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Head-to-head · Robotics Education Software

VEXcode vs Sphero Edu

  • 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
Sphero Edu #4 in Robotics Education Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Sphero Edu

VEXcode leads on 1 check, Sphero Edu on 0, and 3 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 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #4.

VEXcode offers robot simulator; Sphero Edu doesn't.

VEXcode is the better fit for VEX programs needing simulation and text coding. Sphero Edu is the better fit for schools using multiple Sphero robots.

  • VEXcode fits best

    VEX programs needing simulation and text coding

  • Sphero Edu fits best

    Schools using multiple Sphero robots

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Side by side

Feature VEXcode 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Sphero Edu 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #3 in Robotics Education Software #4 in Robotics Education Software
Best for VEX programs needing simulation and text coding Schools using multiple Sphero robots
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features VEXcode 3/3 · Sphero Edu 2/3
Robot simulator ✓ (best) —
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 BOLT+, RVR+, RVR, BOLT, Mini, SPRK+, SPRK, Ollie, Sphero 2.0, BB-8, BB-9E, R2-D2, R2-Q5
Learner level Mixed Mixed
Supported platforms web, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android iOS, macOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows, Chrome, Edge
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
  • Supports Draw, block, Python, and JavaScript programming modes
  • Combines classes, assignments, progress tracking, and cloud storage
  • Works with many Sphero robots plus Google Classroom and Clever
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
  • Requires Sphero robot hardware for physical robotics activities
  • No robot simulator is included
  • Bluetooth connection is needed for robot driving and programming
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 →

Sphero Edu is a free robotics education platform for schools, educators, families, and learners working with Sphero robots. It supports beginner through advanced coding with Draw, block, Python, and JavaScript programming, while also…

Read the review →
  1. VEXcodeRobotics Education Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Sphero EduRobotics Education Software 9.0Free 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

  • Sphero Edu — where it wins

    • Supports Draw, block, Python, and JavaScript programming modes
    • Combines classes, assignments, progress tracking, and cloud storage
    • Works with many Sphero robots plus Google Classroom and Clever

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires Sphero robot hardware for physical robotics activities
    • No robot simulator is included
    • Bluetooth connection is needed for robot driving and programming

More comparisons

All robotics education software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update