Best Arduino Starter Kits

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 24, 2024
Are you looking for a good way to immerse yourself into the world of electronics and programming? If so, a great way to do this is by using an Arduino starter kit. Read on for our top 5 picks of the best Arduino starter kit models on the market, and choose the best one for yourself! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Applicable Age
Components
Controller Board
Controls
Warranty
 
PROS

The robot machine is controlled using the remote control or from a smartphone (there is a Bluetooth module). Thanks to ultrasonic sensors, it can be programmed for specific motion paths, and the distance sensor will calculate the distances and go around obstacles.

CONS

Requires basic electronic knowledge.

OUR VERDICT

The ELEGOO UNO R3 set will be the first step to learning programming and will provide useful, informative and exciting leisure time. Everything in the package laid out logically in their own compartments, so finding the right part will be easy. Detailed instructions are also included.

detailed parameters
Applicable Age

12+

Components

1 x USB cable, 1 x V5.0 extension board V3.0, 1 x L298N motor driver board V3.0, 1 x Ultrasonic Sensor, 1 x Ultrasonic holder, 1 x Servo motor, 1 x Servo motor fixed plate, 1 x Line tracking module, 4 x Motor, 1 x Remote, 1 x Charger, 1 x Cell box, 2 x 18650 battery, 1 x Tape, 8 xs Separation shims, 2 x Acrylic plates, 4 x Wheel, 8 x Bags of screws and nuts, 4 x Aluminum blocks, 10 x Copper columns, 1 x Plastic box, 1 x CD with tutorial, Several DuPont wires, Several fix tools

Controller Board

UNO R3, compatible with Arduino IDE

Controls

Smartphone and remote control

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The Mega2560 controller board includes everything you need for convenient work with the microcontroller - digital, analog inputs / outputs for connecting all kinds of parts. The board is powered from the USB port or from an external power source, while the type of source is selected automatically.

CONS

Can be difficult to get things to work correctly.

OUR VERDICT

With the SunFounder Kit, you can unlock your creativity. The kit includes more than 200 components and the Mega 2560 Board, which is suitable for experienced users, students and beginners in programming. In the 250 page manual recorded on the CD, you will find all the necessary recommendations and tips for use.

detailed parameters
Applicable Age

~ 12+

Components

176 pcs, including:

1 x MEGA 2560 Controller Board, 1 x 5V Relay, 1 x Remote Control, 1 x Servo Motor (SG90), 5 x USB Cable, 1 x LCD1602 Character Display, 1 x IR Receiver, 1 x Humiture Sensor, 1 x Joystick PS2, 1 x 74HC595, 1 x L293d, 5 x Button (small), 1 x Power Supply Module, 1 x Stepper Motor Driver, 1 x Active Buzzer, 1 x 4-Digit 7-Segment Display

Controller Board

Mega2560, compatible with Arduino IDE

Controls

Remote control

Warranty

30-day return policy

PROS

This is an updated kit that includes a 9v power supply with a DC adapter. Also included are two Stepper motors, a clear 4 digit 7 segment display and a whole list of sensors (temperature, humidity, proximity, infrared), which can create an infinite number of unique gadgets according to your own ideas.

CONS

The case it comes in is rather small.

OUR VERDICT

This set based on the Arduino platform will be a great gift for novice programmers. The set comes fully equipped with all of the necessary parts - a high-quality controller, everything you need for installation, a basic set of electronic components, and a training manual.

detailed parameters
Applicable Age

10+

Components

1 x UNO R3 Controller Board, 1 x LCD1602 Module (with pin header), 1 x Breadboard Expansion Board, 1 x Power Supply Module, 1 x Joystick Module, 1 x IR Receiver, 1 x Servo Motor (SG90), 1 x Stepper Motor, 1 x ULN2003 Stepper Motor Driver Board, 1 x Ultrasonic Sensor, 1 x DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Module, 1 x 9V Battery with DC, 1 x 65 Jumper Wire, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x Active Buzzer, 1 x Passive Buzzer, 1 x Potentiometer, 1 x 5V Relay, etc.

Controller Board

UNO R3, compatible with Arduino IDE, MEGA 2560 R3, NANO

Controls

Remote control

Warranty

6 month warranty on parts and labor

PROS

The LEDs and 830-hole Breadboard will allow you to create a unique lighting system, consisting of a series of LEDs that sequentially light up and decay, creating an amazing light show that is sure to impress anyone.

CONS

Included PDF tutorials are outdated.

OUR VERDICT

The LAFVIN Project Super Starter kit will allow you to implement many diverse projects, ranging from simple to fairly complex. All components of the kit are packaged in a proprietary plastic organizer that allows for easy finding and storage of the included parts.

detailed parameters
Applicable Age

~ 12+

Components

5 x White LED, 5 x Yellow LED, 5 x Blue LED, 5 x Green LED, 5 x Red LED, 1 x RGB LED, 2 x Photoresistor, 1 x Thermistor, 2 x Diode Rectifier (1N4007), 2 x NPN Transistor (PN2222), 1 x Tilt Switch, 5 x Button (small), 1 x 1 digit 7-segment Display, 1 x 4 digit 7-segment Display, 1 x Sound Sensor Module, 1 x LCD1602 Module (with pin header), 1 x IC L293D, 1 x IC 74HC595, 1 x Active Buzzer, 1 x Passive Buzzer. etc.

Controller Board

Mega2560, compatible with Arduino IDE

Controls

Remote control

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The kit contains the most common, easy-to-use and popular components, including LEDs, resistors, capacitors, and buttons with convenient contacts for connection, which are all necessary and helpful for beginner Arduino workers.

CONS

This kit does not include the controller board or AC/DC adapter.

OUR VERDICT

The Smraza Basic Learning Kit helps you develop and enhance your practical programming skills. In the kit there is are instructions with many different suggested experiments so that you can begin to work with it immediately.

detailed parameters
Applicable Age

~ 10+

Components

1 x Power Supply Module, 1 x 65 Jumper Wire, 1 x Active Buzzer, 1 x Passive Buzzer, 1 x Precision Potentiometer, 1 x IC 4N35, 1 x IC 74HC595, 1 x Thermistor, 1 x RGB LED, 2 x Photoresistor, 2 x Pin header (40pin), 10 x Button (small), 10 x White LED, 10 x Yellow LED, 10 x Blue LED, 10 x Green LED, 10 x Red LED, 10 x Resistor (10R), 10 x Resistor (100R), etc

Controller Board

Compatible with Arduino R3, Mega2560, Nano, Raspberry Pi-S15

Controls

Not provided

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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ELEGOO EL-KIT-012

Build Your Own Robot Car

One of the most common uses for Arduino starter kits is for building robots or mechanized devices of some kind. What we have here, though, is just what many kids and adults would like to have. The ELEGOO EL-KIT-012 Smart Robot Car Kit gives users the ability to build their own robot car, which can be used for a variety of educational and entertainment purposes. First and foremost, though, this kit provides users with practical education in electronics and computer programming, which can help kickstart their imagination into a possible career in a STEM field.

First off, this Arduino starter kit comes with everything that is needed for building and controlling the robot car, including all of the necessary electronic and mechanical components, and even a remote control. All of the various components are laid out in a logical and organized manner in the packaging, which allows users to easily locate the specific parts they need during any stage of the assembly process. The kit comes with detailed instructions on how to assemble the robot car, with these instructions provided in a series of PDF files on the included Tutorial CD. Please keep in mind that some familiarity with handling electronics is required in order for users to properly follow the instructions for building the robot car.

Review of ELEGOO EL-KIT-012 Smart Robot Car Kit

Smart Components for Smart Operation

The capabilities of a completed build of this robot car go well beyond simple movement. This robot car kit comes with a variety of sensors that allow for smart operation of the device. The included sensors give this car the capability to track its path, find its way around obstacles, keep track of the total distance covered in any particular journey, and many other capabilities that puts it a few steps above that of most toys. In addition, taking control of the robot car is quite simple, and can be done through one of two ways. As stated before, this kit includes a remote control for controlling the robot car, but it also includes a wireless module that lets you control the car through the ELEGOO BLE Tool app on your smartphone or tablet.

The robot car itself is powered by a rechargeable battery, and the kit includes a USB cable that lets you connect the car to your PC or a power outlet for charging. The kit's mainboard is based on the UNO R3 standard for Arduino, which means that those with advanced Arduino knowledge should be able to easily customize the robot car as desired. For anyone who already has a basic knowledge of electronics, and is looking for a challenging yet fun device to build, this Arduino UNO starter kit will be a great choice.

ELEGOO EL-KIT-012 Smart Robot Car Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $89.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07KPZ8RSZ

 

SunFounder Mega 2560 R3

Complete Mega Kit

Many of the Arduino starter kits out there are geared towards creating specific devices, but what about those users who want a more general purpose kit that is able to be used in a variety of different ways? For such users, a "mega kit" will be more appropriate, and such a mega kit can be found with the SunFounder Mega 2560 R3 Arduino Super Starter Kit. This Arduino starter kit comes complete with just about any type of component one would need with such a kit, with this particular one including more than 200 different components, and it also includes the Mega 2560 board, which can be used for a large number of purposes and is equally good for both beginners and experienced users alike. In short, you will find this kit to be lacking nothing.

As this kit isn't meant for a specific use such as for a robot, it doesn't come with a battery. However, it is easily powered through the included USB connector and cable, so you won't need to buy any additional parts in order to start using it. Furthermore, it can be controlled by a separate power source other than by the included USB connector, with the kit automatically switching to whichever power input has power provided, taking away some of the complexity of getting it to work.

Review of SunFounder Mega 2560 R3 Arduino Super Starter Kit

No Extra Components Necessary

While most Arduino starter kits often claim to have everything needed in order to get started with them, many users often find themselves needing extra parts once they have learned the very basics of the kit. This complete mega kit, meanwhile, should have virtually everything that a user, both beginner and experienced, should need in such a kit. Various digital and analog components are included that will allow users to get started with a wide variety of different projects. This includes various LED lights as well as a full digital LCD display that is fully programmable and can be used with many different types of projects.

This kit, while fully featured and capable of being used heavily by experienced users, is also perfectly suitable for beginners. All of the parts of the kit come in a plastic package that separates the components and allows users to easily locate them. The kit also comes with a tutorial CD that helps get beginners up and running, with included instructions for 25 different projects that this kit can be used for. Despite its complete tutorial lessons, some of them can be quite difficult for beginners to get working, so keep that in mind and try to start with some of the more simple projects. Regardless of your skill level with electronics, this complete Arduino starter kit will provide you with everything you need.

SunFounder Mega 2560 R3 Arduino Super Starter Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $35.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07PKSWQJQ

 

ELEGOO EL-KIT-003

Completely Updated Kit

One of the problems that many people encounter when looking for a great Arduino starter kit is in finding kits that have outdated parts and instructions. As the Arduino platform grows and matures, the various components need to be updated in order to conform to the latest changes, as well as to ensure that the kit contains all of the latest capabilities. This is exactly what you get with the ELEGOO EL-KIT-003 UNO Project Super Starter Kit. This kit comes with completely updated components and software that ensures that you get the very best of the Arduino experience, giving you access to all of the latest components and capabilities that one can expect from such a kit.

This kit includes the UNO R3 controller board, which is fully compatible with the Arduino IDE as well as with several other of the more popular controllers used in such kits, ensuring full compatibility with whatever Arduino projects you are putting together. The kit is powered through the included 9 V power supply, and also has the capability of being powered by the included battery for a fully independent experience with your projects. You won't need to worry about finding external ways of powering your creations with this kit.

Review of ELEGOO EL-KIT-003 UNO Project Super Starter Kit

Full Catalog of Parts

Along with the components stated above, this complete kit comes with a full catalog of parts that will give you the capability of putting together one of many different types of projects. This includes two Stepper motors that can be used for a variety of robotic devices, a clear 4 digit 7 segment LED display that is fully programmable, and a whole list of sensors, including ones for temperature, humidity, proximity, and even infrared. In short, the number of different devices that can be put together with this Arduino starter kit is limitless, and you won't be finding the need to purchase additional parts for any but the most complex projects.

As with any Arduino starter kit, all of the included components won't be of much use for any beginners without some kind of tutorials or instructions on how to use them, and in this aspect this kit definitely shines. Included is a 24 part tutorial that gives users the ins and outs of the software IDE, as well as simple programs for interacting with the various included sensors. Anyone from a beginner to a high experienced user can get the most out of this fully-furnished Arduino starter kit, giving anyone the ability to create one of many different projects all at a very reasonable price.

ELEGOO EL-KIT-003 UNO Project Super Starter Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $36.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01D8KOZF4

 

LAFVIN Super

Highly Organized Kit

Keeping track of and being able to find all of the various components that come with any Arduino starter kit can be a challenge for anyone, no matter their experience level. Unfortunately, many of the kits out there, while claiming to have the parts well organized, end up being arranged in a way where it can seem almost impossible to find the one part you need in a jumble of other parts. Fortunately, for those of us who want a more highly organized Arduino starter kit, there is the LAFVIN Super UNO Project Starter Kit. This Arduino kit comes with a full complement of parts that are highly organized. What's more, the kit itself comes in a sturdy plastic container that allows for easy organizing and storage of the parts once you have started to work on a project, so you won't have to devote tons of time just to getting everything laid out in a manner that is easy for you to work with.

Speaking of the components, this kit comes with everything you need for a whole host of different projects. Included is a Mega 2560 controller board, which is fully compatible with the Arduino software IDE and will let you take advantage of any Arduino development projects. You also get a whole host of components necessary for putting together various projects from what is included in the kit, so you won't have to find yourself needing to purchase separate parts when working on basic projects.

Review of LAFVIN Super UNO Project Starter Kit

Impressive Array of Lights

One of the ways in which this kit sets itself apart from others is in the various lighting options that come included. The kit contains an 830-hole Breadboard along with a 4-bit 7-segment LCD display and an impressive array of LED lights that will let you program an amazing light show. With all of the LEDs included, there are a ton of different uses for them, ranging from purely entertainment to highly practical. Also included are various motors such as a servo and stepper motor which will let you get started with various robotic projects, so you certainly aren't limited to just light shows with this kit.

For beginners, this kit comes with a tutorial containing more than 20 lessons that will help anyone get up and running with the basics of the IDE along with constructing various devices with the included components. For those who are more highly experienced with Arduino kits, this particular model is 100% compatible with the Arduino IDE, so you can easily expand on its initial capabilities without worries of running into compatibility issues. All told, this full electronics starter kit from LAFVIN will be a great fit for anyone who wants to get started in the wonderful world of electronics.

LAFVIN Super UNO Project Starter Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $27.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CTFVM1L

 

Smraza S15sF

Budget Starter Kit

Most of the Arduino starter kits featured here come at what most people would consider to be very reasonable prices, especially when seeing all of the various components they include. However, some people may prefer to start off with a basic kit that comes in at a budget price. The reasoning for this is simple - electronics aren't always for everyone, and anyone who buys a low-priced kit won't be out of much money if they find this to be the case for them. That is where the Smraza S15sF Arduino Basic Starter Kit comes in, as a very low-priced Arduino starter kit that is perfect for any beginner.

Although this is a budget Arduino kit, that doesn't mean that it leaves anything out. Quite to the contrary, in fact. This learning kit comes with all of the basic components necessary to get started with simple Arduino projects. In fact, this kit is fully compatible both with the Arduino IDE and with the Raspberry Pi kits, so those who wish to use this is a way to interface with more than one advanced project will find this kit to be a great deal. It works just as well on its own, of course - you get a variety of the most commonly used components, including a good range of LEDs, capacitors, resistors, and even buttons, so you won't find this kit lacking in common components.

Review of Smraza S15sF Arduino Basic Starter Kit

Perfect for Beginners

One thing that should be noted right off the bat is that this kit is in fact missing a few things when compared to many of the more expensive Arduino starter kits out there. Probably the single biggest missing component would be the standard controller board. As it is, this kit has everything necessary for the most basic projects, but those wanting to use it for something more complex will need to get their own Arduino controller board. Fortunately, the kit is compatible with the most popular controllers out there, including the UNO R3 and Mega2560, among others, so finding a compatible controller won't be a problem.

Having said that, everything you need for basic projects is here, including a breadboard that lets you put together simple electronics projects without needing to solder components to a board. The kit itself comes in a plastic container that has all of the included parts highly organized and easy to find, which is perfect for beginners who aren't very familiar with the basic electronic components. The kit even includes detailed instructions for some basic projects, letting any beginner get started with it right away. For anyone looking for a basic starter kit that comes in at a very affordable price, the Smraza S15sF Arduino Basic Starter Kit will be just what you need.

Smraza S15sF Arduino Basic Starter Kit in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $12.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B01HRR7EBG

 

What Is an Arduino Starter Kit?

Electronic kits have been a staple of many households for a long time now, and that tradition continues on with kits that make use of the advances in electronics. Whereas older electronics kits tended to focus on basic electronic parts such as transistors and capacitors, nowadays you can actually get an entire computer in one, as is evidenced by an Arduino Starter Kit. These kits are based on the Arduino platform, which utilizes microcontrollers from various companies, including ARM and Intel along with various other electronic components to allow people to create various kinds of electronic devices, ranging from robots to complete desktop computers.

Arduino starter kits generally do not come as complete devices. Instead, all of the necessary components of a device are shipped together in a package, including the microcontroller, the breadboard, and the various components that attach to the board, which allow users to build their devices essentially from scratch. These Arduino kits are meant to help give users a practical learning experience in how electronics and computing devices work, and are most often used either for educational or hobbyist purposes. It should also be noted that as Arduino is an actual brand name, not all kits are "official" Arduino kits. However, many non-official ones are fully compatible with the Arduino standard.

Putting together and programming such kits sometimes requires the use of an advanced calculator. If you need one, then take a look at some of the best graphing calculators available.

What Features to Compare

Knowing what to look for in an Arduino Starter Kit can be a difficult task for anyone, even those who already have a good knowledge of electronics. For those with little to no knowledge, it can seem to be an impossible task. Fortunately, it really isn't as difficult as it seems to learn about the different characteristics of a set in order to choose the best one. Below are some of the most common characteristics to look for that should help you choose the best Arduino starter kit for your needs.

Applicable age

If the kit is being purchased for a child, the applicable age is probably the first thing that should be checked with any Arduino starter kit. Most of the kits here are geared towards children of at least 10 years and up, although you will want to check this age for any product if your child is 12 years old or younger. Buying a kit that is recommended for someone older than your child may result in them finding it to be beyond their means of understanding, which can lead to a frustrating experience for them.

Components

The single most important characteristic to check with any Arduino starter kit is the list of components included in the kit. Unfortunately, this will also be the hardest thing to understand for anyone who has little to no experience with or knowledge of electronics. The included components in any particular kit can vary greatly, and it will generally depend on the type of projects that the particular kit is geared towards. In general, though, the main thing to check is whether or not the kit will include all of the necessary components for a particular project. In this case, it is best to check the reviews of the kit to make sure that users don't need to purchase any additional parts.

Controller Board

The controller board of any particular Arduino starter kit can be important to know about, as certain types of projects may rely on a particular type of controller board. The most common controller board type is the UNO R3, although the Mega 2560 is also pretty common too. If you need an Arduino kit that supports a different controller board type, you will want to make sure that whichever kit you choose supports the one you want to use.

Controls

Virtually any kit will need some kind of controls, and fortunately, most kits will come with controls of some type. However, this is not always the case. While many kits come with remote controls, and some can be controlled by other devices such as smartphones, there are still kits that don't include any type of controls. If having controls included is important to you, then make sure that whichever kit you choose comes with the types of controls that you need.

Ideas for Arduino Projects

Now that you have found the perfect Arduino starter kit in order to get to learning about electronics, what are some projects that you can create with it? Believe it or not, most fully-equipped Arduino starter kits will give you everything you need for a huge range of different projects, far more than you probably realize. Once you get up and running with your Arduino starter kit, and once you have learned the basics for programming the kit for various basic functions, below are a range of ideas for different projects that you can create with your kit.

Robots

One of the first things that many people think about with such an electronics kit is creating a robot. Incidentally, that is also one of the most popular ideas for an Arduino-based project. Many of the starter kits listed above include many of the basic components needed to put together a simple robot, including various motors. Just keep in mind that more complex robot projects will probably require extra parts beyond what is provided by most kits, regardless of the type of robot you want to create. However, finding such parts should be quite easy, as there are literally hundreds of different robotics projects available for the Arduino IDE.

Light Shows

If robots are a little too complex for a beginner to create, something that is much more simple is a light show. Almost all Arduino starter kits come with an array of LED lights of different colors that are used in various projects, and many will already come with instructions for creating your own light show with these LEDs. Once you have learned the basics of programming the LED lights, the number of different light shows you can create will be almost endless.

Games

It should be noted for anyone with grandiose plans of creating their own video game console with an Arduino starter kit that doing so is beyond the means of even some of the most experienced Arduino users. However, you can still create a variety of fun games with an Arduino kit. All you need is an array of LED lights as well as some kind of inputs, such as a button pad. Both of these things are common in most Arduino kits. Anyone who has learned the basics of putting together and programming such a kit can easily create a memory game using the LED lights, although many other types of games can be created as well. Just use your imagination!

Customized Sign

One last project that can be both fun, as well as practical, is creating your own customized sign. As stated above, most Arduino kits come with a variety of LED lights that are fully programmable. Whether you want to just put up a decorative sign in your room, or one warning others not to enter your room uninvited, it is quite easy to put together a sign using the included LED lights of any Arduino starter kit. Those who are very enterprising can even create their own signboard with various scrolling or flashing signs that can be changed through simple programming. Whatever you want your sign to say, or how you want it to say it, virtually any Arduino starter kit will let you create it however you want.

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Publish Date: 2020-01-31 11:45:31