ClassMana vs ClassDojo
ClassDojo is one of the most widely used classroom apps in the world. It's free for teachers and best known for behavior points and parent communication, with messaging, class stories and translation into many languages.
ClassMana is a classroom game. Students earn Experience to level up an animated 3D avatar, spend mana on powers that unlock real classroom perks, and play together in teams, boss battles and quests.
Both help you encourage positive behavior. The big difference is what happens after the point is given.
Last updated: October 2026. Features and prices change, so check each vendor's website.
Feature comparison
| Feature | ClassDojo | ClassMana |
|---|---|---|
| Points for positive behavior | ✅ | ✅ Experience |
| Custom skills / rewards | ✅ | ✅ |
| Negative points | ✅ | ✅ Warnings lower health |
| Avatars that level up and unlock gear | ❌ | ✅ Animated 3D, 35 levels |
| Student powers (classroom perks) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Redemption after negative behavior | ❌ | ✅ |
| Gold & class shop | ➖ Redeem points | ✅ |
| Teams | ➖ Groups | ✅ With team powers |
| Boss battle for review | ❌ | ✅ Monster Battle |
| Noise monitor | ✅ | ✅ Silence Challenge |
| Timer, random picker | ✅ | ✅ |
| Learning quests | ❌ | ✅ Add-on |
| Student reports | ✅ | ✅ Activity Log reports |
| Parent messaging | ✅ | ❌ |
| Class photo/video stories | ✅ | ❌ |
| School-wide rostering | ✅ | ❌ |
| Native mobile apps | ✅ | ➖ Mobile-friendly web app |
| Student data needed | Varies | First name only |
| Price for teachers | Free | Free tools, Premium from $65/year |
✅ Yes · ➖ Partly · ❌ No
Where ClassMana is different
Progression students don't outgrow
In ClassDojo, a point adds to a total. In ClassMana, Experience levels up a student's animated 3D avatar. With 35 levels of gear to unlock, students always have something to work toward, which keeps a class motivated for the whole year instead of a few weeks.
Rewards that cost you nothing
Students spend mana on powers: privileges you choose, like picking their seat, music during work time or extra time on an assignment. No prize box to buy or refill.
Consequences with a way back
ClassMana's warnings lower health, never Experience or levels. If health reaches zero, the student "falls" and redeems themselves with a positive action. Teammates can even heal each other. It's accountability without public shaming.
Game moments the whole class remembers
The Monster Battle turns test review into a 3D boss fight, and the dragon-themed Silence Challenge went viral on TikTok. These are the moments students talk about after class.
Made for older students too
ClassMana looks and feels like a real video game, so it works from upper elementary through middle and high school, and even at university.
When ClassDojo is the better choice
We'd rather you pick the right tool. ClassDojo is the better choice if:
- Parent communication is your top priority. ClassDojo's messaging, translation and class stories are its core strength, and ClassMana doesn't do this.
- You teach young children and simple points already work well.
- Your whole school uses ClassDojo for communication and you need everyone on the same platform.
- You need a completely free tool for all features. ClassMana's classroom tools are free, but the full game is a Premium feature.
Using both together
You don't have to choose. Many teachers keep ClassDojo for parent communication and use ClassMana for motivation in class. When parents ask how their child is doing, ClassMana's Activity Log gives you a report per student for any period.
Pricing
- ClassDojo: free for teachers and schools. ClassDojo Plus is an optional paid upgrade for families.
- ClassMana: the classroom tools are free, and you can try the full game with one class for 3 weeks. Premium starts at $65 per year per teacher, and the school plan starts at $1 per student per year (minimum 150 students). See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is ClassMana a good ClassDojo alternative?
Yes, if you want more engagement in class. ClassMana replaces simple points with a full game. If you mainly use ClassDojo for parent messaging, keep it for that and add ClassMana in class.
Is ClassMana better than ClassDojo for middle and high school?
For student motivation, yes. Older students respond much better to avatars, levels, powers and boss battles than to a point total.
Can I move my ClassDojo class to ClassMana?
Yes, in about 10 minutes. Follow our guide: Switching from ClassDojo to ClassMana.
Does ClassMana need student emails?
No. Students log in with their first name and a login code. No emails or other personal information are needed.