Powered Up vs Power Functions is the first fork every motorized build hits — two incompatible LEGO® motor systems, and picking the wrong one means buying the wrong motor. Here’s how they differ and which to choose.
The two systems
Powered Up (2018–present) is the current system: Technic hubs, angular motors and an app or Bluetooth remote. Power Functions (2007–2020) is the retired predecessor — M/L/XL motors, an IR receiver and AA or rechargeable battery boxes — still hugely common on the secondhand market.
Powered Up vs Power Functions, side by side
Powered Up — 2018 to present, still sold. App or Bluetooth-remote control, Technic and angular motors. The one to buy new.
Power Functions — 2007 to 2020, retired. IR-remote control, M/L/XL and servo motors. Cheap and plentiful secondhand, but no longer made.
Which should you use?
- Starting fresh or want app control — go Powered Up; it's current and supported.
- Following an older MOC's instructions — check which system it calls for first.
- On a budget or after specific motors — Power Functions is cheap and plentiful used.
- Third-party RC (BuWizz, SBrick) can drive either — handy for higher torque.
- Hard fork
- The two systems don't interoperate: a Powered Up hub won't drive a Power Functions motor and vice-versa, so tag a build's instructions with the system they assume.
Where to find them
Power systems & motorized MOCs
Attributed deep-links out — official system, legacy parts, and where to buy motors.
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