mBlock
What it is
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. Learners 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 include CyberPi, mBot models, mBot Ranger, Ultimate 2.0, mTiny, Codey Rocky, and xLight. mBlock is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, and is intended for educators, students, makers, and kids. The web version supports direct Bluetooth or serial connections, but not the Bluetooth dongle. The Python editor can program devices only for CyberPi; its Upload mode uses MicroPython rather than third-party Python 3 libraries. Extension Builder enables third-party extensions, but works only in Google Chrome.
For and against
For
- Free coding platform for robotics, STEM, and learning.
- Supports block-based coding and Python.
- One-click switch from blocks to Python.
- Available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.
- Supports listed Makeblock devices and other open-resource hardware.
Against
- Python device programming is limited to CyberPi.
- Upload mode uses MicroPython, not third-party Python 3 libraries.
- Extension Builder works only in Google Chrome.
- Web version does not support the Bluetooth dongle.
The verdict
mBlock 5 offers a free route into block-based and Python coding across a broad range of platforms. Check the CyberPi restriction for Python device programming and the browser limits for extensions and Bluetooth use.
Who it suits
mBlock suits educators, students, makers, and kids learning coding through robotics, games, or animations. It is relevant to users working with supported Makeblock or open-resource hardware.
Plans and prices
mBlock
block coding · Python coding · robotics · AI and IoT features
Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
mBlock 5
Free coding platform; block-based and Python coding; AI and IoT features
Read 4 Oct 2026 · makeblock.com
On the record
- AI and IoT
- The software includes AI and IoT features, and the page says it integrates Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep learning.makeblock.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- AI integration
- The software integrates Microsoft Cognitive Services and Google deep-learning functions.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Android data safety
- Google Play states that the developer declares no data shared with third parties and no data collected.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The maker describes mBlock 5 as intended for educators, students, makers, and kids.makeblock.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Block coding
- mBlock 5 is based on Scratch 3.0 and provides drag-and-drop programming.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Classroom integration
- mBlock provides homework upload and management through built-in Google Classroom integration.support.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company founded
- Makeblock says it was founded in 2013.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- LinkedIn lists headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.cn.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company history
- Makeblock says it was founded in 2013 to help people turn ideas into reality and advance education.makeblock.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company legal name
- Crunchbase identifies the legal name as Makeblock Co., Ltd.crunchbase.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists the company size as 501–1,000 employees.cn.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Current desktop release
- The download page lists mBlock PC version 5.6.0 released April 8, 2025.mblock.cc · read 15 Oct 2026
- Data visualization
- Data can be visualized with Data Chart or Google Sheets, including line, bar, dual-axis and pie charts.play.google.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- The help center covers device connections, extensions, live and upload modes, programming languages, sprite interaction and block-level help.support.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Extension API
- Extension code can use app, device and block objects plus web APIs other than the DOM.support.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Extension Builder limit
- The Extension Builder supports only Google Chrome.support.makeblock.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Extension limitation
- Extension Builder is supported only in Google Chrome.support.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Extension platform
- Extension Builder lets third parties add devices, device extensions and sprite extensions.support.makeblock.com · read 15 Oct 2026
