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Head-to-head · Robotics Education Software

VEXcode vs mBlock

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score VEXcode #3 in Robotics Education Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit VEXcode
mBlock #5 in Robotics Education Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit mBlock

VEXcode leads on 0 checks, mBlock on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreVEXcode · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresVEXcode · 3 of 3

VEXcode scores higher on our rubric for robotics education software: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

VEXcode is the better fit for VEX programs needing simulation and text coding. mBlock is the better fit for broad, free classroom robotics projects.

  • VEXcode fits best

    VEX programs needing simulation and text coding

  • mBlock fits best

    Broad, free classroom robotics projects

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature VEXcode 9.1/10 Visit ↗ mBlock 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #3 in Robotics Education Software #5 in Robotics Education Software
Best for VEX programs needing simulation and text coding Broad, free classroom robotics projects
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features VEXcode 3/3 · mBlock 2/3
Robot simulator ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Classroom tools ✓ ✓
Curriculum library ✓ ✓
Specs
Coding modes Block_and_text Block_and_text
Supported robots VEX 123, VEX GO, VEX AIM, VEX IQ, VEX EXP, VEX V5, VEX CTE, VEX AIR CyberPi, mBot Neo/mBot2, mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mBot Mega, mTiny, Codey Rocky, xLight
Learner level Mixed Mixed
Supported platforms web, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android
Our review
Pros
  • Supports blocks, Switch, Python, and C++ coding modes
  • Virtual robot simulation with playgrounds and curriculum activities
  • Covers eight VEX platforms across web, desktop, and mobile
  • Block-based coding can transition directly to Python.
  • Supports robotics, AI, IoT, games and animation projects.
  • Includes curriculum resources and Google Classroom homework management.
Cons
  • Paid VR plans are priced per educator per year
  • VR features are divided across separate plan tiers
  • The software family uses platform-specific applications
  • Simulation is outside the platform's stated focus.
  • Classroom integration is centered on Google Classroom.
  • Learners outside robotics, STEM and programming may find its scope specialized.
Our verdict

VEXcode is VEX Robotics’ coding environment for educational and virtual robots, designed for learners and educators using VEX platforms from kindergarten through college. It supports block-based drag-and-drop coding, Switch Blocks for…

Read the review →

mBlock 5 is a free, open-source coding platform for robotics, STEM and programming education. Built around Scratch 3.0-based block programming, it also supports a one-click transition to Python, making it suitable for mixed learner levels.…

Read the review →
  1. VEXcodeRobotics Education Software 9.1Free plan
  2. mBlockRobotics Education Software 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • VEXcode — where it wins

    • Supports blocks, Switch, Python, and C++ coding modes
    • Virtual robot simulation with playgrounds and curriculum activities
    • Covers eight VEX platforms across web, desktop, and mobile

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid VR plans are priced per educator per year
    • VR features are divided across separate plan tiers
    • The software family uses platform-specific applications
  • mBlock — where it wins

    • Block-based coding can transition directly to Python.
    • Supports robotics, AI, IoT, games and animation projects.
    • Includes curriculum resources and Google Classroom homework management.

    Where it doesn't

    • Simulation is outside the platform's stated focus.
    • Classroom integration is centered on Google Classroom.
    • Learners outside robotics, STEM and programming may find its scope specialized.
  • VEXcode9.1/10 · Free plan

    A flexible VEX coding environment with simulation, classroom tools, and text-based programming.

    Visit VEXcodeFull verdict →
  • mBlock8.9/10 · Free plan

    A broad free platform for block-to-Python robotics education across classroom and mobile environments.

    Visit mBlockFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update