# Sphero Edu vs Merge Object Viewer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sphero Edu at none against Merge Object Viewer's 4. Sphero Edu also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 48%) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 390). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Object Viewer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Sphero Edu asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Sphero Edu against 4.5 for Merge Object Viewer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.5K and 390 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 65% of Sphero Edu's written reviews are positive against 48% of Merge Object Viewer's.

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, Merge Object Viewer monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sphero Edu | Merge Object Viewer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews)** | [4.5 (390 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-object-viewer/id1367544362/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 390 |
| Positive reviews | **65.3% of reviews** | 47.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 198 MB | 414 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) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## 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


### Merge Object Viewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-object-viewer/id1367544362)

Explore hundreds of 3D digital teaching aids with this app. Students can interact with models of rocks, mammals, cells, and more. The app also allows users to upload and view their own 3D objects on a compatible device.

**Highlights:** Hundreds of 3D teaching aids, Interactive 3D models, Learn about science and biology, Upload and view custom 3D objects, Hands-on digital learning

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Object Viewer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Object Viewer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Engaging AR STEM tool
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 👍 Seamless object merging
- 👍 Extensive file format support
- 👍 Convenient sharing options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 Slow rendering/loading
- 🐛 Compatibility issues on older devices
- 🔒 Paywall for full access
- 🐛 Unstable login/account management

**Reported bugs**

- Objects not loading or displaying incorrectly
- App freezing or closing unexpectedly
- Labeling/annotation issues with 3D objects
- Compatibility problems on iPads and older iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Adjustable lighting for 3D objects
- Ability to snap objects together
- Camera button for capturing scenes
- Restore VR support
- More free 3D content options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sphero Edu free?

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

### Is Merge Object Viewer free?

Merge Object Viewer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Sphero Edu or Merge Object Viewer?

Sphero Edu is rated higher. Sphero Edu averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Merge Object Viewer averages 4.5 from 390 ratings.

### Do Sphero Edu or Merge Object Viewer have ads?

Neither Sphero Edu nor Merge Object Viewer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu or Merge Object Viewer?

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, and Merge Object Viewer monthly. Most recently, Sphero Edu was updated on November 12, 2026 and Merge Object Viewer on November 2, 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.*