Researched
CrunchLabs Hack Pack Robotics and Coding Subscription
A robot kit subscription that teaches Arduino coding, one build at a time.
$66.65 at CrunchLabs · Price checked Oct 6
Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer
Our verdict
Key details
- Ages 14–101
- STEM kits
- CrunchLabs
- Available
More info
- Age: 14–101 (CrunchLabs)
- Price: $66.65 a box on the prepaid annual plan ($399.95 for 6 boxes)
- Other plans: $72.95 a box paid every 2 months; $79.95 a box semiannual
- Monthly delivery plans: 12 robots $799.95, 6 for $449, 3 for $239.85
- Delivery: 1 robot every 2 months on the standard plans
- In each box: Robot kit, Arduino microcontroller, power bank if needed
- Needs: Mac, Windows or Chromebook computer for coding
- Single robots: $79.95 to $89.95 each in the CrunchLabs store
- Ships to: US, Canada and EU
Best for and who should skip it
Best for
- Teens 14 and up who like building and want to try Arduino coding
- Families with a Mac, Windows or Chromebook computer for the coding steps
- Gift-givers who want a robot to keep arriving through the year
Skip it if
- You want a one-time gift with no auto-renewal
- The teen has no interest in coding or electronics
- You may need to return it, since subscription Hack Packs are not eligible for returns or refunds
What we like and what to keep in mind
What we like
- Each box includes the microcontroller and power bank it needs
- Build videos and a printed manual walk through each robot
- Robots can be coded and changed after the build
Keep in mind
- Coding needs a Mac, Windows or Chromebook computer
- Plans auto-renew; turn renewal off at least 3 days before the term ends
- The lowest per-box price needs a full year paid up front
How we reviewed it
What owners say.
- 2 positive
- 1 mixed
Paraphrased from public owner reviews. Each one links to where it was posted.
A reviewer of the Hack Pack turret says the manual and video explain the build clearly and the troubleshooting guide helps, including a tip to use painter's tape if the magnet holds the darts too tightly to fire.
A young owner loves the turret but notes it sometimes has trouble turning around because of the weight on its back.
A reviewer is excited about how the RF turret works and its design, and says they are waiting for the next box.
Sources.
What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.
- 01 CrunchLabs. Hack Pack Subscription: Choose Your Plan
- 02 CrunchLabs. Explore CrunchLabs Subscriptions (comparison)
- 03 CrunchLabs. Hack Pack Reviews
- 04 CrunchLabs. Refund Policy
How it compares.
This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.
| Detail |
This reviewCrunchLabs Hack Pack Robotics and Coding Subscription
|
Thames & Kosmos CHEM C2000 (V 2.0) Chemistry Set
|
LEGO Technic Fast & Furious Mitsubishi Eclipse 42229
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $66.65 | $149.95 | $64.99 |
| Maker’s age | Ages 14–101 | Ages 11+ | Ages 14+ |
| Category | STEM kits | STEM kits | Building sets |
| Pieces | – | 50 | 827 |
| Good for | Teens who want to build and code robots | Teens ready for real lab work with an adult | Teen car fans who like moving parts |
| Stock | Available | Available | Available |
Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.
