PointUp vs Sticker Charts — Why Digital Chore Tracking Wins
Sticker charts have been the go-to for decades. But in 2026, digital chore apps offer a better experience for both kids and parents. Here is how they compare.
Updated February 2026
Digital Wins for Most Families
Sticker charts work well for very young children (ages 2-4) who benefit from a tangible experience. For children aged 4 and above, a digital chore app like PointUp is more effective — it cannot be lost, works across households, includes gamification that keeps older kids engaged, sends automatic reminders, and offers ADHD-friendly features that paper simply cannot.
Feature Comparison
| Feature |  |
Sticker Charts |
|---|---|---|
| Basics | ||
| Cost | Free / $2.99/mo | ~$5-15 one-off |
| Can be lost or damaged | Cloud synced | Easily damaged |
| Works across households | ||
| Requires supplies | No | Stickers, markers |
| Screen-free | ||
| Engagement | ||
| Gamification | XP, Gold, quests | Stickers only |
| Character progression | 15 levels | |
| Achievement badges | 40+ | |
| Streaks & challenges | ||
| Team quests | ||
| Keeps older kids engaged | Ages 4-16 | Ages 2-6 |
| Practical Features | ||
| Photo proof | ||
| Automatic reminders | ||
| Recurring tasks | Manual reset | |
| Calendar sync | ||
| Progress tracking | Analytics | Visual only |
| Reward store | Manual tracking | |
| Accessibility | ||
| ADHD-friendly features | ||
| Multi-language | 12 languages | |
| Works for separated families | ||
Why Families Switch from Sticker Charts to PointUp
Sticker charts lose their novelty quickly
Most children get excited about stickers for a few weeks, then lose interest. PointUp's RPG progression — with 15 levels, 40+ badges, weekly challenges, and team quests — provides continuous motivation that scales as children grow.
Paper gets lost, damaged, or forgotten
Sticker charts fall off the fridge, get ripped by younger siblings, or are forgotten when visiting the other parent. PointUp syncs across all devices and is always accessible from any phone, tablet, or computer.
No accountability without photo proof
With sticker charts, you have to trust that chores were done properly. PointUp lets kids submit photos as proof — parents review and approve from their own device. No more arguments about whether the room is "actually" clean.
Sticker charts don't support ADHD
Children with ADHD need structured, engaging, and adaptable systems. PointUp offers Focus Mode (one task at a time), Calm Mode (reduced visual stimulation), sensory settings, and visual timers — features that paper charts simply cannot provide.
Multi-household families need digital tools
For separated or divorced families, a sticker chart only exists in one home. PointUp syncs across all devices, so both parents can assign chores, track progress, and approve completed tasks regardless of which house the child is at.
Automatic reminders save parent energy
Sticker charts rely on parents remembering to remind kids. PointUp sends push notifications and deadline reminders automatically — reducing the mental load and the nagging.
When Sticker Charts Still Work
To be fair, sticker charts have their place. They are a good choice for:
- Very young children (ages 2-4) who benefit from the physical, tangible experience of placing a sticker
- Families wanting zero screen time for chore management
- Simple, short-term goals like potty training or a specific behaviour change
- Classrooms where a shared visual display is beneficial
For everything else — ongoing chore management, older children, ADHD support, multi-household families, and long-term engagement — a digital app is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sticker charts effective for kids?
Sticker charts can be effective for younger children (ages 2-5) because of the tangible, visual feedback. However, many children lose interest quickly because the rewards are passive (a sticker) rather than active (earning XP, levelling up, unlocking achievements). Digital apps like PointUp maintain engagement for longer through progressive gamification.
What age is too old for sticker charts?
Most children outgrow sticker charts by age 6-7. By that age, the novelty of stickers wears off and they need more engaging motivation. Digital chore apps like PointUp work well for ages 4-16 because the RPG progression, badges, and social features scale with the child's age.
Are digital chore apps better than sticker charts?
For most families, yes. Digital apps offer advantages that sticker charts cannot: they cannot be lost or damaged, they work across multiple households, they include automatic reminders, they provide gamification that keeps kids engaged, and some (like PointUp) offer ADHD-friendly features. The main advantage of sticker charts is zero screen time and a tangible experience for very young children.
Is PointUp free?
Yes. PointUp has a free plan that includes 5 quests, 5 rewards, 3 family members, photo proof, badges, XP & Gold, levels, weekly challenges, and ADHD-friendly features. The Pro plan at $2.99/month (or $29.99/year) unlocks unlimited quests, recurring tasks, calendar sync, team quests, and more.
This comparison is based on publicly available information as of February 2026. Features and pricing may have changed. Visit each app's official website for the latest details.
