is curriculum-driven and tells learners what to build next.

The free courses and Hour of Code activities are what set it apart.

3. MakeCode Arcade

Best for: learners who want to build retro-style games.

MakeCode Arcade is Microsoft's editor, and it supports blocks and JavaScript. It runs only on the web and suits kids who are ready to start reading text code, something Scratch doesn't push them toward.

Its best trick is letting you switch between blocks and text code.

4. Snap!

Best for: older students and teachers who want more advanced computer science concepts.

Snap! is a browser-based block language from UC Berkeley. It goes deeper than Scratch, so it's a good fit once the basics feel easy.

Its standout feature is first-class functions.

5. CodeMonkey

Best for: kids who like game-based courses and are ready for text.

CodeMonkey moves learners from blocks to CoffeeScript and Python. It's paid and course-based, where Scratch gives you an open editor.

The standout is the step-by-step progression from blocks to text languages.

6. Blockly Games

Best for: quick, free practice with block logic.

Blockly Games is a Google set of puzzle games that runs on the web. It's guided, not a free-form project editor, so it replaces Scratch's lessons but not its sandbox.

Its standout feature is the free educational puzzle games.

7. Alice

Best for: learners interested in 3D animation and games.

Alice is a free Carnegie Mellon tool that uses drag-and-drop code on the desktop. It nudges learners toward Java, and Scratch stays in 2D.

The 3D focus is what makes it different.

8. App Inventor

Best for: students who want to build real phone apps.

App Inventor is MIT's block-based tool, and it runs on the web. It targets Android and iOS apps instead of Scratch-style animations.

Its standout feature is building real mobile apps with blocks.

9. Kodable

Best for: kindergarten and early elementary children.

Kodable uses simple visual puzzles on Web and iOS. It comes with a school-focused subscription and starts younger than most Scratch projects do.

Its standout feature is a curriculum made for very young learners.

10. Pencil Code

Best for: learners ready to leave blocks for text.

Pencil Code is a free browser-based tool that switches between blocks and CoffeeScript or JavaScript. It works as a bridge to text coding.

Its standout feature is the side-by-side switch between blocks and text.

How we picked these tools

Picks cover different ages, price tiers and goals. Selection is based on each tool's published features, not hands-on testing, ratings or scores.

The list mixes free and paid options, and block and text coding. Every tool teaches programming, but each suits a different learner.

Frequently asked questions

Which Scratch alternative is free?

Code.org, Blockly Games, Alice, Pencil Code and Snap! are free. MakeCode Arcade and App Inventor are also free to use.

Which tool suits a move to text coding?

MakeCode Arcade, Pencil Code and CodeMonkey all lead from blocks to text languages.

Which option suits young children?

Kodable is built for kindergarten and early elementary children.

Can a Scratch alternative build mobile apps?

Yes. App Inventor builds real Android and iOS apps with blocks.

The verdict

MakeCode Arcade is the strongest overall pick on merit. It offers a free route from blocks to text code and game-making.

Snap! is the runner-up for advanced concepts, and Code.org is the pick for free structured lessons. For the youngest children, try Kodable. For apps, go with App Inventor.