I have EQ7 (been using it since EQ3). It's the best as far as using it as a beginner to going all the way to advanced designer. I like Foundation Factory for paper piecing programs and Quilt Pro works with Foundation Factory, EQ will not. I haven't updated Quilt Pro because I just use it with Foundation Factory and use EQ7 for everything else. I couldn't tell which program I would like the best so I tried them all. Connecting Threads now have a free design program on their website that you can choose fabric and patterns to design a quilt to your taste. Like a mini beginner version of EQ.