FTC vs FRC: Key Differences Explained
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) are both student robotics programs run by FIRST, but they differ a lot in scale, cost, and time commitment. Here's a quick, honest breakdown to help you pick the right one.
At a glance
| Factor | FTC | FRC |
|---|---|---|
| Robot size | Fits in an 18" cube (starting size) | Up to ~120 lbs, fridge-sized |
| Team size | Usually 5–15 students | Often 20–50+ students |
| Age range | Grades 7–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Season length | Sept–Apr, more flexible build pace | 6-week intense build season |
| Typical cost | Lower — hundreds to low thousands | Higher — several thousand+ |
| Programming | Java (OnBot, Android Studio, Blocks) | Java, C++, or LabVIEW |
Which should you choose?
Choose FTC if you want a lower-cost, smaller-team experience where every member touches building, coding, and strategy. It's a great on-ramp into competitive robotics.
Choose FRC if you have a larger team, more funding, and want to build a bigger, faster robot under an intense six-week deadline that mirrors real engineering sprints.