Sphero Edu vs Boya Scratch Programming
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sphero Edu
This app allows users to learn and create with programmable robots. It offers multiple coding methods, from drawing paths to advanced text-based programming. Educators can manage classes and track student progress, making learning fun and interactive.
- Multiple programming modes (Draw, Block, Text)
- Access sensor data via graphs
- Pre-made STEAM lessons
- Robot driving mode
- Assignment creation for educators
- Google/Clever account integration
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Sphero Edu is your hub to create, contribute, and learn with Sphero robots. Go beyond code by incorporating unique STEAM lessons to complete with your bot. Designed for learner progression, Sphero Edu beginners can give robots commands by drawing a path in the app for their robot to follow. Intermediate coders can use Scratch blocks to learn more advanced logic, while pros can use text programming and write their own JavaScript or Python code. Sphero Edu is built for makers, learners, educators, and parents. The interactive platform allows you to keep track of your class or group from one easy place. Anyone can save their progress, jump from device to device, and continue the discovery from anywhere. Preparing for the future has never been so fun. SPHERO EDU FEATURES PROGRAMS: Program your bots in 3 ways with Draw, Block, and Text modes. Start with the basics and grow. SENSOR DATA: See location, accelerometer, gyroscope, velocity, and distance sensor data through visual graphs. LESSONS: Program a painting. Navigate a maze. Mimic the solar system. The only limit is your imagination. TAKE A DRIVE: Need a brain break? Set LED colors on your robot and zoom around in Drive mode. ASSIGNMENTS: Are you a teacher? Monitor progress by creating lessons and assigning them to your students. INTEGRATIONS: Simplify classroom use by signing in and syncing classrooms with Google and Clever accounts. COMPATIBILITY Supported Robots: Sphero BOLT+, Sphero BOLT, Sphero RVR/RVR+, Sphero SPRK+, Sphero SPRK Edition, Sphero 2.0, Sphero Mini, Ollie, BB-8, BB-9E, R2-D2, R2-Q5 Unsupported Robots: Sphero Original, Force Band, Lightning McQueen, Spider-Man, indi
Boya Scratch Programming
This educational software allows users to control robot operations through a bar-chart programming interface. Drag and drop command modules to build programs and execute them directly or download them to a controller. It offers a straightforward way to learn programming concepts for robotics.
- Bar-chart programming interface
- Drag-and-drop command modules
- Robot operation control
- Program execution
- Downloadable programs to controller
- Clear instructions
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Boya Scratch Programming is a bar-chart programming software that controls the robot’s operation. Drag command modules to the execution area on the right and click for execution. You can also download self-designed programs to the controller and try them out. With clear instructions, the software is easy to use.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sphero Edu at 65% against Boya Scratch Programming's 0%. Sphero Edu also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 3). Boya Scratch Programming's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Sphero Edu holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Edu has 1.5K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of Sphero Edu's written reviews are positive against 0% of Boya Scratch Programming's.
Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, Boya Scratch Programming every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sphero Edu | Boya Scratch Programming |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (1.5K ratings) — better | 3.7 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 65.3% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1.5K — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 194 MB | 61 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sphero, Inc. | Shanghai PartnerX Robotics Co., Ltd. |
Customer experience
Sphero Edu
Boya Scratch Programming
Bugs and requests
Sphero Edu
Reported bugs
4 issues- Programs not saving properly
- Firmware update issues
- Inability to connect to certain Sphero models
- Sign-in and registration problems
Requested features
5 requests- Add more coding blocks and functionality
- Improve community features and sharing
- Restore legacy app features (e.g., free drive mode)
- Provide better documentation and tutorials
- Allow custom sound and light effects
Boya Scratch Programming
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Sphero Edu
No in-app purchases
Boya Scratch Programming
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sphero Edu free?
Is Boya Scratch Programming free?
Which has better reviews, Sphero Edu or Boya Scratch Programming?
Do Sphero Edu or Boya Scratch Programming have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu or Boya Scratch Programming?
Other comparisons
