# Makeblock－Play STEM Robots vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Makeblock－Play STEM Robots at none against Merge Explorer's 4. Makeblock－Play STEM Robots also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). Merge Explorer's advantage is rating (4.1 vs 3.7). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Makeblock－Play STEM Robots asks for nothing beyond the download.

Merge Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 202 and 279 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 47% and 46% positive.

Makeblock－Play STEM Robots ships an update every 6 weeks, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Makeblock－Play STEM Robots | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (202 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/makeblockplay-stem-robots/id918804737/reviews) | **[4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 202 | **279** |
| Positive reviews | **46.6% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 458 MB | 1.3 GB |
| 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) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## 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


### 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 Makeblock－Play STEM Robots free?

Makeblock－Play STEM 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, Makeblock－Play STEM Robots or Merge Explorer?

Merge Explorer is rated higher. Makeblock－Play STEM Robots averages 3.7 out of 5 from 202 ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.

### Do Makeblock－Play STEM Robots or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither Makeblock－Play STEM Robots nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Makeblock－Play STEM Robots or Merge Explorer?

Makeblock－Play STEM Robots ships an update every 6 weeks, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, Makeblock－Play STEM Robots was updated on September 17, 2026 and Merge Explorer on September 29, 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.*