Thymio 3 (2026): features, €237 price and mBot2 comparison
Thymio 3 launches September 2026 at about €237: sensors, VPL, battery. Should you pick it over Makeblock mBot2 (~€168)? Review, classroom use, and comparison.
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Direct answer (October 2026) — Thymio 3 (Sept 2026, €237 list) targets middle school with VPL and 39 sensors; mBot2 (~€168) fits better if you want Python, CyberPi, and the Makeblock/mBlock path we cover elsewhere.
⚡ 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 → |
Mobsya shipped Thymio 3 in September 2026 at a €237 list price (EU). The Swiss robot keeps Thymio’s hallmarks—many sensors, VPL and Aseba—with better battery life and a tougher shell for middle school. In the same classroom slot sits Makeblock mBot2 (~€168), covered in our mBot vs mBot2 guide.
What actually changed on Thymio 3
- Sensors: horizontal proximity, ground, accelerometer, microphone—about 39 sensor behaviors in VPL.
- Runtime: USB-C Li-ion pack (manufacturer cites 2–3 h class sessions).
- Coding: VPL3 on the robot (no kid screen required), export to Aseba Studio; no native Python like CyberPi.
- Ecosystem: Thymio II activities carry over; no Makeblock mBuild rails.
Thymio 3 or mBot2: which to buy?
| Factor | Thymio 3 (€237) | mBot2 (~€168) |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Middle school, sensor discovery | Ages 10–14, Scratch→Python |
| Software | VPL / Aseba | mBlock / Python |
| IoT / Wi-Fi | No | Yes (CyberPi) |
| Class budget | ~€70 more per unit | Better documented value here |
For a first home robot, see our best programmable robot guide.
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