FinchBlox vs Ohbot App
FinchBlox
learn.birdbraintechnologies.comOhbot App
ohbot.co.ukSide by side
| Figure | FinchBlox | Ohbot App |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | £6.25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.9 (#2) | 7.8 (#14) |
| Headquarters | Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States | Chalford, Gloucestershire, UK |
| Support | The FinchBlox course directs users with questions to [email protected]. | Ohbot provides a support ticket form and directs users to contact its support team for help with technical documentation and language installation. |
| Who it is for | The maker describes Level 1 as appropriate for absolute beginners age 5 and up. | Ohbot describes its audience as beginners, makers and educators, including students in primary, secondary and university settings. |
Plans
Ohbot App
- OhbotApp2 trialFree
- OhbotApp2 licence — monthly£9.99 a month
- OhbotApp2 licence — annual£74.99 a year
In their own words
FinchBlox
FinchBlox is BirdBrain Technologies’ block-based coding app for programming the Finch Robot 2.0. Its three levels build from sequencing the robot’s motors, lights, and buzzer to using parameters, sensors, loops, and concurrent sequences. Students can change code while it runs and remain connected to the robot. The app is free, but connecting the Finch requires a micro:bit with a specific Bluetooth .hex file, placed there using a computer with a USB port. FinchBlox is listed for Windows, Mac, Chrome/Chromebook, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire. BirdBrain provides tutorials, block descriptions, classroom activities, and a teacher video course; activities include math, mazes, drawing, dance, and stories. The maker says its software is designed for children under 13, requests only permissions needed to function, and does not transmit personal information to BirdBrain. Bluetooth permission is required, and Android also requires location permission for Bluetooth.