MakeCode vs Labster

MakeCode8.7Visit Labster8.4Visit

Higher score MakeCode #3 in STEM Education Platforms 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit MakeCode

vs

Labster #6 in STEM Education Platforms 8.4/10 Pricing on request ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Labster

• MakeCode fits best

  Free coding practice with compatible hardware

• Labster fits best

  Institutions teaching science through virtual labs

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Side by side

Feature	MakeCode 8.7/10 Visit ↗	Labster 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	8.4
Ranking	#3 in STEM Education Platforms	#6 in STEM Education Platforms
Best for	Free coding practice with compatible hardware	Institutions teaching science through virtual labs
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	Pricing on request
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud	Cloud
Platforms	Web	Web
Support	Email	Email, Live chat, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features MakeCode 0/6 · Labster 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	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.	300+ interactive science simulations across multiple subjects Automatic grading, customizable quizzes, and real-time student feedback Integrates with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L Brightspace, and Schoology
Cons	Editors and features vary by target. It is a target-specific framework, not a general-purpose playground. The listed support channel is email.	No permanent free plan Pricing is customized by program or institution Requires web access and is centered on virtual science simulations
Our verdict	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 →	Labster provides interactive virtual science labs for high schools, colleges, and universities. Its catalog spans biology, chemistry, physics, health sciences, and related STEM courses, with 300+ simulations and guided inquiry activities.… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• 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.

• Labster — where it wins

  • 300+ interactive science simulations across multiple subjects
  • Automatic grading, customizable quizzes, and real-time student feedback
  • Integrates with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, D2L Brightspace, and Schoology

  Where it doesn't

  • No permanent free plan
  • Pricing is customized by program or institution
  • Requires web access and is centered on virtual science simulations

• MakeCode8.7/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit MakeCodeFull verdict →
• Labster8.4/10 · Pricing on request

  A broad library of guided science simulations with LMS-based teaching and assessment tools.

  Visit LabsterFull verdict →