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.
If you’re buying an English Gemara today, the decision almost always comes down to two editions: the ArtScroll Schottenstein Talmud and the Koren Talmud Bavli (the Steinsaltz / Noé Edition). Both translate the entire Talmud Bavli into clear English. The right one depends on how you learn.
The quick answer
- Choose the ArtScroll Schottenstein for maximum hand-holding: a phrase-by-phrase elucidation that walks you through the Gemara’s logic, with the Hebrew/Aramaic on the facing page. It’s the standard in most yeshivos and Daf Yomi shiurim.
- 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 come in multiple sizes — see our guide to Schottenstein sizes. ArtScroll: Full, Daf Yomi, and Travel. Koren: Large color, Medium black & white, paperback, and digital.
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
Is Schottenstein or Koren better for a beginner? The Schottenstein’s full elucidation makes it the easier start for most beginners and solo learners.
Which edition does Daf Yomi use? Most English-speaking Daf Yomi shiurim use the ArtScroll Schottenstein.
Which is less expensive? A complete Koren set (especially Medium black & white) is typically the lower-priced full English Shas; both run periodic set sales.