Comparison

Sphero Edu vs PhotonAI

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

PhotonAI

Features
Read full description

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

Sphero Edu4 screens
PhotonAI3 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Sphero Edu versus PhotonAI: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSphero EduPhotonAI
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (1.5K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews65.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.5K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.5
Further details — not scored
Size194 MB231 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSphero, 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

None

Sphero Edu

No in-app purchases

None

PhotonAI

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sphero Edu free?
Sphero Edu is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PhotonAI free?
PhotonAI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Sphero Edu or PhotonAI have ads?
Neither Sphero Edu nor PhotonAI shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu or PhotonAI?
Sphero Edu ships an update every 5 weeks, and PhotonAI every 6 weeks. Most recently, Sphero Edu was updated on October 28, 2026 and PhotonAI on October 27, 2026.

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