Best Learning Kits for Teens

Updated May 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Elegoo UNO Project Super Starter Kit
Elegoo
UNO Project Super Starter Kit
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Best for Programming
Bottom Line

Students interested in programming will love this expanded starter kit. Compatible with Arduino.

Pros

Basic, economic programming kit that's compatible with Arduino IDE. No need for soldering. Tutorial included. Includes LEDs, stepper motor, and 7-segment display. Use with computer interface.

Cons

This kit requires some interest and knowledge to be a success.

Best Bang for the Buck
Thames and Kosmos Chemistry Chem C500
Thames and Kosmos
Chemistry Chem C500
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Old-School Chemistry
Bottom Line

Throwback introductory chemistry set that walks students through the basics.

Pros

Kit features 28 simple chemistry experiments. Includes topics like acids and bases and states of matter. Clearly written instruction manual. Comes with beakers, goggles, and more.

Cons

Requires some chemicals that are not included.

SmartLab Toys Smart Circuits
SmartLab Toys
Smart Circuits
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Impressive Projects
Bottom Line

Guides teens through the process of building a doorbell, electronic dice, motion sensor alarm, and more.

Pros

Comes with microprocessor, light sensor, speaker, jumper wires, and much more to build 50 circuitry projects. Detailed instruction guide. Includes real wiring, unlike some competitors. May be most attractive to younger end of teen spectrum.

Cons

Wire components are inconsistent. Some are too tight to easily install without damaging; others are too loose and don't make a secure connection.

Sphero Mini App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball
Sphero
Mini App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Program this pint-sized robotic ball for your own version of fun once you're done with its built-in games and moves.

Pros

Ping-pong ball-size version of larger, pricier robot ball. Equipped for simple coding commands, or you can program it using JavaScript once you download the educational app. Pre-programmed for driving through obstacle course and playing basic games.

Cons

Verify device compatibility before purchase. Occasional problems connecting and charging.

Thames and Kosmos Bridges & Skyscrapers Science & Engineering Kit
Thames and Kosmos
Bridges & Skyscrapers Science & Engineering Kit
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Real-World Physics
Bottom Line

Abstract physics concepts come to life with this hands-on structural building kit.

Pros

Build bridges, skyscrapers, and more. A practical way to learn physics concepts like load, tension, force, and compression. More than 280 pieces. Instructions for 20 projects.

Cons

Anchor pins are challenging to remove from assembled projects when it's time to build another.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

53 Models Considered
10 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
764 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

The team that worked on this review
  • Kristin
    Kristin
    Writer
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Melissa
    Melissa
    Senior Editor
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SmartLab Toys

Smart Circuits

SmartLab Toys

Smart Circuits

Guides teens through the process of building a doorbell, electronic dice, motion sensor alarm, and more.

$41
×

Sphero

Mini App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball

Sphero

Mini App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball

Program this pint-sized robotic ball for your own version of fun once you're done with its built-in games and moves.

$47
×

Thames and Kosmos

Chemistry Chem C500

Thames and Kosmos

Chemistry Chem C500

Throwback introductory chemistry set that walks students through the basics.
$25
×

Elegoo

UNO Project Super Starter Kit

Elegoo

UNO Project Super Starter Kit

Students interested in programming will love this expanded starter kit. Compatible with Arduino.

$36
×

Thames and Kosmos

Bridges & Skyscrapers Science & Engineering Kit

Thames and Kosmos

Bridges & Skyscrapers Science & Engineering Kit

Abstract physics concepts come to life with this hands-on structural building kit.

$53

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