Comparison table
 mBotMakeblock |  Botley 2.0Learning Resources |  Codey RockyMakeblock |  mBot2Makeblock |  Ozobot EvoOzobot |  Sphero BOLTSphero |  DashWonder Workshop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||||||
| Price range | $69.99 – $149.99 | $79.99 | $139.99 – $157.99 | $149.99 – $279.99 | $175.00 | $179 – $199 | $189.99 |
| Version compared | mBot kit $69.99 | Robot set $79.99 ($63.44 on Amazon) | Codey Rocky $139.99 | One robot $149.99 | Evo Entry Kit $175 | BOLT $179 (BOLT+ $199 adds a screen) | Dash $189.99 |
| Also needed | 4 AA batteries, and a tablet or computer | 5 AAA batteries | Tablet or computer | Tablet or computer | Nothing for marker codes. A tablet or computer for apps | Tablet or computer | Tablet or computer. Text coding needs a paid subscription |
| Age and setup | |||||||
| Suggested ages | 6+ | 5+ | 6+ | 6+ | 5–11 | 8+ | 6–11 |
| Assembly | Build it, about 15 minutes | None | None | Light assembly (unconfirmed) | None | None | None |
| Coding | |||||||
| Screen-free coding | – No | ● Yes | – No | – No | ● Yes | – No | – No |
| Block coding | mBlock (Scratch-based) | No | mBlock (Scratch-based) | mBlock (Scratch-based) | Ozobot Blockly | Sphero Edu blocks and drawing | Wonder, Blockly and Path apps |
| Text coding | Arduino C, plus a Python library | No | Python in mBlock | Python, MicroPython and Arduino C | Python in the Ozobot editor | JavaScript and Python | JavaScript and Python with a paid subscription |
| Hardware | |||||||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic distance, line follower, light, IR | Obstacle detection, light | Color, light, sound, gyro, IR, LED face | Ultrasonic distance, 4-way color, light, microphone, gyro, color screen | Line and color sensors, proximity | Gyro, compass, light, IR, LED matrix | IR obstacle sensors, microphones |
| Battery | 4 AA, about 1 h | 3 AAA in the robot | Built-in, 1–2 h | Built-in, about 5 h | Built-in rechargeable | Built-in rechargeable | Built-in, about 5 h |
| Purchasing | |||||||
| Shipping to the US | 8–13 business days from Makeblock, or Amazon | 1–2 days (Amazon) | 8–13 business days from Makeblock, or Amazon | 8–13 business days from Makeblock, or Amazon | 5–7 business days, faster on Amazon | Days | Not published |
| Classroom packs | mBot-S class kit, $79.99 per pack | Not listed | $139.99 per robot | 6 robots for $1,199.99 | 6 robots for $999 | 15 BOLT+ for $3,499 | Not listed |
Highlighted cells are the strongest in their row. Speeds marked (est.) are not published by the maker. They come from owner measurements or the makers' gait code, explained on each robot page. Prices are US list prices as of September 2026. Each robot's page has full specs, sources and photos.
Which one fits
- Botley 2.0 is the gentlest start for ages 5 to 7. Kids code it with arrow cards and a remote, with no screen at all, though it is outgrown once a child is ready for blocks.
- mBot is the cheapest, and kids build it themselves in about 15 minutes. It moves from Scratch-style blocks to Arduino C, but batteries cost extra and a tablet or computer is needed.
- Codey Rocky needs no assembly and wins younger kids over with its LED face, with Python waiting in the same app for later.
- mBot2 is one kids can grow into. It has real Python, a color screen, the most sensors and a 5-hour battery, so it lasts from about age 8 into the teens.
- Ozobot Evo works both ways, reading colored marker codes on paper with no screen, then moving up to blocks and Python. It is tiny, so it suits a desk more than a living room floor.
- Sphero BOLT is a waterproof rolling ball with a compass and a light grid, a fixture in school STEM programs with JavaScript and Python for ages 8 and up.
- Dash has the most personality, with a turning head, voice responses and polished apps for ages 6 to 11, though text coding sits behind a paid subscription.
The robots
mBotMakeblock (China)$69.99 – $149.99Botley 2.0Learning Resources (USA)$79.99Codey RockyMakeblock (China)$139.99 – $157.99mBot2 / mBot NeoMakeblock (China)$149.99 – $279.99Ozobot EvoOzobot (USA)$175.00Sphero BOLT / BOLT+Sphero (USA)$179 – $199Wonder Workshop DashWonder Workshop, now MORAVIA Education (USA)$189.99