# LightUp Learning vs Sphero Edu

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.

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 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LightUp Learning | Sphero Edu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightup-learning/id817956889/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 31.6% of reviews | **65.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 143 MB | 194 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LightUp](https://appshunter.io/developer/817956892) | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) |

## What reviewers say

### LightUp Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightup-learning/id817956889)

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.

**Highlights:** Magnetic circuit block assembly, Visualize electricity flow, Drag-and-drop coding interface, Project building guides, X-ray vision for circuits

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 LightUp Learning free?

LightUp Learning is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sphero Edu free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LightUp Learning or Sphero Edu?

Sphero Edu is rated higher. LightUp Learning averages 3.0 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Sphero Edu averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do LightUp Learning or Sphero Edu have ads?

Neither LightUp Learning nor Sphero Edu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LightUp Learning or Sphero Edu?

LightUp Learning ships an update every 2 months, and Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. Most recently, LightUp Learning was updated on October 23, 2026 and Sphero Edu on October 22, 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.*