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?
Hello! Could you tell me how to do a screenshot ev3 program?
Hi Rowland,
If you've got the Retail kit, then you're probably better off installing the Home software as it'll have all the building instructions suited to your kit. If you do get to the point where you want to do things like datalogging, you can then flick over to the Education version.
Anyone in the world is able to purchase my books 🙂
Hi Damien, many thanks for your previous response. I have the Retail (Home) kit that I plan to use to help learn with my daugther – would you recommend loading the Education software (student version), or the Retail (Home) software (the one with the TRACK3R and other robots)? I am keen for her to use the EV3 as an educational tool. Any advice greatly appreciated. Many thanks. (Also, can I purchase your educational course if I am based overseas, in the UK?
That's awesome Damien! Thanks a lot!
Hi Daniel,
Joe Meno did a nice version of the robot using just parts from the Home kit. Find the link to the pdf here – http://www.damienkee.com/home/2013/8/2/rileyrover-ev3-classroom-robot-design.html
Hey Damien,
what extra parts (or maybe the Extension set is enough?) would be needed to build the Riley rover with the EV3 Home kit?
Hi Rowland, unfortunately you can't install both at the same time. The only benefit that the teacher edition gives you is in the content editor where you can have extra slides that the students can't see. I personally have never used this fuction so have Student version installed on all my machines.