Arduino is the largest open-source hardware platform in the world that provides unlimited possibilities that can be achieved using microcontroller-based products. Therefore, Arduino starter kit is a perfect way to dive into electronics and programming as you get all the essential components in a single package which is required to start working with Arduino.
In fact, there are so many Arduino starter kits available online, each offering a variety of components, and the only thing you need to do is to choose one that will suit your needs the most.
These Arduino Kits are good for students, as well as for people who have very little or no experience in electronics and programming, but are willing to learn more.
We have given all the information needed to help you decide which Arduino starter kit is the best for you, from price, items included, some pros and cons of the kits. Still we can not choose one as the best Arduino starter kit as each kit is unique in its own way.
However, there are 3 important things you need to be aware of to be able to choose the best kit for you:
First, make sure that the microcontroller board is compatible with the UNO R3;
Second, you need to know that there are so many different kits made for different purposes. So, if you already know what types of projects you’re planning to do, you need to check the electronic components and parts included in the kit you’re interested in. Also, it is important to check the number of components and parts, so that you’ll be able to do all the projects on your wish list;
Third, if you’re an absolute beginner, and you are not sure how everything works and how to program the Arduino board, you need to check if the starter kit has a guidebook to help you in the learning process.
So, here is a list of the 8 best Arduino starter kits that are perfect for beginners that you can find on Amazon and Banggood.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The first kit on the list is the Official Arduino Starter Kit. It has more than 750 customer’s reviews, which makes the users trust the item and buy without hesitation. This kit includes a lot of components and a 170-page Project Book which contains 15 different projects you can make using the components with step-by-step tutorials.
The projects book that is provided along with this kit covers some basic theory on electronics, and gives you an insight on the basics of programming, by explaining the codes of all the projects in the simplest way possible. This is pretty cool if you’re an absolute beginner, because you’ll be able to learn how to do amazing projects with the components provided.
Another great thing about this kit is that the projects book is available in other languages besides English, like German, Italian, French, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.
Arduino Projects Book
Arduino UNO R3
USB cable
Breadboard 400 Pins
Easy-to-assemble wooden base
9V battery snap
All the components are neatly packed in a box along with the 170-page book.
There are so many reasons for listing this kit in the top, such as: the high-quality components, the great performance of the kit as it features 2KB RAM for storing the information, and the well written book which is very easy to follow.
The downsides of the product are that it’s a bit expensive compared to the other kits on this list and it doesn’t come with the programming software. Still, you can download it for free from the official Arduino website with full instructions on how to install it.
So, if you have a bigger budget and want to get one of the easiest to use kits on the marker, this one’s for you.
Elegoo has some of the best Arduino starter kits. Therefore, one of the greatest kits you can find on the market is their Elegoo Mega 2560 Project Ultimate Starter Kit.
This kit is ideal for hobbyists as well as advanced users who want to get something more from an Arduino starter kit. It includes more than 200 pieces of components with premium quality, in which 63 are different.
Besides basic components like resistors, potentiometer and LEDs, it comes with an amazing set of modules and sensors like: RFID reader, water level sensor, motion sensor, ultrasonic sensor, accelerometer/gyroscope module and much more.
There’s also a manual included with more than 35 lessons for example projects to help you get started. Another great thing about the manual is that includes the code, and pictures of assembled circuits, which makes the projects very easy to follow.
MEGA2560 Controller Board
LEDs (5 x Yellow, 5 x Red, 5 x Green, 5 x Blue, 1 x RGB)
Ceramic Capacitor(22pf & 104pf) (10)
Photoresistor (2)
Thermistor
Diode Rectifier (1N4007) (5)
All the items are stored in a nice plastic box to keep everything organized, and additionally you get an extra small box provided to keep widgets.
You can notice that this kit includes a lot of advanced components like joystick module, DHT11 Humidity and Temperature module, RFID module, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, stepper motor, IR receiver, remote and much more, which are a bit complex for beginners, but once you are done with the basic projects, implementing these won’t be a problem.
Although the microcontroller is an Arduino clone from Elegoo, it works exactly the same as the official Arduino. Pins and wires on some helpful parts have been pre-soldered, which saves a lot of time and it is a proof that Elegoo pays attention to every single detail when it comes to the quality of their products.
What makes this kit so special is that this kit is awesome for beginners, and for experienced makers as well.
Get it on Best Arduino
Next on the list is another Best Arduin product. Specifically, it is UNO Project Super Starter Kit. This kit is very popular, especially because it has helped many beginners to get a solid base on the idea of Arduino, and to move further to an advanced level.
Since it delivers a perfect combination of low price and high quality, it is considered by many to be the best value on the market. With this kit you’ll get a CD with a PDF file in it, which includes more than 20 tutorials with fun projects.
Compared to the previous kit, this one comes with UNO R3 microcontroller, and includes less items, which are just enough for beginners.
Elegoo UNO R3 (Compatible with Arduino Uno)
16x2LCD Module (with pin header)
Breadboard
Expansion Board
Breadboard Power Supply Module
Joystick Module
All parts come with header pins, so you don’t need to worry about soldering. Additionally, everything comes organized in a handy plastic case.
The greatest advantage of the Elegoo UNO Starter Kit that makes it so special is that it is not only for beginners, but also for advanced users. The overall performance of this starter kit is great, and has no major flaws, so if you are working on a budget, we highly recommend this kit.
In fact, Kuman Arduino kit is the only kit that has all the desired components in one package, and is one of the best sellers in its category.
The kit provides a total of 44 components and you can make a total of 23 projects using them. It also provides eBooks, detailed tutorials including project circuits, source codes, and step-by-step instructions, all in the form of PDF files.
Kuman UNO R3 Development Board
USB cable
Prototype extension board
Mini breadboard
5V stepper motor
ULN2003 stepper motor driver board
Once you look over the list of components you can notice that the most common and useful electronic parts are included. Nothing extra or necessary that you don’t need if you’re an absolute beginner. Also, all of the pieces fit in the convenient plastic storage container which helps you be more organized.
Moreover, the performance of this kit is fantastic as it features hardware parts made out of the finest materials and they’re flexible as well.
The only downside is the box, which although practical, it is a bit tiny and it can be a n issue to get all the components back into the box.
Another great Arduino starter kit for beginners is Smraza Ultimate Starter Kit.
In particular, it contains over 30 parts and 150 common components for creating unique Arduino projects. Also, it comes with a PDF with detailed tutorials for more than 15 projects with all instructions and source codes included. Additionally, the kit comes packaged in a convenient storage container.
R3 Controller Board
Breadboard Holder
400 tie-points Breadboard
Servo Motor
5V Relay
IC 74HC595
All the components are already soldered, and are also compatible with many other external sources. In addition to that, this kit is easily expandable, just update it with some sensors, and you’re ready to do more advanced Arduino projects and explore more possibilities.
One drawback is the absence of capacitors, but a servo motor and a DC motor are provided instead.
Last one on the list is SunFounder Project Super Starter Kit. This is another type of Arduino starter kit with a huge collection of components.
Although it is very cheap and has just a few reviews, you can still buy this kit without having a second thought as you can make at least 25 interesting projects with more than 200 components provided in the kit. Also, it is very well documented with the included DVD that contains detailed instructions to setup the board.
Also, it includes UNO R3 controller board and USB cable, and is 100% compatible with Arduino UNO R3, Arduino Mega 2560, Arduino Mega 328 and Arduino Nano.
MEGA2560 Controller Board
5V Relay
Remote Control
Servo Motor (SG90)
USB Cable (5)
LCD1602 Character Display
Although it is clone, the SunFounder MEGA2560 board is exactly the same as the official board and is fully compatible with the Arduino software.
Above all, the best thing about this kit is that there is a huge number of good-quality pieces that come in a well laid out and compact plastic case.
The only downside of this kit is that the explanations in the PDF are a bit complicated.
Banggood offers so many great Arduino starter kits, and Geekcreit Mega 2560 Starter Kit For Arduino is the ultimate, most complete kit you can find there.
In fact, everyone can use this kit, from total beginners, to electronics students, to experienced users.
It comes with a variety of high quality items, including more than 240 pieces in total, in which around 60 are different.
LEDs (5 x Red, 5 x Green, 5 x Blue, 5 x Yellow, 5 x White, 1 x RGB)
Ceramic Capacitor (22pf & 104pf) (10)
Photoresistor (2)
Thermistor
Diode Rectifier (1N4007) (5)
Electrolytic Capacitor (10UF 50V & 100UF 50V) (4)
The most important part of this kit is Mega 2560 controller board, which is a perfect Arduino clone. Also, all the parts are neatly packed in a plastic box, which is pretty convenient.
One of the best things about this kit is that it is inexpensive, and at the same time you get the most for that price.
On the other hand, the only disadvantage is that it doesn’t come with tutorials.
Another good product from Banggood is Geekcreit UNOR3 Basic Learning Starter Kit For Arduino. It can be purchased from Amazon as well. It has less components than the previous one, but still you can make a lot of projects with the provided components.
Compared to all the other kits on this list, this one is the most affordable. For around 20 dollars you get 36 different parts (or more than 100 in total), which is enough to get into electronics and programming.
Arduino compatible UNO_R3 development board
USB cable
Prototype extension board
Mini breadboard
5V stepper motor
2003 stepper motor driver board
This kit doesn’t come with tutorials as well, but you can always learn something online, as the internet offers so many possibilities.
If you’re searching for the best Arduino starter kit, it’s probably because you plan to improve your knowledge in Arduino, electronics and programming, or because you want to do a unique project that will impress everyone around you.
Before you go, be sure to check out all of our cool Arduino projects.
The best Arduino kit for you depends on your needs, on what you intend to do with the Arduino, on your experience level and on how much you are willing to spend.
Elegoo Mega 2560 Project Ultimate Starter Kit from Amazon is by far my favorite kit. This Arduino starter kit is ideal for both beginners and advanced users. With the provided tutorials, you’ll realize that learning electronics is a fun way to spend your time. It has more than enough of everything to get you started, at a super affordable price. The most important component is the 2560 Mega which has more pins than a standard UNO, which means it can do more in your bigger projects.
So, if you’re looking for the best kit on the market, this is the one for you.
For a beginner in the world of Arduino, without knowledge in electronics and programming, the Official Arduino Starter Kit from Arduino from Amazon is the best option. In short, it has the best performance and high-quality components which you can use to make up to 15 interesting projects. Although pricier, it comes with a 170-page project book with detailed explanation of all the projects, which can help you a lot in the process of learning.
But if you are not able to buy the above mentioned kits from Amazon, don’t worry. Banggood has its Geekcreit Mega 2560 The Most Complete Ultimate Starter Kit For Arduino which in fact is as good as the one from Elegoo. In fact, it is the most complete starter kit which comes with MEGA 2560 controller board. It offers a so many high quality components at an affordable price. So, don’t hesitate to start your electronics journey with this amazing kit from Banggood.
Do you possess an Arduino starter kit? If you do, share your experience with others. Also, if you have any questions or suggestions, leave a comment in the comments section below.
