VEXcode IQ vs ScratchUP
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
ScratchUP
This app allows users to learn, teach, and play with code. It offers a variety of features for creating educational activities, including sensor integration, machine learning capabilities, and math tools. Compatible with Scratch files, it provides an offline coding experience for students and educators.
- Scratch file compatibility (.sb2, .sb3)
- Sensor event integration (touch, keyboard, camera, Bluetooth)
- Machine learning for object and sound recognition
- Body detection, Handpose, and Facemesh
- QRCode scanner
- Math tools for learning
- Offline app functionality
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ScratchUP is the perfect app for students, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn coding. Use it in the classroom or at home to create interactive projects, explore programming concepts, and design educational activities with endless possibilities. Scratch-compatible: open and save .sb2 and .sb3 files with ease. Build richer projects by combining touch events, keyboard input, camera features, and Bluetooth sensor data. A fullscreen offline app packed with powerful features: - Virtual keyboard for managing key events - Bluetooth connection to devices such as micro:bit - Body Detection, Hand Pose, and Face Mesh powered by machine learning - QR code scanner - Train your own object recognition models with machine learning - Import Teachable Machine models to recognize objects and sounds - Built-in math tools for easier learning - Control the front and back cameras directly in code - New Function extension for creating more advanced programs - New option to hide blocks in the interface and in scripts for a cleaner workspace - Native iPadOS export to share projects instantly via AirDrop or email - Export scripts as images to easily add them to worksheets, lessons, or other documents Code, learn, teach, and play — all in one app. Enjoy!
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: VEXcode IQ at Free against ScratchUP's $0.99. VEXcode IQ also leads on update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 9 months) and ratings volume (38 vs 4). ScratchUP's advantage is rating (4.0 vs 3.7) and review sentiment (75% vs 62%). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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
VEXcode IQ is free to download; ScratchUP costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ScratchUP holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VEXcode IQ has 38 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 62% of VEXcode IQ's written reviews are positive against 75% of ScratchUP's.
VEXcode IQ ships an update every 6 weeks, ScratchUP every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on August 28, 2026 and June 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VEXcode IQ | ScratchUP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $0.99 |
| Rating | 3.7 (38 ratings) | 4.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 61.9% of reviews | 75.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 38 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 892 MB | 397 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | VEX Robotics, Inc. | Ulrich PICAUD |
Customer experience
VEXcode IQ
ScratchUP
In-app purchases
VEXcode IQ
No in-app purchases
ScratchUP
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is VEXcode IQ free?
Is ScratchUP free?
Which has better reviews, VEXcode IQ or ScratchUP?
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Which is updated more often, VEXcode IQ or ScratchUP?
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