The short verdict
For a single child at home, buy the Makeblock mBot2. It costs $149.99, is rated 8+, and offers blocks, Python and Arduino in one robot.
Buy the Sphero BOLT+ at $199 if you want zero building, you code on an iPad, or many kids will share the robot. Sphero rates it for grades 3 to 10.
Build vs ready to roll
The mBot2 comes as a kit. Kids attach the wheels, sensors and CyberPi controller with a screwdriver. That build teaches how the parts fit together, and Makeblock says it works with LEGO bricks and over 500 Makeblock parts.
The BOLT+ is a sealed ball. There is nothing to assemble and nothing to lose. Kids open the Sphero Edu app and start driving.
If your child loves building, the mBot2 is more fun for longer. If they just want to code, BOLT+ gets there faster.
Sensors and screen
mBot2 has more sensors. Makeblock lists an ultrasonic distance sensor, a quad RGB sensor for line following and color, plus a light sensor, microphone, gyroscope and accelerometer on CyberPi. It also has 8 motor and servo ports for add ons.
BOLT+ adds ambient light and distance readings to the original BOLT's light sensor, infrared sensors and compass, per Sphero support. Its 128 by 128 pixel LCD shows animations and live sensor data.
Both robots can show messages and images on their screens.
Coding apps and Python
mBot2 uses Makeblock's mBlock. Kids start with Scratch style blocks and switch to Python in the same app. CyberPi also works with the Arduino IDE for C and C++.
BOLT+ uses the free Sphero Edu app. Kids can draw a path, use blocks, or write JavaScript or Python. Sphero Edu runs on iOS, Android, Chromebooks, Mac, Windows and Kindle.
If you only have an iPad, BOLT+ is the safer pick. Stemfinity lists mBot2 support for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android.
Battery and durability
Makeblock lists a 2500 mAh battery in mBot2 with about 5 hours of play and a 1 hour USB charge. The body is aluminum alloy.
Sphero says BOLT+ lasts a full school day, typically 6 to 8 hours, and charges wirelessly on any Qi pad. The shell is waterproof.
For heavy daily use in a classroom, BOLT+ is the easier robot to keep running.
Classroom use
Sphero sells a BOLT+ Power Pack with 15 robots and a charging case for $3,499. That works out to about $233 per robot, with storage and charging handled for you.
Makeblock and resellers like RobotShop sell mBot2 classroom packs. mBot2 costs less per robot, but each one needs to be built and stored with its parts.
Teachers with Chromebooks and short class periods often prefer BOLT+. Robotics clubs that want building and Arduino often prefer mBot2.
Questions parents ask
Is mBot2 or Sphero BOLT+ better for my kid?
For most kids 8 and up, the Makeblock mBot2 is better. It costs $149.99, is rated 8+, has more sensors and adds Arduino. Pick the Sphero BOLT+ at $199, rated for grades 3 to 10, if you want no building.
How much does Sphero BOLT+ cost?
Sphero sells the single BOLT+ robot for $199 on its own store. A 15 robot Power Pack costs $3,499.
What age is Sphero BOLT+ for?
Sphero lists BOLT+ for grades 3 to 10, which is roughly ages 8 to 16. It costs $199.
What age is the Makeblock mBot2 for?
Makeblock rates mBot2 for ages 8 and up and suggests adult help for younger kids. It costs $149.99 at Makeblock.
Can you code Sphero BOLT+ and mBot2 in Python?
Yes. mBot2 ($149.99, 8+) uses Python in Makeblock's mBlock app. Sphero BOLT+ ($199, grades 3 to 10) uses Python or JavaScript in Sphero Edu.
Does mBot2 work on an iPad?
Stemfinity lists mBot2 support for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android, not iPad. If you only have an iPad, the Sphero BOLT+ at $199 runs Sphero Edu on iOS.
Which has better battery life, mBot2 or BOLT+?
Sphero says BOLT+ lasts about 6 to 8 hours. Makeblock lists about 5 hours for mBot2 from a 2500 mAh battery.
Is the original Sphero BOLT still sold?
Yes. Sphero lists the original BOLT at $179. It has an 8 by 8 LED matrix instead of BOLT+'s screen and about 2 hours of typical battery life, per Sphero support.