SAM Root vs LEGO® Education Coding Canvas
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
LEGO® Education Coding Canvas
This app uses block coding to teach computer science and AI concepts to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. It connects wirelessly with compatible LEGO hardware to bring creations to life, fostering collaboration and problem-solving in a safe, offline environment.
- Intuitive block coding for K-8
- Connects with LEGO hardware
- Hands-on computer science and AI learning
- Safe by design, no logins
- Scaffolded, inquiry-based experiences
- Classroom-friendly setup
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LEGO® Education Coding Canvas is an intuitive, block coding app that powers hands-on computer science and AI learning from kindergarten through grade 8. It pairs seamlessly with LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI kits to turn classrooms into hubs for collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Key features: - Block coding that grows with learners across K–8 - Lesson pins for fast, classroom-friendly setup - Safe by design: No logins; student work is saved locally. No sharing of student data - Wireless connection to compatible LEGO® Education hardware to bring builds to life - Scaffolded, inquiry-based CS and AI experiences aligned to grade-band needs For getting-started materials, facilitation notes, and classroom-ready presentations, visit the LEGO® Education Teacher Portal at teach.legoeducation.com Ready to make coding tangible for every learner? Open Coding Canvas, connect, and start building real-world skills.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: SAM Root at 3.8 against LEGO® Education Coding Canvas's 3.0. SAM Root also leads on ratings volume (42 vs 3) and review sentiment (46% vs 33%). On price, update cadence, 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
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 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SAM Root has 42 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of SAM Root's written reviews are positive against 33% of LEGO® Education Coding Canvas's.
SAM Root ships an update monthly, LEGO® Education Coding Canvas every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SAM Root | LEGO® Education Coding Canvas |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (42 ratings) — better | 3.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews — better | 33.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 42 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 92 MB | 152 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | SAM Labs | LEGO Education |
Customer experience
SAM Root
LEGO® Education Coding Canvas
In-app purchases
SAM Root
No in-app purchases
LEGO® Education Coding Canvas
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SAM Root free?
Is LEGO® Education Coding Canvas free?
Which has better reviews, SAM Root or LEGO® Education Coding Canvas?
Do SAM Root or LEGO® Education Coding Canvas have ads?
Which is updated more often, SAM Root or LEGO® Education Coding Canvas?
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