Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

mBlock

makeblock.com

Free plan Open source WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
Visit makeblock.com
Spec score 8.8 #3 of 26 in Robotics Education Software

What it is

mBlock 5 is a free coding platform for robotics, STEM, and coding learning. It supports block-based coding and Python, with a one-click switch between the two. Users can create games and animations, then program Makeblock robots and other open-resource hardware. The platform includes AI and IoT features, with integrations described for Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep learning. Supported devices listed include CyberPi, mBot Neo/mBot2, mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mBot Mega, mTiny, Codey Rocky, and xLight. The Extension Builder allows third parties to develop device and sprite extensions. mBlock is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The web version supports direct Bluetooth or serial connections, but not the Bluetooth dongle. The mBlock Python editor programs devices only for CyberPi, and its Upload mode uses MicroPython rather than third-party Python 3 libraries. The Extension Builder works only in Google Chrome.

Spec sheet

What it does
mBlock is a Scratch-based coding platform for creating games, animations and robot programs with blocks or Python.Read 15 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Purpose
mBlock 5 is a coding platform for robotics, STEM, and coding learning.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Audience
The maker describes mBlock 5 as intended for educators, students, makers, and kids.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Integrations
The maker describes support for Makeblock hardware and other open-resource hardware; its help center lists CyberPi, mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mBot Mega, mTiny, Codey Rocky, and xLight as supported devices.Read 4 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Support
The maker links to an mBlock user guide, downloads, and resources from its software page.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Founded
2013Read 28 Sep 2026 · makeblock.com
AI and IoT
The software includes AI and IoT features, and the page says it integrates Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep learning.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
AI integration
The software integrates Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep-learning functions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Android data safety
Google Play states that the developer declares no data shared with third parties and no data collected.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Block coding
mBlock 5 is based on Scratch 3.0 and provides drag-and-drop programming.Read 15 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Classroom integration
mBlock provides homework upload and management through built-in Google Classroom integration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Company founded
Makeblock says it was founded in 2013.Read 15 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Company headquarters
LinkedIn lists headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cn.linkedin.com
Company history
Makeblock says it was founded in 2013 to help people turn ideas into reality and advance education.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Company legal name
Crunchbase identifies the legal name as Makeblock Co., Ltd.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists the company size as 501–1,000 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · cn.linkedin.com
Current desktop release
The download page lists mBlock PC version 5.6.0 released April 8, 2025.Read 15 Oct 2026 · mblock.cc
Data visualization
Data can be visualized with Data Chart or Google Sheets, including line, bar, dual-axis and pie charts.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Documentation depth
The help center covers device connections, extensions, live and upload modes, programming languages, sprite interaction and block-level help.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Extension API
Extension code can use app, device and block objects plus web APIs other than the DOM.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Extension Builder limit
The Extension Builder supports only Google Chrome.Read 4 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Extension limitation
Extension Builder is supported only in Google Chrome.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Extension platform
Extension Builder lets third parties add devices, device extensions and sprite extensions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Extensions
The Extension Builder lets third parties develop device, device, and sprite extensions for mBlock 5.Read 4 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Funding
Crunchbase lists Makeblock as private, headquartered in Shenzhen and having completed a Series C round with 10 investors.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Hardware support
The mobile app supports Makeblock robots plus open hardware such as Arduino and micro:bit.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
iOS privacy disclosure
Apple lists coarse location, photos or videos, audio data and gameplay content as data that may be collected without being linked to identity.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
IoT and data science
mBlock includes IoT and data-science capabilities for coding education.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Languages
It supports block-based coding and Python, with a one-click switch from blocks to Python.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Limit: iPad upload mode
Apple reviewers report that iPad use lacks upload mode and can have live-mode, device-selection and connection problems.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: learning curve
Software Informer says advanced functions require additional time to learn despite the easy initial experience.Read 15 Oct 2026 · mblock.software.informer.com
Limit: mobile robot compatibility
Google Play reviewers report that commands can connect but fail to execute on older mBot or Ranger hardware and that the newer app does not replace older control apps.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Limit: sprite extension errors
An Apple reviewer reports that the sprites extension produces an error.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Machine-learning privacy
Machine Learning 2.0 trains models locally in the browser and says uploaded training data is not sent to Makeblock servers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Notable news: Apple update
The Apple listing records version 2.3.0 on June 2 with updated terms of service and privacy policy.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Notable news: mBlock release
The official update history records desktop version 5.6.0 on April 8, 2025 with Machine Learning 2.0, loop blocks, block search and debugging aids.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Open-source licence
The official Makeblock mBlock repository is marked GPL-2.0, while SourceForge identifies its mirror as GPLv3.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Praise: beginner usability
Software Informer reviewers describe the colorful interface as approachable for novices and easy for starting sprite projects.Read 15 Oct 2026 · mblock.software.informer.com
Praise: robotics education
A Trustpilot reviewer says mBot robots help children learn and another teacher reviewer calls the solution easy to recommend for STEAM classes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Project sharing
The platform includes cloud storage and a community for sharing coding projects.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Projects
Users can create games and animations and program Makeblock robots and other open-resource hardware.Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Python API
The Python editor provides the cyberpi library and API documentation for CyberPi products.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Python device limit
The mBlock Python editor supports device programming only for CyberPi, and its Upload mode supports MicroPython rather than third-party Python 3 libraries.Read 4 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Python transition
Users can switch from blocks to Python with one click.Read 15 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
Rating on Apple App Store
3.1 out of 5 from 155 ratings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Google Play
2.9 out of 5 from 2.06K reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Trustpilot
3.8 out of 5 from 53 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Sensor support
The Android listing says the app supports more than 500 sensors and over 13 sensor types for data collection.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Source availability
The public repository contains source folders, build instructions and an Electron-based future-version note, but identifies branch 3.4.5 as stable and no longer actively updated.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
The desktop download lists Windows 7 or Windows 10 64-bit and macOS 10.12 or newer; Android requires 6.0+ ARM and iOS requires 10.0+ on the download page.Read 15 Oct 2026 · mblock.cc
Web connection
The web version supports direct Bluetooth or serial connections, but the Bluetooth dongle is not supported by that version.Read 4 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com
Web driver
The web version requires the separate mLink driver for device connections.Read 15 Oct 2026 · support.makeblock.com

Plans and prices

mBlock Free block coding · Python coding · robotics · AI and IoT features Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
mBlock 5 Free Free coding platform; block-based and Python coding; AI and IoT features Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com

Every mBlock plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free coding platform for robotics and STEM learning
  • Switches from block coding to Python in one click
  • Supports games, animations, robots, and open hardware
  • Available on mobile, desktop, and web
  • Includes classroom tools and a curriculum library

Limits

  • Extension Builder works only in Google Chrome
  • Python device programming is limited to CyberPi
  • Upload mode uses MicroPython, not third-party Python 3 libraries
  • Web version does not support the Bluetooth dongle

Who it suits

mBlock 5 suits educators, students, makers, and kids learning coding or programming supported robots. It offers both blocks and Python, with classroom tools and a curriculum library listed among its features.

mBlock in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

mBlock 5 is a free coding platform that links screen-based projects with robotics and STEM learning. It suits educators, students, makers and kids who want to progress from visual coding to Python while working with supported hardware. Its classroom tools and curriculum library add structure, but the Python device workflow is narrow.

Key features

Learners can build games and animations, then program Makeblock robots and other open-resource hardware. A one-click switch from blocks to Python offers a straightforward step toward text-based coding without forcing beginners to leave the visual environment behind. AI and IoT features broaden project possibilities, including integrations with Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep learning.

Device support spans CyberPi, mBot Neo/mBot2, mBot, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mBot Mega, mTiny, Codey Rocky and xLight. The Extension Builder allows third parties to develop device and sprite extensions, useful for extending hardware options, but it runs only in Google Chrome. The web version can connect directly over Bluetooth or serial; it does not support the Bluetooth dongle.

Python device programming is limited to CyberPi. Upload mode uses MicroPython and does not support third-party Python 3 libraries, so learners who need a broader Python hardware workflow should look elsewhere.

Pricing

mBlock 5: free. The plan includes a free coding platform, block-based and Python coding, and AI and IoT features. It is a fit for individual learners and classrooms that want coding and supported robot programming without a software subscription. Classroom tools and a curriculum library support educator use. There are no paid tiers or seat or usage caps stated for this plan.

Platforms

mBlock supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS and Android, as well as web access. The Extension Builder's Chrome-only requirement is a separate constraint for extension developers. Web users can connect by Bluetooth or serial, except via the Bluetooth dongle.

Who it's for

Educators can use the classroom tools and curriculum library to support structured coding activities; students and kids can move between blocks, Python, games and supported robots. Makers benefit from the hardware range and third-party extensions. It is less suitable for projects requiring Python device programming beyond CyberPi or Python 3 libraries in Upload mode.

Pros and cons

Pro: Free access combines blocks, Python, AI and IoT features, reducing the software cost of starting coding projects.

Pro: A broad roster of supported robots and hardware, plus classroom tools and a curriculum library, serves both individual projects and teaching.

Con: Python device programming works only with CyberPi, and Upload mode is limited to MicroPython rather than third-party Python 3 libraries.

Con: Extension development requires Google Chrome, while the web version excludes the Bluetooth dongle.

Alternatives

Robotics Education Software is a starting point for comparing tools in this category.

Choose PictoBlox if you want a free individual, non-commercial plan across mobile, desktop and web platforms; commercial use requires contacting its maker.

Sphero Edu is a free app and web option when you have a compatible Sphero robot for programming.

VEXcode may suit learners who want free VR blocks, 15 playgrounds with basic graphics, curriculum and activities, and online resources.

Ozobot Classroom offers a free educator account with 700 lessons and a teacher-focused portal.

Thymio Suite is a free desktop download for users with a Thymio robot.

True Robotics Playground is another free, web-based block-coding option, connecting to True Robotics kits over Bluetooth or USB.

Wonder Workshop Blockly has a free tier for up to 35 students, one teacher and one classroom, with Blockly puzzle tracking; it requires a Dash robot.

Calypso is a paid alternative for personal, non-commercial Cozmo use at $14.95, paid once, with the robot sold separately.

Verdict

Choose mBlock 5 if you want a free, classroom-ready route from block coding to Python with a range of Makeblock robots. Look elsewhere if your hardware Python work needs devices beyond CyberPi or depends on third-party Python 3 libraries.

Verdict

mBlock 5 combines block coding, Python, and hardware programming in a free learning platform. Check its Chrome-only extension builder and CyberPi-only Python device support if those capabilities matter to your setup.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to mBlockAll alternatives →