Makeblock-Play STEM Robots vs Sphero Edu
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Makeblock-Play STEM Robots
Control and program robots with a user-friendly interface. Design custom controllers and explore STEM education through interactive robot play. Supports a variety of robot models and multiple languages.
- Robot control via official controller
- Create custom robot controllers
- Graphical programming for complex functions
- User-friendly interface
- Supports multiple Makeblock robot models
- Multi-language support
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Makeblock APP is a robot control software in smart devices. Everyone can directly control Makeblock robots using official controller in the software, or creates and programs a specific controller to achieve richer robotic functionality. Makeblock APP gives the user a way to grow. You can use the controller function to control directly, you can also drag the control to create a different multi-function console; advanced users can even programmatically through the control to achieve more complex functions. Features: -Brand New UI Design, User-Friendly Interface. -Stronger Controllability, Simpler Way to Learn STEM:STEM education becomes easy & fun as you can also master robot freely to sing, dance or light. -Create Customized Robot Controller with Graphical Programming: Realize your imagination and control your robot by simply dragging, dropping and programming the command blocks. -Supporting Makeblock Robots: Codey Rocky, MotionBlock, mBot、mBot Ranger、Airblock、Starter、Ultimate2.0 . -Multi-Language User Interface :Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Croatian,Polish,Romanian. Support: -You can visit the official website: www.makeblock.com for more information -support email: support@makeblock.cc -Support forum: we.makeblock.com
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 Makeblock-Play STEM Robots's 3.7. Sphero Edu also leads on review sentiment (65% vs 47%) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 202). Makeblock-Play STEM Robots's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (10.0 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 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Edu has 1.5K ratings behind it against 202, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of Makeblock-Play STEM Robots's written reviews are positive against 65% of Sphero Edu's.
Makeblock-Play STEM Robots ships an update every 6 weeks, Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Makeblock-Play STEM Robots | Sphero Edu |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.7 (202 ratings) | 4.5 (1.5K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 46.6% of reviews | 65.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 202 | 1.5K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | 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 | 10.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 458 MB | 193 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Makeblock Co., Ltd. | Sphero, Inc. |
Customer experience
Makeblock-Play STEM Robots
Sphero Edu
Bugs and requests
Makeblock-Play STEM Robots
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
Makeblock-Play STEM Robots
No in-app purchases
Sphero Edu
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Makeblock-Play STEM Robots free?
Is Sphero Edu free?
Which has better reviews, Makeblock-Play STEM Robots or Sphero Edu?
Do Makeblock-Play STEM Robots or Sphero Edu have ads?
Which is updated more often, Makeblock-Play STEM Robots or Sphero Edu?
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