# Robotics vs Sphero Play

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sphero Play at 69% against Robotics's 13%. Sphero Play also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (37K vs 242). Robotics's advantage is iOS requirement (10.3 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Sphero Play holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sphero Play has 37K ratings behind it against 242, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of Robotics's written reviews are positive against 69% of Sphero Play's.

Robotics ships an update every 5 months, Sphero Play every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Robotics | Sphero Play |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (242 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/robotics-smart-machines/id998947235/reviews) | **[4.8 (37K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-play/id1280682522/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 242 | **37K** |
| Positive reviews | 13.1% of reviews | **69.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 53 MB | 193 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Franckh-Kosmos Verlags GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/375309682) | [Sphero, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/468699622) |

## What reviewers say

### Robotics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/robotics-smart-machines/id998947235)

Control and program robotic models built with specific engineering kits. Utilize Bluetooth connectivity and a visual programming language to script motor movements, sounds, and pauses based on sensor feedback. Includes preloaded programs for various robot models.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth connectivity, Remote-control mode, Visual sensor data display, Script and save programs, Preloaded robot programs, Visual programming language, Sensor-triggered program segments

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Fun and engaging building experience
- 💡 Creative robotics and coding concepts
- 👍 Works well on older iOS devices
- 🎯 Educational value for children

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bluetooth connection crashes app repeatedly
- 📱 Incompatible with modern iOS versions and devices
- ❌ App frequently disconnects mid-use
- 😕 Confusing and poorly written instructions
- ⚠️ No customer support or app updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when pressing Bluetooth button
- Bluetooth fails to connect on iOS 13+ and iPhone 13
- App disconnects during use and won't reconnect
- App freezes and becomes unresponsive
- Bluetooth button stays grey and non-functional

**Requested features**

- Update app for iOS 13+ and modern iPhone compatibility
- Add external control option without Bluetooth dependency
- Improve app stability and connection reliability
- Provide clearer, more detailed instructions
- Add more coding options and programming features


### Sphero Play

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sphero-play/id1280682522)

Control and play with various Sphero robots using a single application. Explore multiple drive modes, engage in robot-controlled games, and learn basic programming through a block-based interface.

**Highlights:** Multiple drive modes (joystick, tilt, voice), Robot-controlled games, Block Drive programming, Sports-themed drive modes, Voice control

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun and engaging app
- 👍 Great controls and customization
- 🎮 Enjoyable games and activities
- 💡 Compatibility with multiple Sphero products

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connectivity issues
- 🔧 Limited features compared to older apps
- 🔋 Concerns about battery life and durability

**Reported bugs**

- Joystick controls not working as expected
- Alignment issues causing unexpected movement

**Requested features**

- More games and activities
- Support for additional Sphero products (e.g. Ollie, BB-8)
- Improved aiming and control precision
- Camera integration to see the Sphero's view


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Robotics free?

Robotics is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sphero Play free?

Sphero Play is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Robotics or Sphero Play?

Sphero Play is rated higher. Robotics averages 2.3 out of 5 from 242 ratings, while Sphero Play averages 4.8 from 37K ratings.

### Do Robotics or Sphero Play have ads?

Neither Robotics nor Sphero Play shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Robotics or Sphero Play?

Robotics ships an update every 5 months, and Sphero Play every 2 months. Most recently, Robotics was updated on November 6, 2026 and Sphero Play on November 7, 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.*