Comparison

VEXcode EXP vs FTW Fly

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

Head to head
About

VEXcode EXP

This coding environment helps students of all ages learn to program robots through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It offers a consistent experience across different VEX robot platforms and age groups, making computer science accessible and engaging.

Highlights
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
  • Consistent across VEX robot platforms
  • Supports multiple programming languages (Blocks/Text)
  • Built-in video tutorials
  • Extensive example projects
  • Device manager for robot setup
Features
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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, VEX EXP, 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 Blocks 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 Blocks 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. Setup your VEX robot. Fast. VEXcode's device manager is simple, flexible, and powerful. In no time at all you can setup your robot's drivetrain, controller features, motors, and sensors. 60+ Example projects to choose from. Jumpstart your learning by starting with an existing project, covering every aspect of coding, controlling robots, and learning to use sensors. VEXcode Privacy Policy: https://www.vexrobotics.com/software-privacy-policy

About

FTW Fly

This app makes STEM learning accessible and engaging for students through cutting-edge technology and educational resources. It introduces flight theory, mechanical design, and coding basics using drone and sensor technology, making robotics and engineering fun and hands-on.

Highlights
  • Accessible STEM learning
  • Coding, robotics, and engineering
  • Drone and sensor technology
  • Flight theory introduction
  • Mechanical design basics
  • Hands-on learning opportunities
Features
Read full description

Take your classroom’s curiosity to new heights. Through cutting-edge technology and comprehensive educational resources, Hopper makes STEM learning accessible and engaging for students of all abilities. We are dedicated to helping educators revolutionize STEM education by providing the tools to make diving into coding, robotics, and engineering fun and accessible. Hopper takes Build | Fly | Code to the next level. Introduce your students to flight theory, mechanical design, and the basics of coding with the latest drone and sensor technology. And, because Hopper’s hardware is robust and reusable, and its software, getting smarter constantly, educators can create more opportunities, and expand hands-on STEM learning to underserved communities and students of all abilities.

Screenshots

FTW Fly1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: FTW Fly at 4.3 against VEXcode EXP's 3.0. FTW Fly also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and ratings volume (6 vs 2). VEXcode EXP's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

FTW Fly holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VEXcode EXP ships an update every 6 weeks, FTW Fly every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
VEXcode EXP versus FTW Fly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVEXcode EXPFTW Fly
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)4.3 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings26 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size531 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVEX Robotics, Inc.FTW ROBOTICS LLC

Customer experience

VEXcode EXP

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

FTW Fly

All ratings5 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

In-app purchases

None

VEXcode EXP

No in-app purchases

None

FTW Fly

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VEXcode EXP free?
VEXcode EXP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is FTW Fly free?
FTW Fly is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, VEXcode EXP or FTW Fly?
FTW Fly is rated higher. VEXcode EXP averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while FTW Fly averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.
Do VEXcode EXP or FTW Fly have ads?
Neither VEXcode EXP nor FTW Fly shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VEXcode EXP or FTW Fly?
VEXcode EXP ships an update every 6 weeks, and FTW Fly every 3 months. Most recently, VEXcode EXP was updated on November 3, 2026 and FTW Fly on November 3, 2026.

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