The main difference between edamame and soybeans is the time when they would be harvested from the plant. You will know if the soybeans are mature when the color is already cream. In edamame, you will know that the soybeans are still young because they are green in color. One of the things that will be the same as these two is that they have the same nutritional value.
There are some people who just love edamame because they feel that this is one of the best snacks that they can try. Edamame can be purchased while they are still shelled, but the pods have already been removed. Soybeans can be processed and made into different things like soy milk and so much more.