# Kodable Basics vs Sphero Edu

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sphero Edu at none against Kodable Basics's 7. Sphero Edu also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 55%). Kodable Basics's advantage is ratings volume (21K vs 1.5K) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kodable Basics sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. Sphero Edu asks for nothing beyond the download.

Kodable Basics holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Kodable Basics has 21K ratings behind it against 1.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of Kodable Basics's written reviews are positive against 65% of Sphero Edu's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kodable Basics | Sphero Edu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21K** | 1.5K |
| Positive reviews | 54.8% of reviews | **65.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 422 MB | 193 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SurfScore, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/577654768) | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) |

## What reviewers say

### Kodable Basics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kodable-basics/id577673067)

This app teaches children aged 4-10 foundational computer science concepts through engaging, game-based activities. It helps kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by guiding them through mazes and allowing them to create their own games. The curriculum is designed to transition from basic logic to writing real code.

**Highlights:** Game-based learning approach, Develops critical thinking, Teaches coding concepts, Builds foundational computer science skills, Creative activities, Seasonal events

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kodable Monthly Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| Kodable Yearly Plan | $119.99 | per year |
| 3-day Parent Trial | Free | one-time |
| Fuzzes to Support Computer Science | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pre-Trial Parent Plan | $19.99 | one-time |
| Parent Plan | $29.99 | one-time |
| Kodable Lifetime Plan | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Fun and educational coding game
- 👍 Helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- 🚀 Engaging for kids of various ages
- 🎨 Ability to create custom characters and games

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription-based model with high costs
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Misleading trial period and automatic subscription
- 📉 Declining quality and value over time

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to access app after subscription cancellation
- Persistent crashes at certain levels or stages
- Syncing and progress issues across devices
- Unresponsive controls and UI elements

**Requested features**

- More free content and levels
- Improved stability and performance
- Customization options for parents/teachers
- Better customer support and communication


### Sphero Edu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674)

This app allows users to learn and create with programmable robots. It offers multiple coding methods, from drawing paths to advanced text-based programming. Educators can manage classes and track student progress, making learning fun and interactive.

**Highlights:** Multiple programming modes (Draw, Block, Text), Access sensor data via graphs, Pre-made STEAM lessons, Robot driving mode, Assignment creation for educators, Google/Clever account integration

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Excellent for learning to code
- 🚀 Fun and engaging to use
- 👍 Great for kids and adults
- 👍 Supports various Sphero models
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent connection issues
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs after updates
- 🔋 Battery life problems
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with older devices
- 🐛 Unreliable performance

**Reported bugs**

- Programs not saving properly
- Firmware update issues
- Inability to connect to certain Sphero models
- Sign-in and registration problems

**Requested features**

- Add more coding blocks and functionality
- Improve community features and sharing
- Restore legacy app features (e.g., free drive mode)
- Provide better documentation and tutorials
- Allow custom sound and light effects


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kodable Basics free?

Kodable Basics is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sphero Edu free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Kodable Basics or Sphero Edu?

Kodable Basics is rated higher. Kodable Basics averages 4.7 out of 5 from 21K ratings, while Sphero Edu averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Kodable Basics or Sphero Edu have ads?

Neither Kodable Basics nor Sphero Edu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Kodable Basics or Sphero Edu?

Kodable Basics ships an update monthly, and Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. Most recently, Kodable Basics was updated on September 24, 2026 and Sphero Edu on September 25, 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.*