Starter Kit Showdown: Arduino vs. Pico 2 – Which All-in-One Electronics Kit Is Best for Beginners?

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If you’re a student, educator, or hobbyist just starting out in the world of electronics and programming, the right starter kit can make all the difference. Today, we’re taking a look at two standout all-in-one kits that are perfect for beginners and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education)

  • 🔵 Arduino ATmega328P All-in-One Starter Kit – 15 sensors, Crowtail expansion ports, and 21 structured tutorials
  • 🟢 Pico 2 RP2350 All-in-One Starter Kit – 17 built-in modules, a touchscreen interface, and STEM-focused learning

We’ve spent hands-on time with both kits to break down what makes each unique and help you decide which one fits your learning goals.

🔵 Arduino All-in-One Starter Kit

The Arduino All-in-One Starter Kit is an entry-level electronics platform designed around Arduino UNO ATmega328P to help beginners quickly build foundational knowledge through hands-on experience. The kit is perfect for students, educators, and hardware hobbyists looking to explore electronics prototyping and computational thinking in a guided, practical way.

Key Features:

  • 15 sensors: 14 integrated on-board and 1 external Crowtail-interface moisture sensor
  • 6 Crowtail ports: Supports 150+ additional sensors for future expansion
  • All-in-one board design: No soldering, wiring, or bread boarding required
  • Arduino UNO compatible microcontroller
  • Programmed with Arduino C++ using Arduino IDE

This kit includes 21 progressive tutorials that blend sensor application with logical thinking development. The structured learning path helps users:

  • Understand individual sensor functions
  • Strengthen programming logic and algorithmic thinking
  • Rapidly acquire Arduino coding skills
  • Apply knowledge in creative, hands-on ways

🟢 Pico 2 RP2350 All-in-One Starter Kit

Built on the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (RP2350A) chip, this kit is designed to make learning programming and electronics fun, interactive, and visual perfect for STEM classrooms. This kit is more than just an electronics platform, it’s a comprehensive learning tool designed to inspire creativity and build strong programming fundamentals.

Key Features:

  • 17 integrated modules: Including sound, temperature & humidity, ultrasonic, PIR motion, flame, soil moisture, light, and more
  • 2.4-inch full-color TFT touchscreen
  • 20 RGB programmable atmosphere LEDs
  • Built-in mini-games for entertainment and learning
  • USB-C interface
  • Compact, portable suitcase for learning on the go

The kit includes 21 tutorials with increasing complexity, making it ideal for beginners looking to build confidence with hands-on coding.

  • MicroPython and C++
  • Covers sensor applications, user interaction, and real-world coding projects
  • Promotes logical thinking and problem-solving
  • Bridges the gap between education and play
Slide left or right to choose your kit – Arduino Blue or Pico2 Green

Programming & Learning Comparison

Feature🔵Arduino Kit🟢 Pico 2 Kit
Programming LanguageArduino C++MicroPython & C++
Tutorials21 structured lessons21 progressive tutorials
Visual FeedbackBasic LEDs, Display Touchscreen + RGB lighting
User InterfaceButtons, sensors, linear potentiometerTouchscreen,
Buttons, sensors, linear potentiometer
Sensor ExpandabilityYes – Crowtail ports for additional modulesNo – Fixed modules
STEM FocusStrong electronics foundationInteractive and logic-based learning

🔵The Arduino Kit is best for:

  • Understanding the basics of circuitry and sensor control
  • Teaching traditional electronics principles
  • Scaling projects with new Crowtail sensors
  • Strengthening Arduino programming logic

🟢The Pico 2 Kit excels in:

  • STEM education environments
  • Introducing beginners to Python and C++
  • Promoting visual learning and interactivity
  • Encouraging play-based learning through games and touch-based projects

Final Verdict

The Arduino Kit is perfect if you’re looking to understand core electronics and want to grow with expandable sensor options. The Pico 2 Kit, on the other hand, is a more interactive and engaging choice, ideal for younger learners, visual thinkers looking to learn hands-on coding.

Best For…Winner
Traditional electronics learning🔵 Arduino All-in-One Kit
Gamified, visual learning🟢 Pico 2 RP2350 Kit
STEM classrooms🟢 Pico 2 RP2350 Kit
Portability✔️ Both – Carry case included
Sensor experimentation & expansion🔵 Arduino (Crow tail-compatible)
Logic and problem-solving skills✔️ Both deliver excellent results

Where to Get Yours

  • 🔵 Arduino All-in-One Starter Kit: Available via Elecrow, or Amazon
  • 🟢 Pico 2 RP2350 All-in-One Starter Kit: Available at Elecrow or Amazon

Manual Downloads

Both of these kits make electronics and coding more accessible, fun, and beginner-friendly than ever. Whether you’re diving into the world of Arduino or exploring the future-ready Pico 2, you’re in for an educational and inspiring experience.

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