VEXcode 123 vs Sphero Edu Jr
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
VEXcode 123
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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 123, 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
Sphero Edu Jr
This app allows users to connect to a robot and customize its actions using visual programming blocks. Create mazes, play games, and compose music while learning fundamental coding logic.
- Block programming interface
- Customize lights, sounds, and movements
- Create mazes and games
- Learn basic programming logic
- Classic and new drive modes
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With Sphero Edu Jr you can connect to your indi and customize its behavior with simple yet powerful programming blocks. By coding the lights, sounds, and movements of indi, you can create unique mazes, play games, write simple songs, and ultimately learn the basic logic of programming. Features include: • All new block programming experience, designed for the uniqueness of indi. • Drive modes, including the classic Sphero driving experience and a new mode designed specifically for indi.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: VEXcode 123 at every 4 months against Sphero Edu Jr's every 17 months. Sphero Edu Jr's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
VEXcode 123 ships an update every 4 months, Sphero Edu Jr every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | VEXcode 123 | Sphero Edu Jr |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 3.6 (15 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 44.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 15 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months — better | Every 17 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 408 MB | 128 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | VEX Robotics, Inc. | Sphero, Inc. |
In-app purchases
VEXcode 123
No in-app purchases
Sphero Edu Jr
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is VEXcode 123 free?
Is Sphero Edu Jr free?
Do VEXcode 123 or Sphero Edu Jr have ads?
Which is updated more often, VEXcode 123 or Sphero Edu Jr?
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