# VEXcode IQ vs SAM Studio

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SAM Studio at 100% against VEXcode IQ's 55%. SAM Studio also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.7). VEXcode IQ's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (38 vs 3). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

SAM Studio holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VEXcode IQ has 38 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of VEXcode IQ's written reviews are positive against 100% of SAM Studio's.

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, SAM Studio every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VEXcode IQ | SAM Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-iq/id1474811207/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-studio/id1582863218/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **38** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 54.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 892 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| 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 Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-studio/id1582863218)

This platform offers tools and curriculum-aligned lesson plans for engaging STEAM and coding education. It features intuitive visual coding apps and wireless electronic blocks to bring computational thinking to life in the classroom.

**Highlights:** Curriculum-aligned lesson plans, Intuitive visual flow-based and block-based coding, Wireless Bluetooth electronic blocks, Lesson Builder tool, Teacher support and training, Support for various sensors and motors

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VEXcode IQ free?

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

### Is SAM Studio free?

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

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

SAM Studio is rated higher. VEXcode IQ averages 3.7 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while SAM Studio averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

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

Neither VEXcode IQ nor SAM Studio shows ads.

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

VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, and SAM Studio every 5 months. Most recently, VEXcode IQ was updated on October 11, 2026 and SAM Studio on September 26, 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.*