EdScratch vs Sphero Edu
EdScratch
edscratchapp.comSphero Edu
edu.sphero.comSide by side
| Figure | EdScratch | Sphero Edu |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.9 (#1) | 7.8 (#15) |
| Founded | 2018 | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Grange, South Australia, Australia | Greenville, Texas, United States |
| Integrations | The maker describes EdScratch projects and programming challenges used with the EdCreate Edison robot creator’s kit. | Clever can sync teacher and student accounts and class rosters; changes in Sphero Central do not update Clever. |
| Purpose | EdScratch is a Scratch-based, vertical drag-and-drop visual programming language for Edison robots. | Sphero Edu is a coding app for programming Sphero robots, with lessons and activities for learning. |
| Security | The opened EdScratch product and support pages did not state security or compliance certifications. | Sphero says user data is password protected, stored in a secure database, and encrypted in transit and at rest. |
| Support | The maker provides tutorials, troubleshooting FAQs, a warning-message guide, and contact options for support. | Sphero customer support is available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time. |
Plans
In their own words
EdScratch
EdScratch is a free, browser-based block programming environment for Edison robots. Its vertical drag-and-drop language is based on Scratch and is described as suitable for students aged 10 and up, including those new to coding. It has versions for Edison V2 and V3, with blocks for driving, LEDs, sound, data, events, control, sensing, operators, and comments. Programs can control robot inputs, manipulate data, and use variables. A built-in bug box checks programs and displays warnings. Users can save programs to a computer and load saved EdScratch files into the online app. Edison V3 can receive programs by USB from a computer or by optical flashing from an iPad; V1 and V2 use the EdComm cable. A free lesson set offers 98 student activity options across six units, along with a teacher’s guide. EdScratch runs online on the web, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Android, and requires an internet connection. The interface is in English, while lesson resources are available in multiple languages.
Sphero Edu
Sphero Edu is a coding app for programming Sphero robots, with lessons and activities for learners. Depending on the app version, learners can use Draw, Blocks, JavaScript, or Python; a Drive mode connects to compatible robots over Bluetooth. The app includes hundreds of lessons, including standards-aligned activities. Educators can manage classes and assign work, and users can create programs to share with the community. Sphero Edu is free, with app and web access; robot programming requires a compatible Sphero robot. It runs on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and the web. Web robot connections use Web Bluetooth, which is listed as supported in Chrome and Edge, but not Safari, Firefox, or Opera. The web app supports BOLT+, BOLT, RVR/RVR+, and Mini, rather than every robot supported by native apps. Users can drive, program, and complete lessons without logging in or sharing personal information. Google Classroom roster syncing is read-only.