# Sphero Edu vs Tynker Junior

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sphero Edu | Tynker Junior |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews) | **[4.5 (4.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.5K | **4.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **65.3% of reviews** | 58.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 194 MB | 397 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) | [Tynker](https://appshunter.io/developer/805869470) |

## 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


### Tynker Junior

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tynker-junior-coding-for-kids/id1393933000)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Individual Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| Tynker Jr. Web + Mobile Plan | $314.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


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