Choose Ben Eater if you want
Seeing a CPU built from real chips.
Watch a CPU built on breadboards from logic chips, with each wire explained as it goes. It covers one design in depth, and the kits used in the projects are sold in his shop.
Choose CS50 if you want
A structured first computer science course.
Harvard's full introductory course with lectures, problem sets and projects, for people with no programming background. The graded track and verified certificate come through edX, and the course takes steady time.
Side by side
 Ben Eater |  CS50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 91.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 7 | #1 of 7 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesVideos free to watch; kits and parts sold in the shop | Free plan, paid upgradesOnline through edX; verified certificate offered separately |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | Ben Eater | Harvard University |
| Level | Hands-on hardware | Beginner, with projects |
| Format | Video tutorials and kits | Lectures, problem sets and projects |
| Hands-on building | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Seeing a CPU built from real chips | A structured first computer science course |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Ben Eater vs CS50
- Is CS50 better than Ben Eater?
- CS50 ranks higher in our list of computer science and hardware learning resources (#1 against #4, score 91.5 against 86.5). Ben Eater is best for: seeing a CPU built from real chips. CS50 is best for: a structured first computer science course.
- Which is cheaper, Ben Eater or CS50?
- Ben Eater: Videos free to watch; kits and parts sold in the shop. CS50: Online through edX; verified certificate offered separately.
- Do Ben Eater and CS50 run on the same platforms?
- Ben Eater supports Web. CS50 supports Web.