Schottenstein vs. Koren Talmud: Which Gemara Should You Buy?
A buyer’s guide to the two leading English Talmud editions, and how to choose the right one for your learning.
ArtScroll Schottenstein and Koren’s Steinsaltz/Noé Talmud Bavli are two English editions worth comparing. Inspect the actual format and sample pages: the right choice depends on the explanation, layout and physical book you want to use.
The quick answer
- ArtScroll Schottenstein: compare its phrase-by-phrase elucidation and notes with the way you follow a sugya. Check that the specific listing is English Bavli in the desired format.
- Choose the Koren Steinsaltz to learn to read the Gemara itself, with a cleaner, modern page, running translation, and Rabbi Steinsaltz’s concise notes, maps and illustrations.
How they translate
The Schottenstein uses an interpolated (elucidated) translation: the Gemara’s words are in bold, ArtScroll’s explanatory additions in regular type, so the argument reads as one fully-explained flow. For a beginner or someone learning alone, it is the gentlest on-ramp available.
The Koren Steinsaltz gives a running translation alongside the Vilna-style text, plus Rabbi Steinsaltz’s famously clear notes. It explains less line-by-line, so you do more of the work, and build more of the skill, yourself.
Sizes
Both publishers offer different formats. Compare the dimensions, included content and color or black-and-white presentation of the exact edition. Our Schottenstein size guide explains how to check the physical format.
Which is right for you?
| If you… | Lean toward |
|---|---|
| Are starting out or learning alone | Schottenstein |
| Follow a Daf Yomi shiur using ArtScroll | Schottenstein |
| Want to build independent reading skill | Koren Steinsaltz |
| Love modern design, maps and color | Koren Steinsaltz |
Many serious learners own both: Schottenstein for clarity, Koren for fluency.
Shop the editions
Browse the ArtScroll Schottenstein Talmud, the Koren Steinsaltz Talmud, or Complete Shas Sets, or browse by masechta.
Frequently asked
Which is better for a beginner? Compare a sample passage in both editions and ask your teacher what would fit the learning you plan to do. Translation style and page organization are preferences, not a ranking of learners.
Which edition should I use for Daf Yomi? Ask your own maggid shiur whether a particular edition helps with references, then choose one you can comfortably use daily.
Which is less expensive? Compare current prices for equivalent language, format, contents and volume counts. Set pricing and offers can change.
Side by side
| ArtScroll Schottenstein | Koren Noé (Steinsaltz) | |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Bavli set | 73 volumes | 42 volumes |
| Translation style | Elucidated: bold translation with explanatory words woven in | Side by side English translation with Rabbi Steinsaltz's commentary |
| Hebrew page | Vilna daf facing the English | Enhanced, fully vocalized Vilna daf |
| Extras | Extensive notes | Color photographs, illustrations and learning aids in the large edition |
| Formats | Full size, Daf Yomi size, travel paperbacks | Large color, medium black and white, paperback booklets |
Neither is right for everyone. Learners who want each line explained often prefer the Schottenstein. Learners who want a clean translation beside a vocalized daf, with background notes, often prefer the Koren. Many people own one and borrow the other in the beis medrash.
Shop the Schottenstein Talmud, or search our catalog for Koren Talmud Bavli volumes.
Frequently asked questions
How many volumes are in the Koren Talmud Bavli?
The complete Noé Edition Koren Talmud Bavli has 42 volumes, according to Koren Publishers.
How many volumes are in the Schottenstein Talmud?
The English Schottenstein Talmud Bavli has 73 volumes, with a 146 volume travel paperback edition.
Which is better for a beginner?
It depends on how you learn. The Schottenstein explains each phrase inside the translation, while the Koren gives a translation beside the text with separate notes. Look at a sample page of each before choosing.
Sources: Koren Publishers, Noé Edition Koren Talmud Bavli set; Koren Publishers, History; product details on our listings, as supplied by the publishers.