# VEXcode IQ vs SAM Root

VEXcode IQ and SAM Root both sit at 3.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 62% of VEXcode IQ's written reviews are positive against 46% of SAM Root's. SAM Root's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for VEXcode IQ against 3.8 for SAM Root. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 42 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 62% of VEXcode IQ's written reviews are positive against 46% of SAM Root's.

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, SAM Root monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VEXcode IQ | SAM Root |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-iq/id1474811207/reviews) | **[3.8 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-root/id1524652548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38 | **42** |
| Positive reviews | **61.9% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 892 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VEX Robotics, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1162973741) | [SAM Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1033131753) |

## What reviewers say

### VEXcode IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-iq/id1474811207)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAM Root

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-root/id1524652548)

Learn programming through interactive robotics with three progressive coding levels, from graphical blocks to Python 3. Control robots in real-time or test your code with a built-in 3D simulator.

**Highlights:** Three progressive coding levels, Graphical blocks to Python 3, Real-time robot control, Built-in 3D simulator, Seamless level switching, Bluetooth robot pairing

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VEXcode IQ free?

VEXcode IQ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SAM Root free?

SAM Root is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, VEXcode IQ or SAM Root?

SAM Root is rated higher. VEXcode IQ averages 3.7 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while SAM Root averages 3.8 from 42 ratings.

### Do VEXcode IQ or SAM Root have ads?

Neither VEXcode IQ nor SAM Root shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VEXcode IQ or SAM Root?

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, and SAM Root monthly. Most recently, VEXcode IQ was updated on October 7, 2026 and SAM Root on September 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*