Our winner
- Ages
- 8–14
- New content
- Monthly
- Format
- New physical toy kit each month + companion video
- From
- $24.95/mo
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CrunchLabs Build Box vs KiwiCo
One great mechanical build against monthly subject variety
vs
- Ages
- 0–16
- New content
- Monthly
- Format
- Themed monthly project crate + magazine
- From
- $23.95/mo
The classic monthly-box matchup. CrunchLabs does one mechanical toy a month exceptionally well; KiwiCo does a different subject every month with the best age targeting in the category.
What it really comes down to
Depth in mechanics vs breadth across science
CrunchLabs builds are more durable, more mechanically interesting and come with a far better video. KiwiCo covers more subjects and fits narrower age bands more precisely. Both are monthly, and both accumulate physical objects - KiwiCo faster.
Scored side by side
| Dimension | CrunchLabs | KiwiCo |
|---|---|---|
| Replay value18% | 8 | 7 |
| STEM depth18% | 10 | 9 |
| Novelty cadence14% | 7 | 8 |
| Wow factor14% | 10 | 8 |
| Value for money14% | 9 | 9 |
| Builds independently12% | 9 | 10 |
| Clutter control10% | 7 | 6 |
| Overall | 8.7 | 8.2 |
Choose CrunchLabs if…
- The child is 9-12 and specifically into mechanisms
- You want a toy that survives being played with afterwards
- Mark Rober is already a name in your house
Choose KiwiCo if…
- The child is under 8, or over 14
- Interests are still broad
- You want art and design alongside the science
Our verdict
For 9-12 and a mechanical interest, CrunchLabs is the better product. For younger children or unformed interests, KiwiCo. Both leave you with the same structural problem - one project a month, and a cupboard filling up.
Still torn between the two?
The quiz weighs age, the problem you're solving, how much time you have and how much space. Two minutes and you'll have an answer.
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Common questions
Which has better instructions?
KiwiCo's booklets are clearer for independent building by younger children. CrunchLabs leans on video, which works better for the older end.
The whole field, for context
| Kit | Score | Ages | New content | Reuses parts | Needs a parent | From | Visit brand site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ibrickOur pick | 9.6 | 5-12 | Weekly | Yes | Rarely | $27/mo | Visit |
 CrunchLabs Build Box | 8.7 | 8-14 | Monthly | Partly | Rarely | $24.95/mo | Visit |
 MEL Science | 8.4 | 5-16 | Monthly | Partly | Usually | $29.9/mo | Visit |
 KiwiCo | 8.2 | 0-16 | Monthly | Partly | Rarely | $23.95/mo | Visit |
 Little Passports | 7.9 | 3-10 | Monthly | No | Rarely | $24.95/mo | Visit |
 Green Kid Crafts | 7.8 | 2-10 | Monthly | No | Rarely | $19.95/mo | Visit |
 Lovevery | 7.7 | 0-5 | Monthly | Partly | Rarely | $36/mo | Visit |