# MAD vs Sphero Edu

The clearest difference is rating: Sphero Edu at 4.5 against MAD's 3.5. Sphero Edu also leads on ratings volume (1.5K vs 14) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). MAD's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, 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 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Edu has 1.5K ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of MAD's written reviews are positive against 65% of Sphero Edu's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MAD ships an update every 3 months, Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MAD | Sphero Edu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mad-store/id939406790/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-edu/id1017847674/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 65.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 39 MB | 194 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MAD-learn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272124741) | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) |

## What reviewers say

### MAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mad-store/id939406790)

This platform allows students and teachers to preview and showcase apps they create using a mobile app development program. It provides a space to present innovative ideas, receive feedback, and potentially gain global recognition for student-created applications.

**Highlights:** Preview student-created apps, Showcase app creations, Enter 9-digit preview codes, Receive feedback on apps, Potential for global publication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 MAD free?

MAD 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, MAD or Sphero Edu?

Sphero Edu is rated higher. MAD averages 3.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Sphero Edu averages 4.5 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do MAD or Sphero Edu have ads?

Neither MAD nor Sphero Edu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MAD or Sphero Edu?

MAD ships an update every 3 months, and Sphero Edu every 5 weeks. Most recently, MAD was updated on October 11, 2026 and Sphero Edu on October 21, 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.*