RoboGuru vs Scratch for WeDo 2.0
Scratch 3 is free, excellent and works with WeDo 2.0 through its WeDo 2.0 extension. It needs the Scratch Link helper on Windows and macOS and does not support iPads or Linux. RoboGuru for WeDo 2.0 is a separate app that runs on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web editor, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
RoboGuru and Scratch side by side
Both use blocks and both work with the WeDo 2.0 Smarthub. Scratch is free and general-purpose; RoboGuru is made for WeDo 2.0 and covers iPad and Linux.
| Feature | RoboGuru | Scratch 3 + Scratch Link |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Independent developer | Scratch Foundation |
| Price | Paid app | Free |
| Works with the WeDo 2.0 Smarthub | Yes: Set 45300 | Yes: WeDo 2.0 extension |
| Block-based coding | Yes | Yes: Generic WeDo blocks |
| iPad and iPhone | Yes | No: No Scratch Link on iOS |
| Android | Yes | Yes: Via the Scratch app |
| Windows | Yes | Yes: With Scratch Link (Windows 10 1709+) |
| macOS | Yes | Yes: With Scratch Link |
| Linux | Yes | No: Not officially |
| Runs in a web browser | Yes: Web editor | Yes: Needs Scratch Link on Windows and macOS |
Last checked October 29, 2026. Unverified cells show a dash.
When to pick which
Pick Scratch if it already covers your devices and your IT team can install Scratch Link. Pick RoboGuru if you use iPads or Linux, or want one app across every device.
Scratch is a good fit if
- Your class uses Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks or Android tablets.
- Your IT team can install and keep Scratch Link running on each computer.
- You want a free tool and already teach with Scratch.
- You want to mix WeDo 2.0 with other Scratch projects and its huge community.
RoboGuru is a good fit if
- Your class uses iPads, or a mix of tablets and computers.
- You have Linux machines, where Scratch Link has no official support.
- You want an app made for WeDo 2.0 rather than a general tool.
- You need an app you can still install on new and reset devices.
What about Open Roberta?
Open Roberta Lab, from Fraunhofer IAIS, is another free option and is popular in German-speaking schools. It uses its own NEPO block language and, on tablets, the Open Roberta Mobile app to send programs to the WeDo 2.0 hub. It is worth a look if you also teach with other robots.
How to connect WeDo 2.0 to Scratch 3
If you go with Scratch, this is the setup on a Windows PC or Mac. On ChromeOS and Android, the Scratch app replaces steps 1 and 2.
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Install Scratch Link
Download Scratch Link for Windows 10 (version 1709 or later) or macOS and start it. It must be running whenever you use the hub.
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Open Scratch in Chrome or Edge
Go to the Scratch editor in a recommended browser.
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Add the WeDo 2.0 extension
Click the extension button in the bottom corner and choose LEGO Education WeDo 2.0.
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Connect the hub
Press the green button on the Smarthub and select it in the connection dialog. Close any other app that might hold the hub.
Scratch and WeDo 2.0 questions
Can I use Scratch with WeDo 2.0?
Yes. Scratch 3 has a WeDo 2.0 extension. On Windows 10 (version 1709 or later) and macOS you install and run Scratch Link first; on ChromeOS and Android the Scratch app connects by itself. It does not work on iPads or, officially, on Linux.
Does Scratch work with WeDo 2.0 on an iPad?
No. Scratch Link, which Scratch needs to reach the WeDo 2.0 hub, is not available for iOS or iPadOS. On an iPad you need an app that talks to the hub itself, such as RoboGuru for WeDo 2.0.
Can I program WeDo 2.0 on Linux?
Yes, with RoboGuru, which runs on Linux. Scratch Link, the helper Scratch needs for WeDo 2.0, has no official Linux version.
Scratch is free. Why pay for RoboGuru?
Scratch is great, and it works with WeDo 2.0. It needs the Scratch Link helper on Windows and Mac computers, and it does not work with WeDo 2.0 on iPads or, officially, on Linux. RoboGuru is one app for all of those devices.
Try RoboGuru with your kits
Install RoboGuru on the devices you have and connect the Smarthub you already own.