# VEXcode GO vs SAM Root

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | VEXcode GO | SAM Root |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-go/id1501754061/reviews) | **[3.8 (42 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-root/id1524652548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **42** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 727 MB | 92 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VEX Robotics, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1162973741) | [SAM Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1033131753) |

## What reviewers say

### VEXcode GO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-go/id1501754061)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases:** none


### SAM Root

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sam-root/id1524652548)

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.

**Highlights:** Three progressive coding levels, Graphical blocks to Python 3, Real-time robot control, Built-in 3D simulator, Seamless level switching, Bluetooth robot pairing

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VEXcode GO free?

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

### Is SAM Root free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VEXcode GO or SAM Root?

SAM Root is rated higher. VEXcode GO averages 3.2 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while SAM Root averages 3.8 from 42 ratings.

### Do VEXcode GO or SAM Root have ads?

Neither VEXcode GO nor SAM Root shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VEXcode GO or SAM Root?

VEXcode GO ships an update every 2 months, and SAM Root monthly. Most recently, VEXcode GO was updated on July 5, 2026 and SAM Root on September 7, 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.*