Comparison

Sphero Edu vs Tynker Junior

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

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
Read full description

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

About

Tynker Junior

This app introduces children aged 4-7 to coding concepts through engaging, word-free picture blocks. It helps them develop problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking skills through interactive adventures and challenges.

Highlights
  • Word-free picture block coding
  • Problem-solving and logic development
  • Music and art creation
  • 200+ coding challenges
  • Tap-based interface
  • Voiceovers for pre-readers
Features
Read full description

The Ultimate Coding Playground for Kids Ages 4-7! Tynker Junior is the award-winning app specifically designed for young learners, including pre-readers who haven’t even started school yet. Through vibrant, word-free picture blocks, your child will learn to solve problems, compose music, and create art—all with the power of code. Why Parents and Teachers Love Tynker: * Trusted Globally: Used by 1 out of every 3 U.S. K-8 schools and 100,000+ schools worldwide. * Proven Success: Over 60 million kids in 150 countries have started their STEM journey with Tynker. * Designed for Little Hands: A tap-based interface with friendly voiceovers and no complex dragging or reading required. 5 EPIC CODING ADVENTURES With 200+ coding challenges, your child will explore: Ocean Odyssey: Master sequencing and patterns while helping Gillie the Goldfish. Robots: Learn about events and parameters as you fix a wacky robot factory. Wild Rumble: Help endangered animals using counting loops and delays. Puffball Panic: Navigate dynamic environments using conditional logic. Super Squad: Defeat villains and retrieve stolen treasure using advanced problem-solving. WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN Tynker Junior transforms screen time into a brain-building workout. Your child will master: Logic & Sequencing: Understanding cause and effect. Critical Thinking: Solving complex puzzles step-by-step. Programming Concepts: Loops, conditional logic, and debugging. 21st Century Skills: Resilience, focus, and algorithmic thinking—the same foundations used in professional languages like Swift and Python. Privacy & Terms: Privacy Policy: https://www.tynker.com/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.tynker.com/terms/

Screenshots

Sphero Edu4 screens
Tynker Junior4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sphero Edu at none against Tynker Junior's 6. On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Tynker Junior sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Sphero Edu asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Sphero Edu against 4.5 for Tynker Junior. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.5K and 4.2K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 65% of Sphero Edu's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tynker Junior's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, Tynker Junior every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Sphero Edu versus Tynker Junior: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSphero EduTynker Junior
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (1.5K ratings)4.5 (4.2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews65.3% of reviews — better58.8% of reviews
Number of ratings1.5K4.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size194 MB397 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSphero, Inc.Tynker

Customer experience

Sphero Edu

All ratings1,532 ratings
Positive86.9%
Neutral3.5%
Negative9.6%
Written reviews274 reviews
Positive65.3%
Neutral7.7%
Negative27.0%

Tynker Junior

All ratings4,195 ratings
Positive86.6%
Neutral6.7%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews68 reviews
Positive58.8%
Neutral11.8%
Negative29.4%

User reviews

Sphero Edu

From 1.5K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Tynker Junior

From 4.2K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Fun and engaging for kids
  • 💡 Good introduction to coding concepts
  • 🚀 Easy to use interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Glitchy code and bugs
  • 💰 Limited access without subscription
  • 🤔 Misleading about subscription details

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

Tynker Junior

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Levels/games not progressing properly
  • Login and account issues
  • Compatibility problems on certain devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add more advanced coding lessons
  • Improve customer support and responsiveness
  • Integrate with full Tynker app for seamless experience

In-app purchases

None

Sphero Edu

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

Tynker Junior

Subscriptions5
  • Individual Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Individual Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan7 Days trial$59.993 Months
  • Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan$119.991 Year
One-time1
  • Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan$314.99

Questions

Is Sphero Edu free?
Sphero Edu is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tynker Junior free?
Tynker Junior is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Sphero Edu or Tynker Junior?
Tynker Junior is rated higher. Sphero Edu averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Tynker Junior averages 4.5 from 4.2K ratings.
Do Sphero Edu or Tynker Junior have ads?
Neither Sphero Edu nor Tynker Junior shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu or Tynker Junior?
Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, and Tynker Junior every 2 months. Most recently, Sphero Edu was updated on November 1, 2026 and Tynker Junior on November 11, 2026.

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