mBlock vs SaySpark
mBlock
makeblock.comSaySpark
sayspark.caSide by side
| Figure | mBlock | SaySpark |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.8 (#3) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Founded | 2013 | The founder's portfolio dates SaySpark's founding and early-access launch to 2026. |
| Purpose | mBlock 5 is a coding platform for robotics, STEM, and coding learning. | SaySpark is a robotics education platform where children talk to an AI tutor and use a simulator or Spark Mini robot to explore engineering challenges. |
| Support | The maker links to an mBlock user guide, downloads, and resources from its software page. | SaySpark says support requests normally receive a human response within one business day. |
| 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. | The desktop app requires at least 4 GB RAM, recommends 8 GB and needs about 600 MB of disk space. |
| What it does | mBlock is a Scratch-based coding platform for creating games, animations and robot programs with blocks or Python. | SaySpark combines a voice AI tutor, 3D robotics simulator, curriculum and classroom tools for children, families and schools. |
Plans
In their own words
mBlock
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.
SaySpark
SaySpark is a robotics education platform for children, available through the web, Windows 10 or 11, and an Android companion. Children speak requests to the Spark AI tutor, hear its plan in plain language, and ask follow-up questions. The Spark Mini robot adds a microphone, speaker, camera, ultrasonic sensor, and motion sensor for spoken interaction, vision, distance measurement, and turns. It can tackle unfamiliar mazes, explain decisions at junctions, and use its camera to confirm an exit. A browser simulator provides challenges, a sandbox, world builder, and WASD controls, with five prompts available without an account. Lessons are arranged by age band with XP, badges, and a visible learning path. Classroom activities use class codes; teachers receive rosters, leaderboards, and assessments. The Windows download includes more than 20 guided challenges across five domains. Early access is free, with every feature unlocked; Spark Mini is separate hardware.