Comparison

VEXcode 123 vs VEX IQ Robotics Simulation

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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

About

VEX IQ Robotics Simulation

Experience the thrill of VEX IQ robotics competitions without the high cost. This simulation allows you to drive a virtual robot, solve challenges, and compete for high scores, replicating real-world robotics tournaments.

Highlights
  • Robotics competition simulation
  • Virtual robot driving
  • Official VEX IQ scoring
  • Keyboard controls
  • Multiplayer competition
  • Challenge-based gameplay
Features
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Created by Tyler Liu - a 14-year old VEX IQ robotics winner who also loves coding! Vex iq is a robotics competition where teams compete in a one minute tournament to try and score the highest points. One day I realized that vex iq robotics was very expensive to get into and that i wanted to do something about that. I know that many people want to learn about robotics but since vex iq is so expensive they most likely won't be able to start. The solution I came up with was a simulation to replicate driving a robot in real life. Each Vex iq robot is a unique build, with unique controls and capabilities. I have simulated a particular version of the Vex IQ robot which can be used to move the risers into the correct locations and arrangements following the Vex IQ scoring rules and regulations. In the project you drive a robot using a keyboard to try and score as many points as possible using the official scoring of the VEX IQ game. You will compete with your friend to try and get the highest score possible with an automatic scoring system.

Screenshots

VEX IQ Robotics Simulation1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: VEX IQ Robotics Simulation at every 10 days against VEXcode 123's every 4 months. VEX IQ Robotics Simulation also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VEXcode 123 ships an update every 4 months, VEX IQ Robotics Simulation every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
VEXcode 123 versus VEX IQ Robotics Simulation: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVEXcode 123VEX IQ Robotics Simulation
PriceFreeFree
Rating—2.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—6 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 10 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size408 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVEX Robotics, Inc.Coding Minds, Inc.

In-app purchases

None

VEXcode 123

No in-app purchases

None

VEX IQ Robotics Simulation

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VEXcode 123 free?
VEXcode 123 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VEX IQ Robotics Simulation free?
VEX IQ Robotics Simulation is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VEXcode 123 or VEX IQ Robotics Simulation have ads?
Neither VEXcode 123 nor VEX IQ Robotics Simulation shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VEXcode 123 or VEX IQ Robotics Simulation?
VEXcode 123 ships an update every 4 months, and VEX IQ Robotics Simulation every 10 days. Most recently, VEXcode 123 was updated on October 13, 2026 and VEX IQ Robotics Simulation on October 2, 2026.

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