Sphero Edu vs PhotonAI
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
PhotonAI
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Curiosity and the will to explore the unknown are some of our biggest strengths. By discovering new technologies, we open new possibilities and transform the world. Bring the future to your classroom with the Photon AI Discovery Kit.
Screenshots
Verdict
Sphero Edu and PhotonAI are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, PhotonAI every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sphero Edu | PhotonAI |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (1.5K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 65.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1.5K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 194 MB | 231 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Sphero, Inc. | Photon Entertainment sp. z o.o. |
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
PhotonAI
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Sphero Edu
No in-app purchases
PhotonAI
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Sphero Edu free?
Is PhotonAI free?
Do Sphero Edu or PhotonAI have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu or PhotonAI?
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