I Tested the LEGO Boost Robot for 6 Months — My Honest Take
The LEGO Boost at 159€ promises to introduce ages 7-12 to programming, buddy. 6 months later, does the app deliver on its promises? And is your little one still playing with it? Here's my honest field report.
⚠️ Rare 2026 edition: the LEGO Boost (ref. 17101) is officially discontinued by LEGO since 2022. The price on Amazon France varies widely (often >300€ via third-party sellers, vs 159€ originally). If you're looking for a current alternative, aim instead for LEGO Spike Essential (45345). My review below remains a relevant pedagogical experience report, buddy.
LEGO Boost Robot 17101: price, age and box content
- Price: 159€ (often 130€ on sale)
- Official age: 7-12 years (realistic: 8 years minimum)
- Pieces: 847
- Tablet required: iPad or Android (free app)
- 5 models: Vernie the robot, Frankie the cat, MTR4, GuitarBox, Auto-bot
LEGO Boost Programmable Robot
iPad visual programming, 847 pieces, 5 models. Ages 7-12.
159 €
LEGO Boost: what works after 6 months of kid programming
The programming app is exemplary. Visual drag & drop Scratch-style, no line of code. Leo (8) programmed his first "robot that avoids an obstacle" in 20 minutes, without help. That's rare at this quality level.
5 different models = 5 build sessions. Plan 4-6h per model. With dismantling/rebuilding, you easily get 30-40 hours of play over time.
Rich community. Hundreds of YouTube tutorials + active r/Lego Reddit community. A motivated child can explore for 6 months without getting bored.
LEGO Boost: the flaws — tablet dependency and abandoned app
Tablet required. If you don't have an iPad/Android, it's dead. And the screen remains central — not ideal if you're trying to steer your child away from screens.
The app is 4 years old and no longer evolves. LEGO has nearly abandoned it since 2024 in favor of Spike Prime (expensive). Risk of no longer being supported in 2 years.
LEGO Boost alternative: Spike Prime or Snap Circuits
If the child really gets hooked on programming, the LEGO Spike Prime (300€) takes over at 10-12 with Python and more sensors. Otherwise the Snap Circuits Junior (60€) is an excellent tablet-free alternative.
Snap Circuits Green Energy SCG-225
Screen-free alternative, 125 STEM projects. Modular solderless electronics. Ages 8-12.
~110 €
Verdict LEGO Boost Robot: is it really worth its 159€
Alright buddy, let's take a look together: the LEGO Boost is worth its 159€ only if your little one has already shown an interest in programming and you accept the tablet usage. Otherwise, aim instead for my Sciences & STEM universe for more durable alternatives.