Comparison

VEXcode IQ vs Sphero Edu Jr

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
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 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

Sphero Edu Jr

This app allows users to connect to a robot and customize its actions using visual programming blocks. Create mazes, play games, and compose music while learning fundamental coding logic.

Highlights
  • Block programming interface
  • Customize lights, sounds, and movements
  • Create mazes and games
  • Learn basic programming logic
  • Classic and new drive modes
Read full description

With Sphero Edu Jr you can connect to your indi and customize its behavior with simple yet powerful programming blocks. By coding the lights, sounds, and movements of indi, you can create unique mazes, play games, write simple songs, and ultimately learn the basic logic of programming. Features include: • All new block programming experience, designed for the uniqueness of indi. • Drive modes, including the classic Sphero driving experience and a new mode designed specifically for indi.

Screenshots

Sphero Edu Jr4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: VEXcode IQ at every 6 weeks against Sphero Edu Jr's every 17 months. VEXcode IQ also leads on review sentiment (55% vs 44%). Sphero Edu Jr's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.7 for VEXcode IQ against 3.6 for Sphero Edu Jr. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 15 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of VEXcode IQ's written reviews are positive against 44% of Sphero Edu Jr's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, Sphero Edu Jr every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VEXcode IQ versus Sphero Edu Jr: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVEXcode IQSphero Edu Jr
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (38 ratings) — better3.6 (15 ratings)
Positive reviews54.5% of reviews — better44.4% of reviews
Number of ratings38 — better15
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size892 MB128 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVEX Robotics, Inc.Sphero, Inc.

Customer experience

VEXcode IQ

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

Sphero Edu Jr

All ratings15 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive44.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative55.6%

In-app purchases

None

VEXcode IQ

No in-app purchases

None

Sphero Edu Jr

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VEXcode IQ free?
VEXcode IQ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sphero Edu Jr free?
Sphero Edu Jr is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, VEXcode IQ or Sphero Edu Jr?
VEXcode IQ is rated higher. VEXcode IQ averages 3.7 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while Sphero Edu Jr averages 3.6 from 15 ratings.
Do VEXcode IQ or Sphero Edu Jr have ads?
Neither VEXcode IQ nor Sphero Edu Jr shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VEXcode IQ or Sphero Edu Jr?
VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, and Sphero Edu Jr every 17 months. Most recently, VEXcode IQ was updated on October 11, 2026 and Sphero Edu Jr on October 7, 2026.

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