FinchBlox vs SAM Studio
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Icon-based programming
- Three learning levels
- Teaches sequencing
- Introduces parameters
- Supports loops
- Requires Finch Robot 2.0
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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.
SAM Studio
This platform offers tools and curriculum-aligned lesson plans for engaging STEAM and coding education. It features intuitive visual coding apps and wireless electronic blocks to bring computational thinking to life in the classroom.
- Curriculum-aligned lesson plans
- Intuitive visual flow-based and block-based coding
- Wireless Bluetooth electronic blocks
- Lesson Builder tool
- Teacher support and training
- Support for various sensors and motors
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SAM Labs provides everything you need to deliver the most engaging STEAM and Coding learning experiences in your classroom. Giving you the tools and support to make the most of your lessons, SAM Labs makes learning interactive and engaging. This includes curriculum-aligned lesson plans, intuitive visual flow-based and block-based apps, wireless electronic blocks that connect seamlessly to provide stimulating challenges. Design lessons with algorithms, programs and systems to bring computational thinking to life! Why use SAM Labs? - A fun and interactive way to bring coding to life - An intuitive visual, flow-based and block-based coding tailored for any classroom or ability level - SAM Blockly enables progression to block-based programming - Easy-to-use, wireless Bluetooth SAM Blocks that are made to last - NEW! Build your own lessons to integrate within your current or upcoming units of study - Unparalleled teacher support, onboarding, and training - Versatile technology that can be used across a variety of subjects Incredibly easy to bring into the classroom – and simple to teach with. You can use the SAM Studio App virtually or bring your projects to life using physical SAM Labs blocks, sensors and devices, including: - Buttons, RGB Light, Buzzer - Multiple sensors: Light, Proximity, Heat, Tilt, Pressure - Controller & Sliders - DC & Servo motors - Wheels, car chassis & roller ball - LEGO®-compatible gear attachments - Chargers and charging station A subscription to SAM Studio also gives you access to our standards-aligned course content, including easy-to-follow lesson plans, editable presentations, step-by-step guides, an engaging interactive Lesson Builder tool, and more! Link: https://store.samlabs.com For more information, book a quick demo: https://go.samlabs.com/book-a-demo Supported languages: English (US), English (UK), Chinese, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hebrew Supported Bluetooth: Our app runs on devices that support Bluetooth 4.0 and up. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: SAM Studio at 5.0 against FinchBlox's 4.0. SAM Studio also leads on ratings volume (3 vs 1). FinchBlox's advantage is device support (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SAM Studio holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on June 12, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FinchBlox | SAM Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 5 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 119 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | BirdBrain Technologies LLC | SAM Labs |
Customer experience
FinchBlox
SAM Studio
In-app purchases
FinchBlox
No in-app purchases
SAM Studio
No in-app purchases








