- Ages
- 0–16
- New content
- Monthly
- Format
- Themed monthly project crate + magazine
- From
- $23.95/mo
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KiwiCo vs MEL Science
Broad monthly projects against deep chemistry
vs
- Ages
- 5–16
- New content
- Monthly
- Format
- Monthly experiment kit + VR/AR app lessons
- From
- $29.9/mo
KiwiCo samples widely across science, engineering and art. MEL Science goes deep into chemistry and physics with real equipment. The right answer depends almost entirely on whether your child's interests have narrowed yet.
What it really comes down to
Sampler vs specialist
KiwiCo is the better product for a child still working out what they like, and needs far less from you. MEL Science is the better product once the answer is chemistry, and needs considerably more.
Scored side by side
| Dimension | KiwiCo | MEL Science |
|---|---|---|
| Replay value18% | 7 | 7 |
| STEM depth18% | 9 | 10 |
| Novelty cadence14% | 8 | 8 |
| Wow factor14% | 8 | 10 |
| Value for money14% | 9 | 8 |
| Builds independently12% | 10 | 7 |
| Clutter control10% | 6 | 9 |
| Overall | 8.2 | 8.4 |
Choose KiwiCo if…
- Interests are still broad
- The child is under 10
- You want low-supervision activities
Choose MEL Science if…
- Chemistry is the stated interest
- The child is 11+
- You want homeschool-grade science content
Our verdict
KiwiCo for breadth and independence; MEL Science for chemistry depth. Neither solves the accumulation problem, and neither gives you anything new between monthly deliveries.
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 is better value?
KiwiCo is cheaper and lands more often in usable form for younger kids. MEL costs more and delivers more science per experiment.
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 |