Micro:bit
Best for first-time coders who need fast, visual wins.
Open Micro:bit kitSide-by-side
Compare Crowtell starter kits.
Match each kit to the student level, coding style, classroom goal, and kind of project you want to build.
Kit comparison
Find your perfect STEM match.
Pick a kit tab to highlight its column, or keep all kits visible for a full classroom planning view.
Arduino
Best for learning circuits, sensors, and embedded logic.
Open Arduino kitRaspberry Pi
Best for Python, Linux, GPIO, and IoT-style projects.
Open Raspberry kit| Feature | Micro:bit | Arduino | Raspberry Pi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended age | ✅ Ages 8+ | ✅ Ages 10+ | ✅ Ages 12+ |
| Difficulty level | Beginner | Beginner to intermediate | Intermediate to advanced |
| Programming style | Drag-and-drop blocks | Arduino IDE and circuits | Python, Scratch, Linux |
| Core platform | Micro:bit base shield | Arduino Uno R3 | Raspberry Pi platform |
| Display support | ✅ OLED display | ✅ LCD 1602 with I2C | ✅ OLED plus HDMI output |
| Plug-and-play style | ✅ 4-pin module system | ✅ Breadboard and jumper workflow | ✅ GPIO expansion workflow |
| Included sensors | Light, moisture, PIR, ultrasonic, temperature, IR | PIR, sound, moisture, water, ultrasonic, DHT11, tilt, IR | PIR, ultrasonic, DHT11, smart soil project parts |
| Project examples | 🎮 Game controller, alarm, smart light | 🌱 Smart garden, LCD dashboard, sensor alert | 📊 Weather station, smart soil, web dashboard |
| Best for | First-time coders and younger classrooms | Electronics foundations and physical computing | Advanced computing and IoT-style learning |
| Fast recommendation | ✅ Choose for the easiest start | ✅ Choose for circuit understanding | ✅ Choose for Python and real computing |
Recommendation guide
Pick the kit by student readiness.
Choose Micro:bit when students are new to coding.
It is the fastest path to visible results because students can use simple logic, blocks, and safe plug-and-play modules.
Open Micro:bit kitChoose Arduino when the goal is electronics understanding.
It teaches sensor input, output control, circuit wiring, resistors, breadboards, and embedded programming.
Open Arduino kitChoose Raspberry Pi for computing plus hardware.
It is best when students are ready for Python, Linux, dashboards, GPIO projects, and IoT-style systems.
Open Raspberry kit