# Makeblock－Play STEM Robots vs Sphero Edu

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Makeblock－Play STEM Robots | Sphero Edu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (202 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makeblockplay-stem-robots/id918804737/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 202 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 46.6% of reviews | **65.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 458 MB | 193 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Makeblock Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1002364464) | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) |

## What reviewers say

### Makeblock－Play STEM Robots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makeblockplay-stem-robots/id918804737)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

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

**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 Makeblock－Play STEM Robots free?

Makeblock－Play STEM Robots 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, Makeblock－Play STEM Robots or Sphero Edu?

Sphero Edu is rated higher. Makeblock－Play STEM Robots averages 3.7 out of 5 from 202 ratings, while Sphero Edu averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Makeblock－Play STEM Robots or Sphero Edu have ads?

Neither Makeblock－Play STEM Robots nor Sphero Edu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Makeblock－Play STEM Robots or Sphero Edu?

Makeblock－Play STEM Robots ships an update every 6 weeks, and Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. Most recently, Makeblock－Play STEM Robots was updated on September 17, 2026 and Sphero Edu on September 29, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*