mBlock vs Wonder Workshop Blockly
mBlock
makeblock.comWonder Workshop Blockly
makewonder.comSide by side
| Figure | mBlock | 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 | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 6 |
| Spec score · Robotics Education Software | 8.8 (#3) | 7.7 (#18) |
| Languages | It supports block-based coding and Python, with a one-click switch from blocks to Python. | Blockly supports English, French, German, Korean, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese on supported platforms; Kindle Fire supports English only. |
| Purpose | mBlock 5 is a coding platform for robotics, STEM, and coding learning. | Blockly lets children make programs for the Dash robot using coding challenges and a drag-and-drop visual programming interface. |
| Support | The maker links to an mBlock user guide, downloads, and resources from its software page. | 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
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.
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.