Comparison

DAC App vs VEXcode 123

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

Head to head
About

DAC App

This free application simplifies the recording of student audio responses for specific AP exams. It streamlines the process for both students and proctors, and automatically uploads audio files for school staff. Designed for use on school-issued iPads.

Highlights
  • Record audio responses for AP exams
  • Simplify recording process
  • Intuitive interface for students
  • Streamline post-exam tasks
  • Direct upload of audio files
  • Designed for school-owned iPads
Read full description

The Digital Audio Capture (DAC) app is a free app developed by College Board and ETS to use for recording students’ audio responses for the AP Music Theory Exam and AP French, German, Italian, and Spanish Language and Culture Exams. This app has been developed to simplify the recording process for students and proctors, utilizing current technology that is intuitive to most students. It streamlines post-exam tasks for school staff by directly uploading student audio files after recording. School staff will follow the instructions in the 2025-26 AP Exam Instructions book to administer an exam using the DAC app. NOTE: The DAC app is limited for use on school-owned and -controlled iPad tablets (iOS 15.0 and above). Schools must update to the 2026 version of the DAC app; previous versions of the app will not work in 2026.

About

VEXcode 123

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 123, VEX GO, 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 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 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. VEXcode Privacy Policy: https://www.vexrobotics.com/software-privacy-policy

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: VEXcode 123 at every 4 months against DAC App's every 12 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DAC App ships an update every 12 months, VEXcode 123 every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
DAC App versus VEXcode 123: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDAC AppVEXcode 123
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.8 (16 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews20.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings16 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 4 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB408 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEducational Testing ServiceVEX Robotics, Inc.

In-app purchases

None

DAC App

No in-app purchases

None

VEXcode 123

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DAC App free?
DAC App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VEXcode 123 free?
VEXcode 123 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DAC App or VEXcode 123 have ads?
Neither DAC App nor VEXcode 123 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DAC App or VEXcode 123?
DAC App ships an update every 12 months, and VEXcode 123 every 4 months. Most recently, DAC App was updated on October 24, 2026 and VEXcode 123 on October 29, 2026.

Other comparisons