# VibeBlocks vs Arduino Science Journal

The clearest difference is rating: Arduino Science Journal at 4.4 against VibeBlocks's 3.6. Arduino Science Journal also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). VibeBlocks's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VibeBlocks sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Arduino Science Journal sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Arduino Science Journal holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Arduino Science Journal has 1.1K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of VibeBlocks's written reviews are positive against 59% of Arduino Science Journal's.

VibeBlocks ships an update every 2 weeks, Arduino Science Journal every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VibeBlocks | Arduino Science Journal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibeblocks-ai-coding-lab/id1477837489/reviews) | **[4.4 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arduino-science-journal/id1518014927/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **58.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 203 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Hayeon Jeong](https://appshunter.io/developer/6804959386) | [Arduino LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599571672) |

## What reviewers say

### VibeBlocks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vibeblocks-ai-coding-lab/id1477837489)

This app offers a mobile-first solution for learning maker coding without a computer. It allows users to simulate and test Arduino projects, compile code directly, and learn through interactive block coding games and missions. Designed for both students and teachers, it supports various kits and provides comprehensive guidance.

**Highlights:** Computer-free Arduino project creation, Smartphone-based block coding, Circuit diagram identification and assembly guidance, Code simulation and direct Arduino compilation, Interactive coding games and missions, Teacher guidance and class materials, Support for multiple maker kits

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MAKE Basic 멤버십 1개월 | $0.99 | one-time |
| MAKE monthly ticket | $1.99 | one-time |
| Premium 멤버쉽 1개월 | $2.99 | one-time |
| MAKE Premium 멤버쉽 3개월 | $7.99 | one-time |
| MAKE Premium 멤버쉽 6개월 | $10.99 | one-time |


### Arduino Science Journal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arduino-science-journal/id1518014927)

Transform your smartphone into a science notebook. Use your device's sensors and connect external hardware to gather real-time data, conduct experiments, and analyze findings. Ideal for students to explore the world scientifically.

**Highlights:** Use smartphone sensors, Connect external Arduino sensors, Record and analyze real-time data, Conduct interactive experiments, Enhance lesson plans, Cross-platform support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Teacher Monthly Plan | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Teacher Plan | $63.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and inspiring
- 🚀 Engaging science experience
- 🤩 Turned user into a true scientist
- 🤖 Good introduction to conducting experiments

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Keeps crashing
- 🐛 Blank screen issues
- 🐛 Sensors disappear or don't work
- 🤯 Overly complex and poor execution

**Reported bugs**

- App often crashes when trying to add sensors
- Sensor selection menu doesn't work
- Freezes on loading dashboards with blank screen
- Stopped working after iOS 15 update

**Requested features**

- iCloud sync
- CSV export for data analysis
- Velocity sensors using GPS
- Arduino sensor integration
- Buzzer with variable range


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VibeBlocks free?

VibeBlocks is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Arduino Science Journal free?

Arduino Science Journal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VibeBlocks or Arduino Science Journal?

Arduino Science Journal is rated higher. VibeBlocks averages 3.6 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Arduino Science Journal averages 4.4 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do VibeBlocks or Arduino Science Journal have ads?

VibeBlocks shows ads; Arduino Science Journal does not.

### Which is updated more often, VibeBlocks or Arduino Science Journal?

VibeBlocks ships an update every 2 weeks, and Arduino Science Journal every 3 months. Most recently, VibeBlocks was updated on October 13, 2026 and Arduino Science Journal on October 13, 2026.

---

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