# Sphero Edu vs mBlock

The clearest difference is rating: Sphero Edu at 4.5 against mBlock's 3.1. Sphero Edu also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 34%) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 152). mBlock's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Edu has 1.5K ratings behind it against 152, 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 34% of mBlock's.

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, mBlock every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sphero Edu | mBlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews)** | [3.1 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mblock-learn-coding/id1367117202/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 152 |
| Positive reviews | **65.3% of reviews** | 33.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 193 MB | 170 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) | [Makeblock Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1002364464) |

## What reviewers say

### Sphero Edu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Excellent for learning to code
- 🚀 Fun and engaging to use
- 👍 Great for kids and adults
- 👍 Supports various Sphero models
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs after updates
- 🔋 Battery life problems
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with older devices
- 🐛 Unreliable performance

**Reported bugs**

- Programs not saving properly
- Firmware update issues
- Inability to connect to certain Sphero models
- Sign-in and registration problems

**Requested features**

- 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


### mBlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mblock-learn-coding/id1367117202)

This app enables students to learn coding through a block-based interface or Python. It supports creating games, animations, and programming robots, incorporating AI, IoT, and data science for advanced computer science education.

**Highlights:** Graphical programming with drag-and-drop blocks, Python programming support, Create games and animations, Program robots, AI, IoT, and data science features, Cloud storage for projects

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good for coding robots
- 👍 Works well with Codey Rocky
- 👍 Great for learning programming
- 👍 Similar to Scratch
- 👍 Bluetooth connection works

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Does not support mBot2/mBot Neo
- 🐛 Connection issues (Bluetooth)
- 🐛 App is glitchy
- 🐛 Upload mode not working on iPad
- 🐛 Live mode not working

**Reported bugs**

- mBot2/mBot Neo not supported
- Bluetooth connection fails or is unstable
- App crashes or freezes
- Upload mode not functional on iPad
- Live mode unresponsive

**Requested features**

- Add mBot2/mBot Neo support
- Improve Bluetooth connectivity
- Add local storage for programs
- Implement zoom functionality
- Add more examples for Codey Rocky


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sphero Edu free?

Sphero Edu is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is mBlock free?

mBlock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sphero Edu or mBlock?

Sphero Edu is rated higher. Sphero Edu averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while mBlock averages 3.1 from 152 ratings.

### Do Sphero Edu or mBlock have ads?

Neither Sphero Edu nor mBlock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu or mBlock?

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, and mBlock every 2 months. Most recently, Sphero Edu was updated on September 25, 2026 and mBlock on September 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*