Comparison

FinchBlox 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

FinchBlox

This app allows children ages 5-9 to code a Finch Robot using an icon-based programming language. It introduces foundational computer science skills through three levels of increasing complexity, teaching concepts like sequencing, parameters, and loops.

Highlights
  • Icon-based programming
  • Three learning levels
  • Teaches sequencing
  • Introduces parameters
  • Supports loops
  • Requires Finch Robot 2.0
Read full description

FinchBlox is an app specifically designed for children ages 5-9 to use with the Finch Robot! Children assemble blocks to code the Finch to move, light up, and make sounds. FinchBlox is an icon-based programming language, so pre-readers can build foundational computer science skills. FinchBlox includes three different levels to gradually expose children to more concepts in computational thinking: Level 1 introduces sequencing. For example, children connect blocks to make the robot move forward, beep, and then turn left. Level 2 introduces parameters by providing sliders that children can use to adjust what each block does. For example, a slider in the turning block adjusts how far the Finch turns. Level 3 provides additional parameters and introduces children to basic ways to control what happens in a program. For example, students can use a loop to repeat actions within a program, or they can use a movement block that drives the Finch forward until it finds an obstacle. Requirements: This app requires a Finch Robot 2.0 (https://store.birdbraintechnologies.com/collections/featured-items/products/finch2). The app connects to the Finch via Bluetooth BLE. Make sure to load the Bluetooth-ready firmware onto your Finch. You can find instructions at http://www.birdbraintechnologies.com/finch2/finchblox/program/1-1/. 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 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

Screenshots

FinchBlox4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: FinchBlox at 4 against VEXcode 123's 1. FinchBlox also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

FinchBlox ships an update every 5 months, VEXcode 123 every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
FinchBlox versus VEXcode 123: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFinchBloxVEXcode 123
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 4 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPad
Requires iOS9.3 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size119 MB408 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBirdBrain Technologies LLCVEX Robotics, Inc.

In-app purchases

None

FinchBlox

No in-app purchases

None

VEXcode 123

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is FinchBlox free?
FinchBlox 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 FinchBlox or VEXcode 123 have ads?
Neither FinchBlox nor VEXcode 123 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, FinchBlox or VEXcode 123?
FinchBlox ships an update every 5 months, and VEXcode 123 every 4 months. Most recently, FinchBlox was updated on October 3, 2026 and VEXcode 123 on October 13, 2026.

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