LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2 — which One Should You Choose?

STEM robots are transforming kids' education, sparking creativity and teaching essential coding skills! As interest in these fun, innovative learning tools continues to rise, robots like LEGO BOOST and Makeblock mBot2 are leading the way. Each offers a unique set of features and exciting learning opportunities.
So, how do you choose the right robot for your family or classroom?
In this guide, we’ll break down the key advantages of LEGO BOOST and mBot2, giving parents and teachers the insights they need to make smart choices that will inspire and challenge young tech enthusiasts.
Get ready to explore the world of robotics, where learning is fun, and creativity knows no limits!

LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2: Overview

We now gather detailed information of all these peoducts and summarize it in a chart for clarity.

LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2: Cost

LEGO is celebrated for its high quality and versatility, though it comes at a premium price. While LEGO BOOST offers great creative possibilities and can be expanded with other LEGO sets, the cost may be a challenge for schools or educators working within tight budgets.
Additionally, some customers recommend purchasing storage containers to organize the pieces, which adds to the overall expense.
Makeblock mBot2 offers a more budget-friendly alternative, combining affordability with strong educational value. This means it provides advanced robotics and programming features without the higher price tag of LEGO BOOST, making it a practical choice for educators looking to maximize their resources.

LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2: Durability

When comparing the durability of LEGO BOOST and Makeblock mBot2, the materials used in their construction play a key role in their resilience.
LEGO BOOST sets are made from plastic, which is more vulnerable to damage from rough handling or impacts. Therefore, LEGO BOOST works well only for light to moderate use in environments with minimal risk of damage and may not be as resilient in high-impact or more active settings.
Makeblock mBot2 features a durable aluminum alloy body, making it far more resilient to drops, rough handling, and long-term wear. This construction makes the mBot2 better suited for active, hands-on environments, offering superior durability compared to LEGO BOOST.

LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2: Charging

LEGO BOOST requires six AAA batteries, which means you'll need to purchase and replace them regularly, leading to ongoing costs and inconvenience. Battery issues can also be frustrating, as recharging requires disassembling parts to access the battery compartment.
Additionally, the reliance on disposable batteries is less eco-friendly, generating waste and requiring frequent replacements, which can be a drawback for environmentally-conscious users.
Makeblock mBot2 comes with a rechargeable battery that can be conveniently charged using a standard cable. This built-in rechargeable battery makes the mBot2 much more user-friendly, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements and offering a more sustainable, cost-effective solution.

LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2: Features

Coding

LEGO BOOST offers only block-based coding, which is visual and beginner-friendly but doesn’t provide a path to text-based coding, limiting its appeal for learners aiming to develop more advanced programming skills. This focus on simplicity may make LEGO BOOST feel more like a building toy than a comprehensive coding tool.
Also, the instructions are accessible mainly through the LEGO BOOST app, which has limited compatibility with certain tablets and may be hindered by parental control settings. As a result, adult supervision is often necessary for children using the app.
Makeblock mBot2, powered by the mBlock platform, offers both block-based and Python coding, enabling students to start with basic blocks and gradually transition to more advanced, text-based programming. This flexibility allows mBot2 to grow with users, supporting everything from beginner-level visual coding to more sophisticated text-based programming.
Additionally, mBot2 includes a physical coding box, enhancing hands-on learning and providing a more immersive educational experience.

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Building

LEGO BOOST primarily utilizes LEGO bricks, which are easy to connect and allow for endless creative possibilities. However, with eleven bags of parts, finding the correct piece can be time-consuming.
The building process is intuitive and emphasizes creative assembly over mechanical structure, so it doesn’t focus on developing advanced engineering skills or working with more complex mechanical components.
In contrast, Makeblock mBot2 provides a more realistic, hands-on building experience, using tools and metal parts, allowing users to develop practical skills in mechanics and engineering. mBot2 is therefore ideal for students who want to move beyond creative play and engage in more technical, skill-building projects.
Makeblock also offers various add-on packs, such as the Smart Work 3-in-1 Add-on Pack,  Inspire Activities Bundle, and Rover Add-on Pack, offering a deeper understanding of real-world robotics and engineering.

Smart Work 3-in-1 Add-on Pack

Inspire Activities Bundle

Rover Add-on Pack

Playing

LEGO BOOST offers a fun and creative experience with its basic sensor setup, making it suitable for younger users or beginners interested in simple robotics play. However, its limited sensor options restrict the variety of interactive scenarios it can handle.
For a more dynamic and engaging play experience, mBot2 is the better choice. Its additional sensors enable a broader range of learning opportunities and more advanced scenarios.
It also supports interactive play such as line-following, obstacle avoidance, object detection, and even complex data-driven experiments. This makes mBot2 ideal for students who want to move beyond basic movements and tackle real-world robotics challenges, offering a richer and more adaptable robotics experience.

LEGO BOOST VS. Makeblock mBot2: Usage Scenarios

For Family Education

While LEGO BOOST offers fun and engaging projects, its coding capabilities are limited to block-based programming. Therefore, for families seeking a tool that can grow with their children’s abilities, LEGO BOOST may become restrictive once basic skills are mastered.
Makeblock mBot2, on the other hand, is perfect for families looking for hands-on, long-term STEM learning. It provides a deeper engagement in robotics, coding, and engineering. The customizable design encourages family collaboration, allowing parents and kids to build and learn together.

For School Education

LEGO BOOST offers creative, straightforward projects that are ideal for shorter lessons or younger learners, making it a great introduction to basic robotics and coding. However, its limited sensors and lack of advanced functions make it less suited for complex projects or in-depth learning, which are essential in many STEM curriculums.
Additionally, the motorized units rely on wireless commands, so the robots cannot operate independently in classroom projects or situations that require them to function away from a wireless connection.
Makeblock mBot2 is better suited for school environments that aim to deliver a comprehensive STEM curriculum. With its hands-on building process, scalable coding from blocks to Python, and a wealth of educational resources, mBot2 supports deeper learning and adaptability across different grades.
Teachers can tailor projects to students' abilities, fostering differentiated learning that keeps both beginners and advanced learners engaged and challenged.

Conclusion

LEGO BOOST and Makeblock mBot2 are both excellent choices for kids beginning to learn coding. However, when compared to LEGO BOOST, the mBot2 stands out with its superior features and performance.
While LEGO BOOST provides a fun, creative experience with basic block-based coding, mBot2 offers the opportunity to progress from beginner to advanced coding with both block-based programming and Python. This flexibility allows kids to grow their coding skills as they advance.
For teachers and parents, mBot2 not only delivers a higher-quality learning tool but also offers greater durability and adaptability for extended use in both the classroom and at home.