# Blockly for Dash & Dot robots vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Blockly for Dash & Dot robots at none against Merge Explorer's 4. Blockly for Dash & Dot robots also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Blockly for Dash & Dot robots asks for nothing beyond the download.

Blockly for Dash & Dot robots holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 172 and 279 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Blockly for Dash & Dot robots's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's.

Blockly for Dash & Dot robots ships an update every 2 months, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Blockly for Dash & Dot robots | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (172 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blockly-for-dash-and-dot-robots/id906750147/reviews)** | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 172 | **279** |
| Positive reviews | **53.3% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 142 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MORAVIA Consulting, spol. s r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673101600) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### Blockly for Dash & Dot robots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blockly-for-dash-and-dot-robots/id906750147)

Learn coding fundamentals through interactive play with robots. This app uses a visual drag-and-drop interface to create programs for Dash and Dot robots, offering challenges and creative freedom for young learners.

**Highlights:** Visual drag-and-drop coding, Robot programming challenges, Create custom robot behaviors, Learn coding concepts (sequencing, loops, variables), Bluetooth connectivity to robots, Playful storylines and puzzles

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merge Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606)

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

**Highlights:** Over 100 science simulations, Interactive Merge Cube experiences, Hands-on learning activities, Built-in quizzes, NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum, Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Explorer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |
| Explorer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for young students
- 💡 Flexible for lesson needs
- 🔬 Used for research and experiments
- 💡 Introduces new content exploratorily
- 🤩 Engaging and versatile for learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive purchase
- 💰 Forced subscription for software
- 💰 Cannot view software before paying
- 💰 Money trap
- 💰 Only for rich people

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to play
- Add more fun things, not just learning
- Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
- Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
- Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Blockly for Dash & Dot robots free?

Blockly for Dash & Dot robots is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Merge Explorer free?

Merge Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Blockly for Dash & Dot robots or Merge Explorer?

Blockly for Dash & Dot robots is rated higher. Blockly for Dash & Dot robots averages 4.3 out of 5 from 172 ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.

### Do Blockly for Dash & Dot robots or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither Blockly for Dash & Dot robots nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Blockly for Dash & Dot robots or Merge Explorer?

Blockly for Dash & Dot robots ships an update every 2 months, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, Blockly for Dash & Dot robots was updated on October 24, 2026 and Merge Explorer on October 23, 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.*