# Sphero Edu vs Tinkercad

The clearest difference is monetization model: Tinkercad at free against Sphero Edu's free with in-app purchases. Tinkercad also leads on ratings volume (20K vs 1.5K). Sphero Edu's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Tinkercad holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tinkercad has 20K ratings behind it against 1.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 65% of Sphero Edu's written reviews are positive against 59% of Tinkercad's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, Tinkercad every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sphero Edu | Tinkercad |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews) | **[4.6 (20K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tinkercad/id1469440830/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.5K | **20K** |
| Positive reviews | **65.3% of reviews** | 58.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 194 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) | [Autodesk Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/295089690) |

## 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


### Tinkercad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tinkercad/id1469440830)

This app empowers aspiring designers and engineers with essential skills in 3D design, electronics, and coding. Learn through hands-on projects, build confidence, and bring your creations to life in the real world. It's a safe, ad-free environment for all ages to explore innovation.

**Highlights:** 3D design optimized for mobile, Circuit simulation with Arduino/micro:bit, 3D design from code (Codeblocks), AR viewer for designs, Import/export various file formats, Educational tools for teachers

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Powerful 3D modeling capabilities
- 💡 Lots of built-in shapes and templates
- 👍 Good for beginners
- 👍 Smooth performance on iPad

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Buggy controls and UI issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on some devices
- 🐛 Unreliable saving and loading of designs
- 🐛 Lack of advanced modeling tools

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues and lost connection problems
- Dimensions box repeatedly appearing
- Designs reverting to earlier versions
- Overlapping UI elements

**Requested features**

- Add support for Apple Pencil and trackpad
- Improve alignment and grouping tools
- Provide offline functionality
- Expand library of shapes and templates
- Implement better tutorial and documentation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sphero Edu free?

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

### Is Tinkercad free?

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

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

Tinkercad is rated higher. Sphero Edu averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Tinkercad averages 4.6 from 20K ratings.

### Do Sphero Edu or Tinkercad have ads?

Neither Sphero Edu nor Tinkercad shows ads.

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

Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, and Tinkercad every 4 months. Most recently, Sphero Edu was updated on October 28, 2026 and Tinkercad on October 29, 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.*