The difference between 5 and 6 is pretty much a redesign of the software. After that the changes seem to be more gradual, but I was really happy with some of the "fixes" that happened in EQ8. I started with 6, but I have the Dear Jane software, which is based on 5. I upgrade as soon as a new version comes out and have not been disappointed, but I use my EQ a lot. Before buying it anywhere, check out the price on quiltinaday. They usually have the best prices on new software, but I don't know how their prices on upgrades compare. At this point I'm looking forward to EQ9, whenever it comes out.