How to Choose Between Makeblock Robot Kits: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Quick answer

If you already own an mBot, start with the Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot to add new movement challenges, and pair it with the mBot Coding Box for structured coding practice. For schools building a makerspace, the MakerSpace Kits - Electronic Modules 7 offers the broadest electronics expansion. There is no single best Makeblock robot kit; the right choice depends on whether you need to expand an existing robot, teach coding fundamentals, or equip a full lab.

Makeblock makes it easy to start with one robot and then grow in several directions. That flexibility is great, but it also means you can end up buying parts that do not match your teaching goals or your existing hardware. This comparison looks at four real Makeblock products from our catalog, explains what each one actually does, and points out where each falls short.

We will focus on the Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot, the mBot Coding Box, the Rechargeable Li-polymer Battery for mBot Robot Kit, and the MakerSpace Kits - Electronic Modules 7. These cover the most common decisions: adding new behaviors to an mBot, teaching coding with paper-based lessons, keeping an mBot running, and scaling up to a full makerspace. For each, we will state the trade-off so you can match the kit to your situation.

What each Makeblock kit actually gives you

The Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot transforms an existing mBot into a six-legged walker. According to the catalog, you can build a beetle, mantis, or crazy frog, and the included instructions teach assembly within 10 minutes. Control and programming happen through the mBlock blocks app or the advanced mBlock software. The trade-off is that this is an add-on, not a standalone robot, so you must already own an mBot. It is also a mechanical expansion, not an electronics one.

The mBot Coding Box is a paper-based learning kit that covers LEDs control, remote control, line following, and obstacle avoidance. It is designed for independent learning with step-by-step instructions and aims to build concentration. The trade-off is that it is a curriculum supplement, not a robot itself. You still need an mBot to run the activities. It works best when you want structured, screen-light coding practice rather than open-ended building.

• Check whether a product is a standalone robot or an add-on before buying.
• Match the kit to your existing hardware: mBot add-ons require an mBot.

How to compare Makeblock robots for different settings

For a single classroom or home user, the decision usually comes down to expanding an mBot versus adding a structured coding curriculum. The Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot adds new physical challenges and keeps students engaged with a robot they already know. The mBot Coding Box adds ready-made lessons that build coding confidence. Both are low-cost entry points, but they serve different purposes: one is about building and movement, the other is about coding concepts and independent practice.

For schools or clubs that need to support many students and multiple projects, the MakerSpace Kits - Electronic Modules 7 is a different category entirely. It includes electronic modules intended for MakeX events and is part of Makeblock's Maker Education Solutions. The trade-off is cost and scale: it is a significant investment, and it assumes you have the structural parts and storage to manage a shared resource. It is not a first purchase for a single student.

• List your top three learning outcomes before comparing kits.
• Consider total cost of ownership: add-ons need a base robot, and makerspace kits need storage and organization.

Battery and power considerations for mBot kits

The Rechargeable Li-polymer Battery for mBot Robot Kit is a practical accessory that keeps an mBot running. It charges in about 1 hour via the mBot's USB cable and lasts up to 2–5 hours in offline mode, with protective cases against overcharge, overdischarge, short circuit, and overcurrent. The trade-off is that it does not include a charger, so you need to plan how you will charge multiple batteries if you have a classroom set. It is not a glamorous purchase, but it prevents downtime during lessons.

If you are comparing kits for a group, factor in power management. A single rechargeable battery per robot is convenient, but for a class you may want spares. The catalog does not list a multi-battery charger, so you would charge them one by one via USB. That is a real limitation for large groups. For a single user or a small club, it is a simple upgrade that beats disposable batteries.

• Buy at least one spare battery per robot if you run long sessions.
• Plan charging logistics before you commit to a large number of mBots.

Trade-offs to weigh before you buy

• Add-on vs. standalone: The Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot requires an existing mBot, while the mBot Coding Box also needs an mBot to run its activities. Neither is a complete robot on its own. If you do not own an mBot, budget for one first.
• Coding curriculum vs. mechanical expansion: The mBot Coding Box focuses on coding concepts and independent learning, while the Six-legged add-on focuses on building and movement. Choose based on whether you want to teach programming or engineering.
• Individual vs. institutional scale: The MakerSpace Kits - Electronic Modules 7 is designed for schools and MakeX events, with a much higher price and a need for storage and organization. Only choose this if you are equipping a lab or competition team, not a single student.
• Power management: The Rechargeable Li-polymer Battery for mBot Robot Kit charges via USB and does not include a charger, so charging multiple batteries takes time. For classrooms, buy spares and plan charging routines.

Product facts at a glance

• Six-legged Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot: Transforms an mBot into a beetle, mantis, or crazy frog; includes instructions for assembly within 10 minutes; controlled via mBlock blocks app or software. mBot not included. Adds new movement challenges for existing mBot owners without buying a new robot.
• mBot Coding Box: Covers LEDs control, remote control, line following, and obstacle avoidance with paper-based materials and step-by-step instructions for independent learning. Provides structured coding practice that builds concentration and suits beginners to coding masters.
• Rechargeable Li-polymer Battery for mBot Robot Kit: Charges in 1 hour via mBot's USB cable; lasts 2–5 hours in offline mode; protective cases prevent overcharge, overdischarge, short circuit, and overcurrent. Charger not included. Reduces downtime and ongoing battery costs for frequent mBot use.
• MakerSpace Kits - Electronic Modules 7: Includes electronic modules intended for MakeX events; part of Makeblock's Maker Education Solutions for schools to create a makerspace. Supports robotics competitions and advanced projects when you need a shared electronics library.

Which Makeblock kit fits your situation?

Best for

• Existing mBot owners who want to add new movement challenges and building projects.
• Teachers who need structured, paper-based coding lessons that students can follow independently.
• Schools or clubs equipping a makerspace or preparing for MakeX events with a broad set of electronic modules.

Not for

• Buyers who do not already own an mBot and want a complete robot out of the box.
• Anyone looking for a single all-in-one kit that covers both building and coding without additional purchases.
• Home users who only need a simple, low-cost robot and do not plan to expand.

There is no universal best Makeblock robot kit, only the one that matches your hardware, your teaching goals, and your budget. Start by deciding whether you are expanding an mBot, teaching coding, or building a shared makerspace. That decision will point you to the right product faster than any spec sheet.