LEGO Education Mindstorms EV3 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | LEGO Education |
|---|---|
| Model | Mindstorms EV3 |
| Year | 2013 |
| Category | Educational |
| Autonomy | programmable |
| Environment | indoor |
| Connectivity | USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (USB adapter) |
| Country of origin | DK |
Key features
- ARM9 Linux brick — full open OS access via ev3dev
- Graphical EV3 Lab + MicroPython + Scratch programming
- Colour, ultrasonic, gyroscope, infrared sensors included
- 4 motor + 4 sensor ports
- FIRST LEGO League competition standard platform
- Most searched educational robot globally
- Discontinued 2022 — succeeded by SPIKE Prime
What is it?
The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a programmable robotics kit built around the EV3 intelligent brick — an ARM9 processor running Linux with four motor ports, four sensor ports, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and MicroSD support. Students build robots from LEGO Technic components and program them using EV3 Lab (graphical), EV3 MicroPython, Scratch, or third-party languages via community firmware (ev3dev).
Who is it for?
K-12 STEM teachers and students, competitive robotics teams (FIRST LEGO League, World Robot Olympiad), university introductory robotics courses, and parents seeking a proven home robotics education platform. Collectors and educators who built their robotics careers on EV3 and continue using it from existing stock.
Key specs
- Processor: ARM9 @ 300MHz, Linux OS
- Ports: 4 motor (output), 4 sensor (input)
- Included sensors: Colour, ultrasonic, gyro, infrared
- Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (with USB adapter)
- Programming: EV3 Lab (graphical), EV3 MicroPython, Scratch, ev3dev (Linux)
- Battery: AA or rechargeable pack
- Status: Discontinued 2022, SPIKE Prime is successor
- Origin: Denmark
Why EV3 still matters
The EV3 was discontinued in 2022, but it is still the educational robot most likely to appear in a google search for 'programmable robot', still used in thousands of schools globally from existing stock and second-hand market, and still the reference platform for FIRST LEGO League competitions. Understanding EV3's specification and discontinuation status is essential for parents, educators, and buyers evaluating the EV3 vs SPIKE Prime purchase decision.
EV3 vs SPIKE Prime
SPIKE Prime (2020) is LEGO Education's EV3 successor — updated hub, USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, Python 3 support, and improved sensor set. SPIKE Prime is the current product for new purchases; EV3 is available used and from remaining stock only.
Limitations
- Discontinued 2022 — no new first-party stock from LEGO Education
- ARM9 processor dated vs modern microcontrollers
- EV3 Lab software discontinued; only community support
- MicroPython support limited vs Python 3 on SPIKE Prime
FAQ
Is LEGO Mindstorms EV3 still available to buy?
LEGO Education discontinued EV3 in 2022. It is no longer available as new stock from LEGO Education. It may be found through authorised education resellers clearing old stock, the used market, or second-hand platforms.
What replaced LEGO Mindstorms EV3?
LEGO Education SPIKE Prime (2020) is the official successor to EV3, featuring an updated hub with USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, Python 3 support, and a redesigned sensor set. SPIKE Prime is the current platform for new LEGO robotics curriculum purchases.
Can EV3 be programmed with Python?
Yes. EV3 supports EV3 MicroPython (an official LEGO Education/MicroPython port) and full Linux Python via the ev3dev community firmware, which runs a Debian Linux distribution on the EV3 brick.
Is EV3 still used in FIRST LEGO League?
FIRST LEGO League transitioned to SPIKE Prime as the primary competition platform, but EV3 equipment remained eligible for competition use for several seasons after discontinuation. Check current FIRST LEGO League season rules for current eligibility.