We make Learnify, so this is one side of the argument. It is still the honest one: below is what ClassDojo does better, in plain words, first.
Learnify is a classroom management app for ages 5 to 18. It runs from your laptop on the class screen, whether that is a TV, a projector or a smartboard, with no student devices or accounts. It is free for one class of up to 30 students.
By Rey, a teacher who makes Learnify.
the parent channel is the reason you use it. Messaging families is the strongest thing ClassDojo does and Learnify has nothing that competes with it.
your class has outgrown a cartoon monster, or your students cannot all be handed a device. Everything runs from your screen and nobody signs in.
| The question a teacher asks | ClassDojo | Learnify |
|---|---|---|
| Do my students need accounts? | Yes, for the student side | No. Their name on your list is the whole setup |
| Do they need devices? | For the student and parent apps | No. One screen at the front |
| Can I message parents? | Yes, and it is excellent | No. Caregivers can follow progress, not chat |
| What happens when a point is given? | The total goes up | Points fill a level, the level evolves their character, ranks keep going |
| Is there anything for a whole lesson? | Group points and class tools | Boss hunts, squad seasons, races, tournaments, quiz games |
| Which ages does it suit? | Mostly primary | K to 12, and it holds older classes too |
| What does it cost me? | Free | Free for one class of 30. Plus $6.99/mo, Pro $9.99/mo, Max $14.99/mo (base prices) |
Classcraft closed to individual teachers in June 2024 and the name now sits on a different product. Learnify is the nearest thing in shape: persistent characters, a skill tree, squads and boss fights. Two differences to expect. It runs from one screen rather than students' own devices, and there are no in-game punishments to serve. There is no import, so a class starts fresh. The full Classcraft comparison is here.
No account needed for any of these, and they work on the board straight away.
Learnify is free for one class of up to 30 students, with points, avatars, attendance, groups and behavior. ClassDojo itself is free for teachers too.
There is no import. Type or paste the names, and each student picks a character on day one.
No. There are no student logins, emails or passwords. You add first names or nicknames and run everything from your screen.
The free plan covers a real class of thirty and does not expire. Four minutes to set up, and your register is the only thing you bring.