# Sphero Edu Jr vs MindLabs STEM

The clearest difference is rating: MindLabs STEM at 5.0 against Sphero Edu Jr's 3.6. MindLabs STEM also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 17 months). Sphero Edu Jr's advantage is ratings volume (15 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

MindLabs STEM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Edu Jr has 15 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Sphero Edu Jr ships an update every 17 months, MindLabs STEM every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sphero Edu Jr | MindLabs STEM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu-jr/id1545146776/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlabs-stem/id6470496312/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **15** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 128 MB | 549 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) | [Explore Interactive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230276866) |

## What reviewers say

### Sphero Edu Jr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu-jr/id1545146776)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### MindLabs STEM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlabs-stem/id6470496312)

This app uses augmented reality to teach children ages 8+ core STEM concepts like energy, motion, and light. It combines digital challenges with physical cards for an interactive and research-based learning experience. Players can collaborate on designs in a creative mode.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality STEM learning, Interactive challenges, Collaborative CREATE mode, Physical card integration, Covers energy, motion, light, and more, Suitable for ages 8+

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sphero Edu Jr free?

Sphero Edu Jr is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MindLabs STEM free?

MindLabs STEM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sphero Edu Jr or MindLabs STEM?

MindLabs STEM is rated higher. Sphero Edu Jr averages 3.6 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while MindLabs STEM averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Sphero Edu Jr or MindLabs STEM have ads?

Neither Sphero Edu Jr nor MindLabs STEM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sphero Edu Jr or MindLabs STEM?

Sphero Edu Jr ships an update every 17 months, and MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Most recently, Sphero Edu Jr was updated on November 6, 2026 and MindLabs STEM on November 3, 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.*