Comparison

SAM Root vs Sphero Edu Jr

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Three progressive coding levels
  • Graphical blocks to Python 3
  • Real-time robot control
  • Built-in 3D simulator
  • Seamless level switching
  • Bluetooth robot pairing
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Block programming interface
  • Customize lights, sounds, and movements
  • Create mazes and games
  • Learn basic programming logic
  • Classic and new drive modes
Read full description

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

SAM Root4 screens
Sphero Edu Jr4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SAM Root at monthly against Sphero Edu Jr's every 17 months. SAM Root also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SAM Root holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 42 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of SAM Root's written reviews are positive against 44% of Sphero Edu Jr's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SAM Root ships an update monthly, Sphero Edu Jr every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on September 7, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
SAM Root versus Sphero Edu Jr: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSAM RootSphero Edu Jr
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (42 ratings) — better3.6 (15 ratings)
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews — better44.4% of reviews
Number of ratings42 — better15
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB128 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSAM LabsSphero, Inc.

Customer experience

SAM Root

All ratings42 ratings
Positive64.3%
Neutral11.9%
Negative23.8%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral7.7%
Negative46.2%

Sphero Edu Jr

All ratings15 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive44.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative55.6%

In-app purchases

None

SAM Root

No in-app purchases

None

Sphero Edu Jr

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SAM Root free?
SAM Root is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sphero Edu Jr free?
Sphero Edu Jr is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SAM Root or Sphero Edu Jr?
SAM Root is rated higher. SAM Root averages 3.8 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Sphero Edu Jr averages 3.6 from 15 ratings.
Do SAM Root or Sphero Edu Jr have ads?
Neither SAM Root nor Sphero Edu Jr shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SAM Root or Sphero Edu Jr?
SAM Root ships an update monthly, and Sphero Edu Jr every 17 months. Most recently, SAM Root was updated on September 7, 2026 and Sphero Edu Jr on September 21, 2026.

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