Comparison

VEXcode IQ vs Tinkamo Block

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

Tinkamo Block

Features
Read full description

Horizontal graphic coding language for children that complies with MIT's Scratch Jr. design. With improved sequencing, events, conditions, and logical operations, Block is the ideal language for hands-on algorithms. Powered by Tinkamo Smart Building Blocks, you can extend your fun coding beyond the screen.

Screenshots

Tinkamo Block4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Tinkamo Block at 3 against VEXcode IQ's 1. Tinkamo Block also leads on iOS requirement (13 vs 16.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, Tinkamo Block every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
VEXcode IQ versus Tinkamo Block: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVEXcode IQTinkamo Block
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (38 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews54.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings38 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.013 — better
Further details — not scored
Size892 MB131 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVEX Robotics, Inc.Tinkamo Inc.

In-app purchases

None

VEXcode IQ

No in-app purchases

None

Tinkamo Block

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VEXcode IQ free?
VEXcode IQ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tinkamo Block free?
Tinkamo Block is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VEXcode IQ or Tinkamo Block have ads?
Neither VEXcode IQ nor Tinkamo Block shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VEXcode IQ or Tinkamo Block?
VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, and Tinkamo Block every 5 weeks. Most recently, VEXcode IQ was updated on October 11, 2026 and Tinkamo Block on September 29, 2026.

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