LEGO Education Computer Science & AI (2026): price and Spike alternatives
LEGO CS & AI kit from April 2026 (~$339.95): hub, AI sensors, Python. mBot2 alternatives and how it compares to discontinued SPIKE Prime (June 2026).
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Direct answer (October 2026) — The LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kit ($339.95 from April 2026) supersedes direct SPIKE sales; for ~€170 Python without bricks, mBot2 remains the best-documented alternative here.
⚡ Compare prices and immediate availability (2026 edition)
| Product | Indicative price (Oct 2026) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Makeblock mBot2 | ~$159–$179 | Check price → |
| Makeblock mBot2 Rover | Check listings | Check price → |
| Makeblock mBot Ranger | ~$159–$189 | Check price → |
| Sphero BOLT / Mini | ~$49–$149 | Check price → |
| LEGO Education STEM kit | ~$200–$350 | Check price → |
| BBC micro:bit V2 Go | ~$25–$35 | Check price → |
| Raspberry Pi 5 (4 GB) | ~$75–$85 | Check price → |
Since 30 June 2026, LEGO Education no longer sells SPIKE Prime/Essential direct; the announced successor is the Computer Science & AI kit (from April 2026, $339.95 US MSRP). It bundles a programmable hub, simplified AI/vision sensors, and Python pathways.
Positioning
- Audience: middle–high school CS standards.
- Price: about $340—roughly €170 more than a standalone mBot2.
- Trade-off: LEGO parts get lost; software is less open than mBlock + Arduino paths.
Alternatives we document
- mBot2 (~€168)—Python, Wi-Fi, no studs.
- micro:bit V2 plus chassis—lower budget.
Also read mBot vs mBot2 and best robot by age.
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