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Head-to-head · STEM Education Platforms

ExploreLearning Gizmos vs MakeCode

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score ExploreLearning Gizmos #1 in STEM Education Platforms 9.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit site
MakeCode #3 in STEM Education Platforms 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit MakeCode

ExploreLearning Gizmos leads on 0 checks, MakeCode on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreExploreLearning Gizmos · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly ExploreLearning Gizmos

ExploreLearning Gizmos scores higher on our rubric for stem education platforms: 9.2 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

ExploreLearning Gizmos is the better fit for K–12 math and science simulation lessons. MakeCode is the better fit for free coding practice with compatible hardware.

  • ExploreLearning Gizmos fits best

    K–12 math and science simulation lessons

  • MakeCode fits best

    Free coding practice with compatible hardware

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Side by side

Feature ExploreLearning Gizmos 9.2/10 Visit ↗ MakeCode 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.7
Ranking #1 in STEM Education Platforms #3 in STEM Education Platforms
Best for K–12 math and science simulation lessons Free coding practice with compatible hardware
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs Email
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features ExploreLearning Gizmos 0/6 · MakeCode 0/6
Virtual labs Not checked yet Not checked yet
Engineering projects Not checked yet Not checked yet
Coding/robotics curriculum Not checked yet Not checked yet
Teacher dashboard Not checked yet Not checked yet
Standards alignment Not checked yet Not checked yet
VR support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Student seats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • More than 550 interactive math and science simulations, labs, and STEM Cases
  • Guided investigations, lesson materials, and embedded formative assessments
  • Progress reports, heatmaps, and rostering through OneRoster, Clever, or ClassLink
  • Move from drag-and-drop blocks to text-based coding.
  • Test and debug programs in an interactive target simulator.
  • Download code for compatible physical hardware.
Cons
  • Free access is limited to a rotating collection of Gizmos
  • School and district subscriptions require a customized quote
  • Focuses on math and science rather than a broad range of subjects
  • Editors and features vary by target.
  • It is a target-specific framework, not a general-purpose playground.
  • The listed support channel is email.
Our verdict

ExploreLearning Gizmos brings interactive math and science simulations, virtual labs, STEM Cases, and guided investigations into a browser-based platform for grades 3–12. It is designed for schools and districts that want students to…

Read the review →

MakeCode is a free, web-based framework for target-specific coding experiences, aimed primarily at computer science learners and educators. Its editors support drag-and-drop blocks and text-based coding, including JavaScript and Python in…

Read the review →
  1. ExploreLearning GizmosSTEM Education Platforms 9.2Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. MakeCodeSTEM Education Platforms 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ExploreLearning Gizmos — where it wins

    • More than 550 interactive math and science simulations, labs, and STEM Cases
    • Guided investigations, lesson materials, and embedded formative assessments
    • Progress reports, heatmaps, and rostering through OneRoster, Clever, or ClassLink

    Where it doesn't

    • Free access is limited to a rotating collection of Gizmos
    • School and district subscriptions require a customized quote
    • Focuses on math and science rather than a broad range of subjects

  • MakeCode — where it wins

    • Move from drag-and-drop blocks to text-based coding.
    • Test and debug programs in an interactive target simulator.
    • Download code for compatible physical hardware.

    Where it doesn't

    • Editors and features vary by target.
    • It is a target-specific framework, not a general-purpose playground.
    • The listed support channel is email.
  • ExploreLearning Gizmos9.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A K–12 STEM platform pairing simulations with guided investigations and classroom assessment tools.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • MakeCode8.7/10 · Free plan

    MakeCode pairs block and text editors with target simulation and code downloads.

    Visit MakeCodeFull verdict →

More comparisons

All STEM education platforms comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update