FinchBlox vs Wonder Workshop Blockly
FinchBlox
learn.birdbraintechnologies.comWonder Workshop Blockly
makewonder.comSide by side
| Figure | FinchBlox | Wonder Workshop Blockly |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $10.42/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 6 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.9 (#2) | 7.7 (#18) |
| Headquarters | Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States | 1420 Celebration Blvd, Ste 200, Celebration, FL 34747, USA |
| Privacy | BirdBrain says its software is designed for children under 13 and that personal information is never transmitted to BirdBrain. | Wonder Workshop says Blockly and its other connected apps are downloaded to compatible devices and store user behavior such as puzzle progress locally via cookies. |
| Support | The FinchBlox course directs users with questions to [email protected]. | The maker provides a help and support center and directs users with device compatibility questions to its customer support team. |
Plans
Wonder Workshop Blockly
- Free TierFree
- DistrictPriced on request
- STEM Homeschool$125 a year
- STEM Classroom$199 a year
- STEM Center$1,495 a year
- School$2,495 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.
Wonder Workshop Blockly
Wonder Workshop Blockly is a visual programming app that lets children create programs for the Dash robot using coding challenges, puzzles, and creative projects. Its drag-and-drop interface introduces sequencing, loops, sensors, events, functions, variables, and conditionals, and the product is described as introducing coding to children as young as six. Blockly is available on iOS, Android, and Chrome. The Free Tier requires a physical Dash robot; a paid Make Wonder account adds Virtual Dash in Blockly on iOS and Chrome. Teachers with a Free Tier account or above can track student progress through Blockly Puzzles, including when students share devices. Blockly Pro is available on Chrome with a paid subscription and supports a transition from blocks to JavaScript while programming Dash. The apps do not require internet for use, but downloading requires internet, and Class Connect and web versions require an active connection. Listed paid plans include STEM Homeschool at $125 a year and STEM Classroom at $199 a year; the free tier is also listed.