Top 7 Small Robot Toys for Kids 2025: Cute Companions & Educational Fun

Why Small Robot Toys Are a Great Choice

• Brainy play: Turn science and tech smarts into hands-on games. Kids pick up coding basics and robot skills through play. Most use simple block coding – perfect for little learners!
• Heart buddies: Bots like Loona feel like friends, helping kids grow kindness and care skills through playful chats.
• Kid-safe: Built tough with non-toxic materials, these toys stay safe during play (with your watchful eye!). Their small size earns them the "desktop robot" nickname.
• Space savers: Tiny footprint = fits anywhere. Toss ’em in backpacks for playdates or trips.
• Grows with them: From starter remotes to smart AI pals, there’s a perfect bot for every age and stage.

Top 7 Small Robot Toys for 2025

Loona - The AI-Powered Companion

• Gets to know you: Learns commands, responds to you, and grows its personality. Knows your face and waves!
• Chats like a buddy: Talks back using ChatGPT, answers questions, and plays word games.
• Your eyes at home: App control + built-in camera = check pets or get security alerts anywhere.
• Maps your home: 3D time-of-flight sensors and a camera help it avoid furniture and find its charger, even near stairs.
• Built to charm: Expressive eyes and ears wiggle with feelings.
• Always improving: frequent updates provide better voice skills, games, and expressions.

• Highly interactive with emotional intelligence.
• Combines education with entertainment.
• Grows with your child for long-term value.
• Safe, durable, and kid-friendly design.

• Higher price point compared to simpler robots.
• Some features rely on internet connectivity.

• Standard Bundle (Loona + Charging Dock + Game Prop Kit): Around $499.90.
• Outfits and accessories in themed bundles (such as Forest Explorer or Summer Vibe) can cost anywhere between $537.90 and $598.90.

Loona is very fun. I had a little issue getting it set up. It keeps disconnecting from the network. My kids enjoy playing with Loona. Loona follows them around the house and does little dances. Loona comes with toys to interact with. Those have turned out to be fun also. For a toy this was a definitely a fun option. There are lots of activities to do with Loona. Very exciting toy, the most interactive that we have ever had for sure.

Wonder Workshop Dash - Coding Made Fun

• Coding made colorful: Multiple free apps (Go, Path, Xylo, Blockly, and Wonder) designed for different skill levels, even pre-readers can get it!
• Super senses: Hears, sees, and reacts—interacts with its environment and responds to commands.
• Full of personality: movements, lights, and sounds like a playful pal.
• Accessories Ecosystem: Offers a range of optional accessories that expand Dash's capabilities and learning opportunities, and building brick connectors are LEGO compatible.
• Built tough: Survives tumbles suitable for active play.

• Versatile and expandable with add-ons.
• Well-supported with educational resources.
• Durable and user-friendly.

• Requires a compatible device for full functionality.
• Advanced features may overwhelm younger kids.

• Just Dash: $149.99-$199.99
• With extras (Sketch Kit/Dot robot): $200-$300+
• Classroom squad: Pricier (but bulk discounts help!)

I have been using the Wonder Dash for the past 5 years for different schools in my curriculum. It is the best bot that you can bring to your classroom to make coding a fun learning.

Evo Entry Kit - Small but Mighty

• Color Codes (Screen-Free): Evo reads marker-drawn paths on paper. It reacts to color sequences (OzoCodes) controlling speed, turns, and tricks. This brings coding off screens into the real world, hooking young kids.
• OzoBlockly (Block-Based Programming): Drag and drop blocks in a web editor (works on computers/tablets) to build complex programs. Five levels scale from basics to advanced topics like variables and functions.
• Ozobot Evo App: This iOS/Android app offers remote driving, custom sounds/lights, macro recording, games, and links to Ozobot Classroom lessons.
• Rechargeable LiPo Battery: Gives 40-60 minutes of app-connected play (longer offline).

• Affordable and portable.
• Screen-free coding option with color codes.
• Engaging for beginners and advanced users.

• Less durable than larger robots.
• App-based features may not be intuitive for all.

• Ozobot Official Store: Their Entry Kit runs about $175.00 USD right now.
• Classroom kits (with 12 or 18 bots) start around $2,000, going up to $3,000+ USD.

Little Evo runs well. Handle with care though as he doesnt look to be the type of robot to survive a fall onto hardwood flooring. My 11 yr old love Evo and draws new tracks for him to go on every few days. Still hoping he will get into the programming aspect but we will see!

This is an expensive toy but considering what it does, and the potential it has, worth the price. Recommended for kids, especially STEM kids with a love of drawing/coloring.

Sphero Bolt - For the Adventurous Coders

• 8x8 LED Matrix: Shows animations, messages, or games to make coding visual.
• Compass (Magnetometer): Helps it move accurately (like going north) with easy auto-aim.
• Infrared (IR) Sensors: Four sensors let Bolts "chat" for multi-robot games (like Pac-Man) or avoid bumps.
• Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Motor Encoders: Track motion, speed, and direction for complex code.
• Programming Options (Sphero Edu App): Code by drawing, blocks, text, or JavaScript – all skill levels.
• Sphero Play App: Drive remotely, play games, or try fun modes without coding.
• Educational Resources: Sphero Edu has lessons, activities, and Google Classroom support.

• Highly versatile and durable.
• Supports advanced coding concepts.
• Fun for individual and group play.

• More expensive than basic models.
• May be too advanced for younger kids.

• Sphero Official Website: Their Bolt Coding Robot starts at $179 USD.
• Educational Kits/Power Packs: Classroom sets (e.g., 15 robots) cost much higher – $2,999 to over $4,000 USD depending on bundles.

Sphero BOLT has been a great addition to my physics classes. My students learn a wide variety of skills by coding BOLT, as it enables them to not only learn physics but they also gain teamwork and problem solving skills.

Botley - The Coding Robot for Young Learners

• Screen-Free Coding: Botley's big win. Kids program using a simple remote with arrow and action buttons – no screens needed. This means hands-on learning right away.
• Remote Programmer: This handheld lets kids enter up to 150 (Botley 2.0) or 80 (original) commands: forward/back, left/right turns, loops, and object sensing.
• Object Detection: Spots things in its path. Can be told to dodge them using "if/then" code – teaching basic conditionals.
• Line Following: A bottom sensor helps Botley track thick black lines on paper or mats, adding fun coding tasks.
• Detachable Robot Arms: Let Botley play with real stuff – push balls or knock over blocks for more adventures.
• Included Activity Set: Comes packed with coding cards, tiles, cones, balls, and more. Also has starter challenges for instant play and learning.
• Expressive Lights and Sounds: LEDs show moves and moods. Plus, sounds and fun surprises like "hi" or "Whee!" unlocked with codes.

• Affordable and simple to use.
• Screen-free coding, perfect for young kids.
• Durable and easy to assemble.

• Limited to basic coding concepts.
• Requires batteries (not included).

• Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot Activity Set: Normally $60–$90 USD.
• Original Botley Activity Set: Roughly $50–$75 USD, but stock’s low now.
• Classroom Sets (Botley 2.0): Multi-bot packs run $300–$400+ USD.

We bought this for my 4 year old for his birthday with the intention that he will grow and develop into the toy. We have been so impressed with it as he can turn Botley and the remote on and code him to make a train and a frog all by himself. It's brilliant that it has so many funny features as well like lights and dance mode which he can now do by himself. When Botley follows the line he loves the whistles and noises Botley makes while he is going along. We haven't tried out obstacle avoidance yet or playing with the balls and blocks which will come as he develops. A great toy and brings so much joy, we will be using this for many years.

Makeblock mBot - Build and Code

• Assembly and Build: The Metal chassis makes mBot tough. Builds in about 15-30 minutes using snap-together parts—learns basic mechanics and electronics.
• Programming Options: Start with mBlock’s simple blocks. Move up to Arduino C text coding. Let's you flip views to see how blocks become real code.
• Sensors and Outputs: Ultrasonic spots obstacles. Line-follower tracks paths. Light sensor reads brightness. IR remote control. Colorful LEDs. Buzzer makes sounds. Motor encoders control moves.
• Connectivity: USB for plug-in updates. Bluetooth or 2.4G wireless – control from PC, phone, or remote. No wires needed.
• Interactive Modes: Ready out-of-box to avoid walls and track lines. Play first, code later.
• Learning Support: Free guides, cards, and lessons online for step-by-step STEM projects—boosts learning.

• High build quality and expandability.
• Supports block-based and text-based coding.
• Great for learning electronics and robotics.

• Assembly may require adult supervision for younger kids.
• More expensive than some basic kits.

• Original Makeblock mBot Robot Kit: Runs $80–$100 USD. Often called the "Kid’s First Robot Kit for DIY and STEM."
• Makeblock mBot2: A newer, fancier model around $150–$180 USD. Includes CyberPi brain and rechargeable battery.
• Add-on Packs: Extra kits (like Six-legged Robot or Servo Cat) cost $20–$40 each – turns your mBot into new bots.
• Classroom Packs: Big sets for schools run hundreds to thousands of dollars.

After a few months of use, my mBot stopped responding to its programming. I contacted customer support via email and was able to have them send out a new motherboard. The new electronics fixed everything and my mBot is working again. I greatly appreciate the dedication and responsiveness of MakeBlock's service team.

LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox - Build, Code, Play

• Move Hub: The main brain for every Boost build. Packs Bluetooth (BLE), two ports for motors/sensors, and a built-in motor. Needs 6 AAA batteries (not included).
• Color & Distance Sensor: Spots colors and measures distance – so bots react to their surroundings.
• Over 840 LEGO Pieces: Loads of System and Technic bricks in bright colors for endless builds.
• Five Multi-functional Models: App guides built for: Vernie the Robot, Frankie the Cat, Guitar4000, M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4).
• Intuitive, Icon-Based Coding App (LEGO BOOST App): Free app (iOS/Android/Kindle) uses drag-and-drop icons. No words needed – great for pre-readers. Includes challenges that slowly teach sequencing, loops, and variables.
• Compatibility with Other LEGO Sets: Mix Boost parts with City or NINJAGO sets (like Arctic Scout Truck) to make regular builds move.
• Guided and Open-Ended Play: Try model challenges or use "Creative Canvas" to dream up your own bots from scratch.

• Combines building with coding in a fun way.
• Highly engaging with multiple models.
• Encourages creativity and problem-solving.

• Requires a compatible device for the app.
• Some models may be complex for younger kids.

I believe most people had or will have same problem we had. We have to go through all the bags to find each brick. You wont have any clue that which bag it will be. It wastes lots time. So I sort them by colours. And each colour will separate to big bricks and small bricks. (as the pics attached). Now it comes way easier to find a brick. Hope it will help you as well.

FAQ

1. Yes, they teach coding, robotics, problem-solving, and creativity through interactive play and apps.

1. Most use visual programming (like block-based coding) or remote controls. Advanced models like Loona use AI for interaction.

1. Yes, they’re made from non-toxic materials, but supervision is recommended for younger kids during assembly or play.

1. Ages 5-12 are ideal, depending on the toy. Botley suits 5-year-olds, while Sphero Bolt is better for ages 8+.

1. Some (e.g., LEGO Boost, Dash) require devices, while others (e.g., Botley) are screen-free.

1. Yes, many are designed for classrooms, with lesson plans available. Dash and mBot are popular in educational settings.

• Under $20: Simple bots like wind-ups or starter kits.
• $$20 -$$60: Interactive robots with remotes, basic coding, or sounds.
• $$60 -$$150+: Advanced STEM/AI bots with smooth moves or companion skills.

• Basic kits: PicassoTiles Solar Dinosaur around $18.
• Interactive robots: Contixo Smart Voice R1 ($30) or Code & Go Robot Mouse ($34).
• Advanced companions: Energize Lab Eilik from $140-$190.

1. Are small robot toys durable?

1. Most are built for rough play, though smaller models like Ozobot Evo may need careful handling.

1. Yes, some like Sphero Bolt and Ozobot Evo can communicate, enabling multiplayer games.

Conclusion