VEXcode GO vs SAM Root
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VEXcode GO
This coding environment offers a consistent, intuitive interface for students of all ages to learn programming through robotics. It simplifies robot control and programming with a drag-and-drop block system, making computer science accessible and engaging.
- Consistent interface across devices and levels
- Drag-and-drop block coding
- Robot control and programming
- Built-in video tutorials
- Cross-language support for blocks and comments
- Educator-written help resources
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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 GO, 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 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 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. VEXcode Privacy Policy: https://www.vexrobotics.com/software-privacy-policy
SAM Root
Learn programming through interactive robotics with three progressive coding levels, from graphical blocks to Python 3. Control robots in real-time or test your code with a built-in 3D simulator.
- Three progressive coding levels
- Graphical blocks to Python 3
- Real-time robot control
- Built-in 3D simulator
- Seamless level switching
- Bluetooth robot pairing
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SAM Root makes it easy and fun to learn programming through hands-on robotics! With three progressive coding levels—from graphical blocks to hybrid blocks to Python 3 syntax—you’ll be building real coding skills and controlling robots in no time. MASTER CODING WITH 3 LEARNING LEVELS No coding experience? No problem! SAM Root meets you where you are and grows with your skills: - LEVEL 1: Graphical Blocks – Start with drag-and-drop, graphical blocks to grasp the fundamentals of coding logic—no reading required. - LEVEL 2: Hybrid Blocks – Transition into more advanced coding structure with blocks that blend visuals and coding script. - LEVEL 3: Python Code Blocks – Discover the structure and syntax of professional coding languages with full-text Python 3 code blocks. SEAMLESSLY SWITCH BETWEEN LEVELS Change coding levels anytime with a tap. SAM Root automatically converts your code, so you can match your skill level and learn the professional Python syntax behind each block. CONNECT TO ROOT ROBOTS Pair with a Root coding robot via Bluetooth and bring your programs to life! Control movement, lights, sounds, sensors, and more—while watching your code run in real time. TEST WITH THE BUILT-IN SIMULATOR Use the built-in 3D simulator to test your programs, speed up execution, and try new ideas—all without needing hardware.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: SAM Root at 3.8 against VEXcode GO's 3.2. SAM Root also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
SAM Root holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 22 and 42 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of VEXcode GO's written reviews are positive against 46% of SAM Root's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
VEXcode GO ships an update every 2 months, SAM Root monthly. The most recent releases landed on July 5, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VEXcode GO | SAM Root |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.2 (22 ratings) | 3.8 (42 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 46.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 22 | 42 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 727 MB | 92 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | VEX Robotics, Inc. | SAM Labs |
Customer experience
VEXcode GO
SAM Root
In-app purchases
VEXcode GO
No in-app purchases
SAM Root
No in-app purchases









