Makeblock mBot2 review

Makeblock mBot2 is the most engineering-heavy toy on this list. It comes as a kit: the CyberPi main controller, an mBot2 Shield, an ultrasonic sensor, a quad RGB sensor, encoder motors, a chassis, wheels, a screwdriver and a line-following track. Children build the robot, then program it in block code and move to Python in the same mBlock software, and CyberPi also supports the Arduino IDE for C and C++. The built-in 2500 mAh battery gives about 5 hours of play and charges in an hour over USB. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi let one mBot2 pass instructions to another, and up to 10 mBuild modules can be chained on. Makeblock adds 8+ free basic courses and 24+ free learning cases with step-by-step guides. At $149.99 on sale from $177.99 it costs more than Ozo at Home, and the build is a real project that younger children will need help with. Makeblock also notes it ships only to the contiguous United States.

Who it is for

older children ready to build a robot and move from blocks to Python

Price

$149.99 on makeblock.com (list $177.99).

1 Robot $149.99 $177.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Built from parts: CyberPi controller, mBot2 Shield, ultrasonic sensor, quad RGB sensor, encoder motors and chassis
• Block-based coding and Python in the same software, with Arduino IDE support on CyberPi
• Built-in 2500 mAh rechargeable battery, about 5 hours of play and a 1-hour charge
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so several mBot2 robots can communicate
• Up to 10 mBuild modules can be chained on for bigger projects

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Only pick here that children assemble from separate parts
• Strength: Grows from block coding to Python without new hardware
• Strength: Aluminum body that Makeblock describes as built for long-term use
• Weakness: Assembly and setup take more adult help than a ready-made robot
• Weakness: Makeblock ships orders only within the contiguous United States
• Weakness: AI Camera projects need add-on hardware

Key facts

• Coding: Blocks, Python, Arduino IDE
• Battery: 2500 mAh, about 5 hours
• Charge time: 1 hour
• Top speed: 20 cm/s
• Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Where it ranks

Makeblock mBot2 is No. 3 in our Best STEM Toys verdict.