Comparison

BirdBlox vs VEXcode IQ

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

Head to head
About

BirdBlox

This app allows students aged 9-14 to program physical robots using a block-based interface. Users can control robot motors, lights, and sensors, enabling them to create interactive projects and learn computer science concepts.

Highlights
  • Block-based programming
  • Control robot motors and lights
  • Utilize robot sensors
  • Record and play sounds
  • Connect multiple robots
  • Use tablet sensors
Features
Read full description

The BirdBlox app enables students ages 9 -14 to program Hummingbird and Finch 2.0 robots. Students drag together blocks to build programs that control the robot motors and lights, and they can use sensors to make the robot respond to its environment. Whether they are programming Finch to complete a maze or building a Hummingbird robot dog that barks when someone is nearby, the only limit is their imagination! BirdBlox is a complete block-based programming language that is specifically designed for physical computing. BirdBlox contains blocks specific to each robot, as well as control structures, math and logic operators, support for variables and lists, and more. BirdBlox makes it easy for beginners to explore and get started, while also enabling students to create more complex programs as they learn more about computer science. Features: - Control lights, motors, and sensors for BirdBrain robots - Connect up to three robots - Record and play sounds to add music or sound effects to your project - Use tablet sensors to control your robot Requirements: - This app requires a Finch Robot 2.0, Hummingbird Bit, BBC micro:bit, or Hummingbird Duo with a Bluetooth adapter. All of these robots are available at store.birdbraintechnologies.com. - Each robot connects to the app via Bluetooth BLE. Make sure to load the Bluetooth-ready firmware onto your robot. You can find instructions by selecting your robot at birdbraintechnologies.com/portal. - This app requires iOS 9 or later. - This app requires iPad 3 or later / iPhone 4S or later. It is also compatible with all iPad Mini, Air, and Pro models.

About

VEXcode IQ

This coding environment is designed for students of all ages to learn programming through robotics. Its intuitive interface, consistent across different levels and platforms, allows users to focus on creation rather than navigation. It makes computer science accessible and engaging through hands-on projects and collaborations.

Highlights
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
  • Consistent across Blocks and Text
  • Robot drivetrain control blocks
  • Device manager for robot setup
  • Built-in video tutorials
  • Example projects for learning
  • Multilingual block support
Features
Read full description

From elementary school through college, VEXcode is a coding environment that meets students at their level. The intuitive layout of VEXcode allows students to get started quickly and easily. VEXcode is consistent across Blocks and Text, across VEX IQ and VEX V5. As students progress from elementary, middle, and high school, they never have to learn a different blocks, code, or toolbar interface. As a result, students can focus on creating with technology, not trying to navigate a new layout. Drive Forward is the new Hello World We all know that robots attract kids to learn. VEX Robotics and VEXcode are providing opportunities for students of all ages to participate in learning the code that makes these robots work. VEX makes computer science come to life through collaborations, hands-on projects, and engaging experiences. From classrooms to competitions, VEXcode helps to create the next generation of innovators. Drag. Drop. Drive. VEXcode Blocks is the perfect platform for those new to coding. Students use the simple drag and drop interface to create functioning programs. Each block's purpose can easily be identified using the visual cues like its shape, color, and label. We've designed VEXcode Blocks to allow those who are new to robotics to get their robot up and running faster. Now, students can focus on being creative and learning computer science concepts, not stuck trying to figure out the interface. More accessible than ever VEXcode even helps across language barriers, allowing student to read blocks and comment programs in their native language. Drag & Drop. Powered by Scratch Blocks. Students and Teachers will feel instantly at home with this familiar environment. Video Tutorials. Grasp concepts faster. Built-in tutorials cover every aspect needed to get up to speed fast. And more tutorials are coming. Help is always there. Getting information on blocks is fast and easy. These resources were written by educators, in a form both teachers and students will grasp quickly. Drivetrain Blocks. A breakthrough in simplicity. From driving forward, making precise turns, setting speed, and stopping precisely, VEXcode makes it easier than ever to control a robot. Setup your VEX robot. Fast. VEXcode's device manager is simple, flexible, and powerful. In no time at all you can setup your robot's drivetrain, controller features, motors, and sensors. 40+ Example projects to choose from. Jumpstart your learning by starting with an existing project, covering every aspect of coding, controlling robots, and learning to use sensors.

Screenshots

BirdBlox2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: VEXcode IQ at every 6 weeks against BirdBlox's every 5 months. BirdBlox's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 16.0). 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.8 for BirdBlox against 3.7 for VEXcode IQ. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 38 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 50% of BirdBlox's written reviews are positive against 55% of VEXcode IQ's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BirdBlox ships an update every 5 months, VEXcode IQ every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
BirdBlox versus VEXcode IQ: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBirdBloxVEXcode IQ
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (16 ratings) — better3.7 (38 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews54.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1638 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPad
Requires iOS9.3 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB892 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBirdBrain Technologies LLCVEX Robotics, Inc.

Customer experience

BirdBlox

All ratings16 ratings
Positive68.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative31.3%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

VEXcode IQ

All ratings38 ratings
Positive65.8%
Neutral2.6%
Negative31.6%
Written reviews33 reviews
Positive54.5%
Neutral6.1%
Negative39.4%

In-app purchases

None

BirdBlox

No in-app purchases

None

VEXcode IQ

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BirdBlox free?
BirdBlox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VEXcode IQ free?
VEXcode IQ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, BirdBlox or VEXcode IQ?
BirdBlox is rated higher. BirdBlox averages 3.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while VEXcode IQ averages 3.7 from 38 ratings.
Do BirdBlox or VEXcode IQ have ads?
Neither BirdBlox nor VEXcode IQ shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BirdBlox or VEXcode IQ?
BirdBlox ships an update every 5 months, and VEXcode IQ every 6 weeks. Most recently, BirdBlox was updated on September 26, 2026 and VEXcode IQ on October 11, 2026.

Other comparisons