Makeblock mBot vs Sphero RVR+
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| MakeblockmBot | SpheroRVR+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | – | – |
| Task and control | ||
| Form | Wheeled | Wheeled |
| Use | Education | Education |
| User programming | Yes | Yes |
| Phone app | Yes | Yes |
| Movement | – | Tracked mobile platform supplied assembled. |
| User programming | Block programming and Arduino C/C++. | Sphero Edu blocks, JavaScript and Python; Sphero Public SDK supports third-party hardware integrations. |
| Regional availability | Blue P1050017 and Pink 90107 variants orderable on 3 October 2026. Orderable on the maker store on 3 October 2026; maker states delivery to the contiguous United States only. | Individual robot SKU 940-0601 is orderable from the maker US store on 3 October 2026. |
| Release details | Exact first-sale date not established from the maker evidence read. | The current maker range confirms RVR+ but its first-sale date was not established. Original RVR launch dates and reviews are not applied to RVR+. |
| Hardware | ||
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Processing | mCore controller at 16 MHz. | – |
| Sensors | Light and ultrasonic sensors, infrared emitter and line-following module. | Colour sensor, light sensor, infrared, gyroscope and accelerometer. |
| Audio | Buzzer. | – |
| Connections | Maker lists USB, Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz radio option; the radio option is not described as Wi-Fi. | Bluetooth, infrared communication and universal expansion port; Raspberry Pi and micro:bit additions are optional. |
| Accessories | mBot2 is a separate selectable product on this store page; its photographs and specifications are excluded. | Individual robot and classroom packs are separate products; expansion computing boards are not assumed included. |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life (maker's claim) | – | 2 hours of play |
| Battery | Four AA batteries or an optional 3.7 V 1800 mAh lithium-polymer pack. Capacity is not assigned to AA configurations. | Swappable rechargeable battery. |
| Runtime conditions | Maker lists approximately 1 hour runtime and 3–4 hours charging alongside its rechargeable-pack option; these are not an AA-battery guarantee. | – |
