VEXcode EXP vs FTW Fly
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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
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.
- Accessible STEM learning
- Coding, robotics, and engineering
- Drone and sensor technology
- Flight theory introduction
- Mechanical design basics
- Hands-on learning opportunities
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
VEXcode EXP ships an update every 6 weeks, FTW Fly every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.
| Parameter | VEXcode EXP | FTW Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) | 4.3 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 531 MB | 40 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | VEX Robotics, Inc. | FTW ROBOTICS LLC |
Customer experience
VEXcode EXP
FTW Fly
In-app purchases
VEXcode EXP
No in-app purchases
FTW Fly
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is VEXcode EXP free?
Is FTW Fly free?
Which has better reviews, VEXcode EXP or FTW Fly?
Do VEXcode EXP or FTW Fly have ads?
Which is updated more often, VEXcode EXP or FTW Fly?
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