While there has been a lot of discussion and questions around the differences between the Home and Education versions of the EV3, there hasn’t been a lot about the differences in the software. I’m going to try and summarise as best I can here. If I miss anything, please let me know.
The most important thing to note first up, is if you ignore all the marketing / packaging of each software, then the actually programming language (unofficially called EV3-G) is exactly the same for both the Home and Education editions.
The biggest difference is probably in the Lobby area. The Home edition is definitely marketed towards Boys, aged 8-14 with quite bold and dark colours and slightly menacing looking builds. The Education Edition is far cleaner, which will appeal to teachers and (stereotypical) girls.
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| Education Edition | Home Edition | |
| Cost | US$100 Single licence US$400 Site Licence | Free Download |
| Programming Language | EV3-G | EV3-G |
| Content Editor | YES | YES |
| Datalogging Software | YES | NO |
| Tutorials | Generic tutorials for all aspects of the EV3 device | Tutorials specific to each particular build |
| Building Instructions | EV3 Core Base GyroBoy Colour Sorter Puppy Robot Arm H25 Download pdf’s here | TRACK3R SPIK3R EV3RSTORM R3PTAR GRIPP3R as well as links to other bonus models |
| Sensor Support | Supports both EDU and Home sensors | Supports both EDU and Home sensors |
There will be additional education modules you can purchase (the Design Engineering module being the first) which I believe you can only load into the Education version.
Conclusion: They are actually pretty close. If you are just looking to program your robot, and not concerned about the very ‘boy’ focussed lobby, then the Home version will suit you fine. If however, you’re looking to roll this out in a classroom, where you’ll likely have a mix of ages / genders, then the Education edition is certainly worth looking at. If you’re going to be using your EV3 for more than just ‘robots’ and are going to delving into some *science* (which I strongly recommend everyone does!), then you can’t go past the Education edition software.
Did I miss anything?
Hi Damian, Can you explain how to install both versions (student and tutor) at the same time please. I installed tutor education version, but when I then try to install the student home version it says download already complete. Many thanks
The software is now free for Education and Retail versions. Just go to legoeducation.com, and sign up for a free LEGO ID to get your copy. Price will depend on which country your're in, so check out the local suppliers to see how much they are currently selling them for.
Hi Damien,
I bought a 45544 Lego Mindstorms EV3 Education Core Set in 2013, but the kids stopped using it a year later. Now I'd like to sell it, but I guess it would have to be without the software. I cannot figure out how much the software would cost, so can't work out how much the realistic price of a near new set would be. Would you help me out please?
Thank you.
Anyone looking for a Linux programming environment should check out the ev3dev project. It provides a complete Linux system booting from the EV3's SDcard, kind of dual-boot, the original firmware stays intact (very cool!).
Links to programming resources (Python, Node.js, C++, Java, Ruby, …) can be found in the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Comparison project on GitHub.
Hi Jim. The 'brain' is exactly the same in each kit. There is no need to specify which one to use 🙂
You can use the Retail version or the Education version interchangeably.
My son has had the EV3 retail edition for some time. He just received the EV3 Educational Core Set. Since we already have the EV3 freeware installed on our iMac is it necessary to install the EV3 Education software too? Can these "Brains" of these sets be used interchangeably with the sensors or do the sensors need to be specific to the brain they came with?
Hi Tareq,
A single licence permits you to use the software on a single stand alone computer. A site licence allows you to install and run simultaneously on multiple computers within a 'site'. A 'site' might be a whole school campus, but you'll need to talk to the LEGO Education distributor in your region as to the exact definition of a 'site'
Hello damien,
Can i ask you please what the defferent between the single licence and the site licence ?
Thank you
Tim,
I'm not sure on the official answer, but 'un-officially' I've been told that there is nothing to stop you from installing the Retail software on multiple computers. Purchase of the EDU sets do not require a specific programming language to be used with them. You can use RobotC, LeJos, EV3 Basic etc, so there is no reason why this couldn't be extended to EV3-3 Retail edition.
As far as licensing for the software. Can the Home edition be installed on multiple computers in an educational environment without violating the licensing or do you have to purchase the Educational edition?
Hi Steve, I'm really sorry but I'm not sure how to fix that problem. If you do figure it out, please share with the rest of us!!
When I loaded the Educational Software on my PC the icons and text are too small to read. Changing the screen resolution did not change this. Not sure if there is a way to change the sizing in the EV3 software. Thanks
Simone,
Go to the EV3 Education version software and click on Model Core Set -> Model Instructions -> H25. This will open up the project. In the content editor, click past the video and the building instructions and the Demo program for the H25 will open up.
Hope this helps.
I have to do a demonstration of the h25 arm for my library on Monday. I've built the arm is there anywhere that has a sheet of programming instructions I can follow for the arm? thanks
Karina,
Are you using the EV3-G language? If so, you'll need to 'import' the block. Go to Tools -> Block Import Wizard and follow the prompts.
I have downloaded the ultrasonic sensor block Ultrasonic.ev3b but don't seem to be able to see it in LabVIEW to use it. Am I missing something?
Using the list from brickdojo.wordpress.com, I was able to get the pieces to bridge the different between the retail and core sets directly from Lego and it was fairly easy. The customer service pages on shop.lego.com have a Bricks & Pieces area when you can buy parts as well as ask for replacement parts. It is easy because they prompt you for the set number and then provide that set's parts inventory list for you to use to fill up your shopping cart.
Rebecca, Baz may well be right. Take a photo of the sticker on the charger you have, and email it through to me. I'll see if it is ok.
Thanks for the note Damien.
Well, we bought a converter a few months ago, so far we used it half a dozen times and it seemed to be ok. Does that mean the rechargeable battery might be damaged or not charged to its optimum power?
Hi Rebecca and all… Please note that the US charger only does 110-120VAC 60Hz and will not work on 220V even with a converter as the US is on 60HZ and a converter won't change that to 50Hz 🙁
The 220V charger on the other hand does both 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz and so with a plug converter will work worldwide!