Comparison

VEXcode IQ vs TinkRcode

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

Head to head
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
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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.

About

TinkRcode

This app provides a visual, drag-and-drop programming environment for K-8 students to bring STEAM projects to life. It works with curriculum and project kits to offer an engaging learning experience.

Highlights
  • Drag-and-drop block programming
  • STEAM curriculum integration
  • Project kit compatibility
  • Brings projects to life
  • Visual programming environment
Features
Read full description

TinkRworks is a provider of unique and engaging STEAM curriculum for grades K-8. The TinkRcode App, in combination with TinkRworks curriculum and project kits enable students to bring their projects to life using a visual, drag and drop, block-based programming environment. This App is intended for use by schools and educational organizations.

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: TinkRcode at 5.0 against VEXcode IQ's 3.7. TinkRcode also leads on iOS requirement (13.4 vs 16.0). VEXcode IQ's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 56 months) and ratings volume (39 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

TinkRcode holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VEXcode IQ has 39 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, TinkRcode every 56 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
VEXcode IQ versus TinkRcode: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVEXcode IQTinkRcode
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (39 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews54.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings39 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 56 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPadiPad
Requires iOS16.013.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size892 MB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVEX Robotics, Inc.TinkRworks LLC

Customer experience

VEXcode IQ

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

TinkRcode

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

VEXcode IQ

No in-app purchases

None

TinkRcode

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VEXcode IQ free?
VEXcode IQ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TinkRcode free?
TinkRcode is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, VEXcode IQ or TinkRcode?
TinkRcode is rated higher. VEXcode IQ averages 3.7 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while TinkRcode averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do VEXcode IQ or TinkRcode have ads?
Neither VEXcode IQ nor TinkRcode shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VEXcode IQ or TinkRcode?
VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, and TinkRcode every 56 months. Most recently, VEXcode IQ was updated on November 3, 2026 and TinkRcode on November 3, 2026.

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