Software Alternatives & Startups

Scratch VS BuildStore

Compare Scratch VS BuildStore and see what are their differences

Scratch

Scratch is the programming language & online community where young people create stories, games, & animations.

Scratch Landing page
Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
BuildStore

Safe and trustworthy alternative app store for iOS

BuildStore Landing page
Rating
4.8 · 15 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Scratch seems to be a lot more popular than BuildStore. While we know about 579 links to Scratch, we've tracked only 8 mentions of BuildStore.

social mentions
579 vs 8
user rating
5.0 vs 4.8
Kids Education popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 116

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Scratch
BuildStore
Website scratch.mit.edu builds.io
Pricing
Open source
Company 2007
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Scratch 6 features
BuildStore 4 features
  • Engaging Interface
    Scratch offers a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for kids and beginners to learn programming concepts.
  • Community Support
    The platform has a large and active community where users can share projects, get feedback, and collaborate with others, fostering a sense of community and support.
  • Educational Value
    Scratch is designed with a strong pedagogical foundation, helping users to develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and creativity.
  • Drag-and-Drop Programming
    The block-based coding in Scratch eliminates syntax errors and simplifies the process of learning programming logic, making it ideal for beginners.
  • Free to Use
    Scratch is completely free to use, which makes it accessible to a wide audience without any financial barriers.
  • Portable
    Being web-based, Scratch can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, providing ease of access and flexibility.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Capabilities
    Scratch is mainly designed for beginners and might not offer the depth or complexities needed for more advanced programming projects.
  • Performance Issues
    Larger projects can sometimes become slow or unresponsive, particularly on less powerful devices.
  • Simplified Programming
    The drag-and-drop nature of Scratch, while educational, might limit exposure to the syntax and intricacies of written programming languages.
  • Internet Dependency
    Scratch primarily requires an internet connection, which could be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Age Focus
    The platform is highly targeted towards younger audiences, which might not be appealing or suitable for older learners or adults seeking beginner resources.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any online community, there are potential privacy and security risks, especially for younger users, which require careful monitoring and guidance.
  • Wide Range of Apps
    BuildStore offers a variety of applications not available on the Apple App Store, including emulators, tweaked apps, and utilities.
  • No Jailbreak Required
    Users can install apps without jailbreaking their devices, maintaining device security and warranty.
  • Easy Installation
    The installation process is straightforward and user-friendly, accessible to individuals without technical expertise.
  • Regular Updates
    Popular apps on BuildStore are frequently updated to include new features and security improvements.

Possible disadvantages

  • Subscription Cost
    BuildStore requires a paid subscription, which might not be appealing to users looking for free alternatives.
  • App Revocations
    Applications installed via BuildStore can occasionally be revoked by Apple, causing temporary loss of functionality.
  • Limited Apple Coverage
    Some apps and tweaks may not be as stable as their official App Store counterparts due to the lack of Apple's quality assurance processes.
  • Data Privacy Concerns
    Users might have concerns regarding data privacy and security, as third-party app stores may not adhere to Apple's strict privacy standards.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Scratch
BuildStore

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Scratch is generally considered good for its intended purpose. It serves as an excellent introduction to programming for young learners and is praised for its simplicity, ease of use, and educational value.

Why this product is good

  • Scratch is a visual programming language designed primarily for children and beginners to learn the basics of coding and computational thinking. It promotes creativity, logic, and problem-solving skills in a user-friendly environment. Scratch provides a platform for users to create interactive stories, games, and animations, which can be shared within an active online community, fostering collaboration and feedback.

Recommended for

  • Children aged 8-16 who are interested in learning programming
  • Educators and parents seeking to introduce coding concepts
  • Beginners in programming who prefer a visual approach
  • Anyone looking to explore digital creativity through interactive media

Overall verdict

  • BuildStore can be a good option for users seeking apps and experiences unavailable through Apple's App Store. However, it's important to consider the potential security risks and the fact that it violates Apple's terms of service, which could lead to future revocation of apps or services.

Why this product is good

  • BuildStore (builds.io) provides an alternative app distribution platform for iOS devices. It offers third-party apps and tweaks that aren't available on the official App Store, which can appeal to users looking for more customization or apps not adhering to Apple's guidelines.

Recommended for

    Tech-savvy users comfortable with potential risks, those seeking unique apps or games not available on the App Store, and individuals looking to customize their iOS experience beyond Apple's restrictions.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Scratch 3 videos + Add
BuildStore 3 videos + Add

Scratch 3.0 Review: My Thoughts About Scratch 3.0

More videos

  • Review - Numark PT01 Scratch Review
  • Review - Meguiar's scratch X 2.0 review

BuildStore is a SCAM

More videos

  • Review - BuildStore: Play Emulators on iPhone without Crashes or Revokes!
  • Review - BuildStore Review [Paid], Install Tweaked Apps Cydia Apps For iOS 10.2.1 / 10.3 No JB / PC

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Scratch
BuildStore
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Scratch and BuildStore. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Scratch 5.0 · 1 review
BuildStore 4.8 · 15 reviews

View more

  • The best place to get iOS apps
    SaaSHub review
    · Nov 2022

    I've been using BuildStore for more than 2 years now, and I can recommend this site as a great place to get any app you need. There are literally hundreds of them! You will never find so many apps on other sites.

  • positive feedback
    SaaSHub review
    · Oct 2022

    It’s an interesting site, it was recommended to me by my friend, who also likes retro games. I’ve been using it for two months and really like it. They are not cheap, don’t get me wrong, but the site gets the job...

  • I’ve been using it for a month
    SaaSHub review
    · Oct 2022

    The site is reliable and trustworthy. I’ve been using it for a month and really love the games that they have. They are on the pricy side, but I probably would keep the membership, since getting all those apps...

View more

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Scratch 579 mentions
BuildStore 8 mentions

View more

  • Y Combinator Files Brief Supporting Epic Games
    > Of course Apple would never go for that They do in EU, because they were forced to. AltStore PAL https://altstore.io/ Buildstore https://builds.io/ Aptoide https://en.aptoide.com .. And so on. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • is tutu app going to start running again?
    Grab a pre paid card I’ve been using https://builds.io/ for years since go released basically and have never had an issue. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Phone wont verify app
    This is the site I have used since about 2018. Worked on my iPhone 8s+. I have a 12promax now. You basically pay for a subscription to a plethora of different apps and emulators, and it’s run officially so Apple doesn’t revoke your... Source: over 4 years ago

View more

Alternatives to Scratch and BuildStore

When comparing Scratch and BuildStore, you can also consider the following products.