ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit V4 vs Makeblock mBot Robot Kit with Scratch Coding Box
Specifications
| Spec | ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit V4 | Makeblock mBot Robot Kit with… |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Arduino Uno R3 compatible | — |
| Sensors | Ultrasonic HC-SR04, IR obstacle, line tracking | Ultrasonic, line-following, light sensor |
| Motors | 4× DC gear motors | — |
| Programming | Arduino IDE (C/C++) | Scratch 3.0 / Arduino C |
| Power | 4× AA batteries (not included) | — |
| Age Range | 8–16 years | 8–12 years |
| Connectivity | USB (programming), IR remote (control) | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Projects | — | 4 structured learning modes |
| Battery | — | 4× AA (included for first use) |
| Price | $49 | $89 |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Reviews | 8,200 | 3,100 |
ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit V4
Pros
- ✓Under $50 — the most affordable complete robot car kit on Amazon
- ✓8,000+ reviews means extensive community troubleshooting resources
- ✓Teaches real Arduino C++ programming, not just block-based coding
- ✓Includes ultrasonic, IR, and line-tracking sensors in one kit
Cons
- ✗Assembly takes 2–3 hours and requires a screwdriver
- ✗No built-in display or wireless programming — USB cable required
- ✗Plastic chassis feels cheap compared to metal-frame alternatives
Makeblock mBot Robot Kit with Scra…
Pros
- ✓Structured 4-project curriculum means kids actually complete the learning path
- ✓Scratch + Arduino dual-mode covers both beginners and intermediate learners
- ✓Bluetooth control works with iOS and Android via the mBlock app
- ✓Good build quality — metal chassis holds up to repeated use
Cons
- ✗The Coding Box curriculum is linear — advanced kids may outgrow it quickly
- ✗mBlock app requires account creation, which some parents find intrusive
Verdict
- $ ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit V4 saves $40 — better for budget-conscious buyers.
- ⭐ Makeblock mBot Robot Kit with Scratch Coding Box is rated higher (0.1 stars difference).
- ✦ ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit V4 delivers the best rating-per-dollar.