# VEXcode IQ vs Sphero Edu Jr

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.

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 3.6 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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | VEXcode IQ | Sphero Edu Jr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-iq/id1474811207/reviews)** | [3.6 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu-jr/id1545146776/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **54.5% of reviews** | 44.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 17 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 892 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VEX Robotics, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1162973741) | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) |

## 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


### Sphero Edu Jr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu-jr/id1545146776)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


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