LightUp Learning vs Sphero Edu
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LightUp Learning
Build and learn about electronic circuits using magnetic blocks. Visualize electricity flow and program projects with drag-and-drop coding. Requires a physical LightUp kit.
- Magnetic circuit block assembly
- Visualize electricity flow
- Drag-and-drop coding interface
- Project building guides
- X-ray vision for circuits
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This is a companion app for the LightUp Edison and Tesla Kit. Build and learn about electronic circuits with LightUp kits and the LightUp Learning app. Magnetically snap together circuit blocks to build cool projects without needing to use wires, breadboards, or soldering irons. Take a photo and the LightUp Learning app will help out when you need a hand. It even gives you x-ray vision, letting you see the electricity flowing around your circuit! Ready to code? Simply drag and drop code blocks on your iPad to make a Music Box, Alarm and more! Purchase your very own LightUp kit at www.lightup.io.
Sphero Edu
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.
- 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
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Sphero Edu is your hub to create, contribute, and learn with Sphero robots. Go beyond code by incorporating unique STEAM lessons to complete with your bot. Designed for learner progression, Sphero Edu beginners can give robots commands by drawing a path in the app for their robot to follow. Intermediate coders can use Scratch blocks to learn more advanced logic, while pros can use text programming and write their own JavaScript or Python code. Sphero Edu is built for makers, learners, educators, and parents. The interactive platform allows you to keep track of your class or group from one easy place. Anyone can save their progress, jump from device to device, and continue the discovery from anywhere. Preparing for the future has never been so fun. SPHERO EDU FEATURES PROGRAMS: Program your bots in 3 ways with Draw, Block, and Text modes. Start with the basics and grow. SENSOR DATA: See location, accelerometer, gyroscope, velocity, and distance sensor data through visual graphs. LESSONS: Program a painting. Navigate a maze. Mimic the solar system. The only limit is your imagination. TAKE A DRIVE: Need a brain break? Set LED colors on your robot and zoom around in Drive mode. ASSIGNMENTS: Are you a teacher? Monitor progress by creating lessons and assigning them to your students. INTEGRATIONS: Simplify classroom use by signing in and syncing classrooms with Google and Clever accounts. COMPATIBILITY Supported Robots: Sphero BOLT+, Sphero BOLT, Sphero RVR/RVR+, Sphero SPRK+, Sphero SPRK Edition, Sphero 2.0, Sphero Mini, Ollie, BB-8, BB-9E, R2-D2, R2-Q5 Unsupported Robots: Sphero Original, Force Band, Lightning McQueen, Spider-Man, indi
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Sphero Edu at 4.5 against LightUp Learning's 3.0. Sphero Edu also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 32%) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 10). LightUp Learning's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (8.1 vs 15.0). 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.
Sphero Edu holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Edu has 1.5K ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of LightUp Learning's written reviews are positive against 65% of Sphero Edu's.
LightUp Learning ships an update every 2 months, Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LightUp Learning | Sphero Edu |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (10 ratings) | 4.5 (1.5K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 31.6% of reviews | 65.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 10 | 1.5K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 5 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 8.1 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 143 MB | 194 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | LightUp | Sphero, Inc. |
Customer experience
LightUp Learning
Sphero Edu
Bugs and requests
LightUp Learning
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Sphero Edu
Reported bugs
4 issues- Programs not saving properly
- Firmware update issues
- Inability to connect to certain Sphero models
- Sign-in and registration problems
Requested features
5 requests- 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
In-app purchases
LightUp Learning
No in-app purchases
Sphero Edu
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LightUp Learning free?
Is Sphero Edu free?
Which has better reviews, LightUp Learning or Sphero Edu?
Do LightUp Learning or Sphero Edu have ads?
Which is updated more often, LightUp Learning or Sphero Edu?
Other comparisons
