# LightUp Learning vs VEXcode IQ

The clearest difference is rating: VEXcode IQ at 3.7 against LightUp Learning's 3.0. VEXcode IQ also leads on review sentiment (62% vs 32%) and ratings volume (38 vs 10). LightUp Learning's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.1 vs 16.0). 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.

VEXcode IQ holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of LightUp Learning's written reviews are positive against 62% of VEXcode IQ's.

LightUp Learning ships an update every 2 months, VEXcode IQ every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 19, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LightUp Learning | VEXcode IQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightup-learning/id817956889/reviews) | **[3.7 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-iq/id1474811207/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | 31.6% of reviews | **61.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 143 MB | 892 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LightUp](https://appshunter.io/developer/817956892) | [VEX Robotics, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1162973741) |

## 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


### VEXcode IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vexcode-iq/id1474811207)

This coding environment is designed for students of all ages to learn programming through robotics. Its intuitive interface, consistent across different levels and platforms, allows users to focus on creation rather than navigation. It makes computer science accessible and engaging through hands-on projects and collaborations.

**Highlights:** Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, Consistent across Blocks and Text, Robot drivetrain control blocks, Device manager for robot setup, Built-in video tutorials, Example projects for learning, Multilingual block support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LightUp Learning free?

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

### Is VEXcode IQ free?

VEXcode IQ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, LightUp Learning or VEXcode IQ?

VEXcode IQ is rated higher. LightUp Learning averages 3.0 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while VEXcode IQ averages 3.7 from 38 ratings.

### Do LightUp Learning or VEXcode IQ have ads?

Neither LightUp Learning nor VEXcode IQ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LightUp Learning or VEXcode IQ?

LightUp Learning ships an update every 2 months, and VEXcode IQ every 6 weeks. Most recently, LightUp Learning was updated on August 19, 2026 and VEXcode IQ on September 28, 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.*