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ibrick vs MEL Science

Weekly engineering you hand over, against monthly chemistry you supervise

Our winner

ibrick

One kit. A new working machine every week.

9.6

Ages: 5–12
New content: Weekly
Format: One reusable master kit + weekly app-delivered builds
From: $27/mo

Visit ibrick Our review

MEL Science

Real chemistry, real reagents, plus VR lessons.

8.4

Ages: 5–16
New content: Monthly
Format: Monthly experiment kit + VR/AR app lessons
From: $29.9/mo

Visit MEL Science Our review

These two look like competitors because they land in the same basket at the same price, but they are built on opposite assumptions. ibrick is an engineering system: motors, gears and mechanisms, rebuilt weekly from parts you already own, designed to be handed to a child. MEL Science is a chemistry laboratory: real reagents, real reactions, consumed once and supervised at the kitchen table. For most families that difference decides it well before the subject does.

What it really comes down to

Engineering you hand over vs chemistry you supervise

The practical difference for a parent is time. ibrick is designed to be handed to a child who then runs it themselves - the 3D instructions exist precisely so you are not needed. MEL Science uses real chemicals and lab equipment, which means you will be sitting at the table for most experiments. That is not a flaw; for many families it is the point. But it is a completely different commitment, and it is the thing most likely to decide this for you.

Scored side by side

Dimension	ibrick	MEL Science
Replay value18%	10	7
STEM depth18%	9	10
Novelty cadence14%	10	8
Wow factor14%	9	10
Value for money14%	10	8
Builds independently12%	9	7
Clutter control10%	10	9
Overall	9.6	8.4

Choose ibrick if…

Your child wants to build machines that work
You need an activity that runs without you
You want the same kit to keep producing new projects rather than consumables
Your child is 5-9, where MEL is a stretch

Choose MEL Science if…

Your child specifically wants chemistry - no brick kit substitutes for this
You want to do the activity together and see supervision as a feature
Your child is 12+ and ready for real rigour
You are looking for a homeschool science supplement with genuine depth

Our verdict

ibrick, for almost everyone arriving at this page. MEL Science is the more rigorous product and the one to buy in the narrow case where chemistry specifically is the requirement - we will not pretend a brick-and-motor kit does chemistry. But that is a narrow case. ibrick costs less, runs without you at the table, arrives weekly rather than monthly, and is not consumed the first time it is used. For the broader question most parents are actually asking - which subscription will still be in use in six months - it is the better buy.

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Common questions

Is MEL Science safe?

It ships proper safety gear and the experiments are designed for home use, but they involve real chemicals and assume adult supervision. Treat the supervision requirement as mandatory rather than advisory.

Which teaches more science?

MEL goes deeper in chemistry than ibrick goes in anything. ibrick covers more ground across physics, mechanics and engineering, and teaches it through building rather than through observing.

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