The Raspberry Pi has gained immense popularity as a versatile single-board computer, but it’s not the only option available. If you’re looking for alternatives to Raspberry Pi that offer different features and capabilities, this article is for you. In this article, we will explore ten of the best Raspberry Pi alternatives in 2021, discussing their features, use cases, pros, and cons. So let’s dive in!
Contents
Introduction to Raspberry Pi and its popularity
Factors to consider when choosing Raspberry Pi alternatives
Performance
Cost
Community and support
Compatibility and availability of accessories
Arduino Uno
BeagleBone Black
Odroid XU4
Intel NUC
Banana Pi
Orange Pi
Asus Tinker Board
NanoPi Neo
Pine A64
RockPro64
Conclusion
Introduction to Raspberry Pi and its popularity
Raspberry Pi has become a household name among tech enthusiasts, hobbyists, and DIYers. Its small form factor, affordability, and extensive community support have made it a go-to choice for various projects. However, depending on your specific requirements, you might find other single-board computers that better suit your needs.
Factors to consider when choosing Raspberry Pi alternatives
Before we delve into the alternatives, it’s essential to understand the factors you should consider when selecting a Raspberry Pi alternative. These factors will help you make an informed decision based on your project requirements:
Performance
Different alternatives offer varying levels of performance. Consider the processor speed, RAM, and graphics capabilities to ensure the board can handle the tasks you intend to perform.
Cost
Cost is an important consideration for many. While Raspberry Pi boards are known for their affordability, alternatives might offer different price points based on their specifications. Evaluate the cost in relation to the features provided.
Community and support
Raspberry Pi’s strong community and extensive online resources make troubleshooting and learning easier. Research the availability of community support and online documentation for the alternative boards you are considering.
Compatibility and availability of accessories
Check if the alternative boards are compatible with the accessories you plan to use, such as displays, sensors, and connectors. Additionally, ensure that these accessories are readily available
in the market for the alternative board you choose.
Arduino Uno
Features and capabilities
Arduino Uno is a popular alternative to Raspberry Pi known for its simplicity and ease of use. It is based on the microcontroller ATmega328P and offers a wide range of digital and analog input/output pins. Arduino Uno is ideal for beginners and projects that require real-time control and interaction with the physical world.
Use cases and applications
Arduino Uno is commonly used in projects such as robotics, home automation, and interactive art installations. Its real-time capabilities make it suitable for tasks that require precise timing and control.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly with a large community and extensive documentation
- Affordable and readily available
- Excellent for simple projects and learning the basics of electronics and programming
Cons:
- Limited processing power compared to more advanced alternatives
- Lack of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
BeagleBone Black
Features and capabilities
BeagleBone Black is a powerful single-board computer that runs on an ARM Cortex-A8 processor. It offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and microSD. BeagleBone Black also features 512MB of RAM, making it capable of handling more complex tasks.
Use cases and applications
BeagleBone Black is suitable for projects that require high-performance computing, such as home automation systems, robotics, and multimedia applications. Its extensive connectivity options make it versatile for various applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful processor and ample RAM for demanding tasks
- Wide range of connectivity options
- Support for various operating systems, including Linux distributions
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some other alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Odroid XU4
Features and capabilities
Odroid XU4 is a robust single-board computer powered by an Exynos 5422 octa-core processor. It offers 2GB of RAM, USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and HDMI output. Odroid XU4 provides excellent performance for tasks that require intensive processing and multimedia capabilities.
Use cases and applications
Odroid XU4 is well-suited for media centers, gaming consoles, and network servers. Its powerful hardware enables smooth video playback and multitasking.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High-performance processor and ample RAM
- USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfer
- Suitable for multimedia and gaming applications
Cons:
- Higher power consumption compared to some other alternatives
- Limited community support compared to more popular boards
Intel NUC
Features and capabilities
Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) is a compact and powerful alternative to Raspberry Pi. It comes in various configurations, offering different processors, RAM capacities, and storage options. Intel NUC provides a desktop-like experience in a small form factor.
Use cases and applications
Intel NUC is ideal for projects that require a higher level of performance and compatibility with desktop applications. It can be used for home media centers, mini PCs, and small-scale servers.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful processors and customizable configurations
- Support for various operating systems, including Windows and Linux
- Excellent performance for demanding tasks
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other alternatives
- Requires additional components for full functionality (RAM, storage, operating system)
Banana Pi
Features and capabilities
Banana Pi is a single-board computer that offers a range of features similar to Raspberry Pi. It is powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 processor and provides multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and GPIO pins. Banana Pi also includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Use cases and applications
Banana Pi can be used in various projects such as home automation systems, media centers, and IoT applications. Its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities make it convenient for wireless connectivity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comparable features to Raspberry Pi with additional built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Suitable for IoT projects and home automation
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Limited community support compared to Raspberry Pi
- Compatibility with some accessories may be a concern
Orange Pi
Features and capabilities
Orange Pi is another Raspberry Pi alternative that offers a range of models with varying specifications. It runs on different processors, including Allwinner, H5, and H6, providing options for different performance levels. Orange Pi also offers features such as USB ports, Ethernet, HDMI output, and GPIO pins.
Use cases and applications
Orange Pi can be used in projects that require multimedia capabilities, IoT applications, and general-purpose computing. It provides flexibility in terms of performance options based on project requirements.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple models and performance options available
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Suitable for multimedia and general-purpose computing projects
Cons:
- Limited documentation and community support compared to Raspberry Pi
- Compatibility with certain software and accessories may vary
Asus Tinker Board
Features and capabilities
Asus Tinker Board is a powerful alternative to Raspberry Pi known for its impressive hardware specifications. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A17 processor, 2GB of RAM, HDMI output, and multiple USB ports. Asus Tinker Board also supports 4K video playback.
Use cases and applications
Asus Tinker Board is suitable for projects that require high-definition video playback, media centers, and gaming applications. Its powerful hardware makes it capable of handling demanding tasks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High-performance processor and ample RAM
- 4K video playback support
- Compatible form factor with Raspberry Pi for easy integration
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other alternatives
- Limited community support and documentation
NanoPi Neo
Features and capabilities
NanoPi Neo is a compact and energy-efficient single-board computer. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, 512MB of RAM, USB ports, and GPIO pins. NanoPi Neo is designed for minimal power consumption without compromising performance.
Use cases and applications
NanoPi Neo is suitable for projects that require low power consumption and compact size, such as IoT devices, home automation, and robotics. It is an excellent choice for battery-powered applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption and compact size
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Suitable for battery-powered applications
Cons:
- Limited memory capacity compared to some alternatives
- Limited community support and documentation
Pine A64
Features and capabilities
Pine A64 is a single-board computer that offers a balance between performance and affordability. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, up to 2GB of RAM, HDMI output, and multiple USB ports. Pine A64 also supports 4K video playback.
Use cases and applications
Pine A64 is suitable for various projects, including media centers, gaming consoles, and IoT applications. Its 4K video playback capabilities and affordability make it an attractive choice for multimedia projects.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- 4K video playback support
- Compatible with various operating systems
Cons:
- Limited community support compared to more popular alternatives
- Compatibility with certain accessories may be a concern
RockPro64
Features and capabilities
RockPro64 is a high-performance single-board computer that offers impressive hardware specifications. It features a hexa-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, up to 4GB of RAM, USB 3.0 ports, and multiple connectivity options. RockPro64 also supports 4K video playback and features a PCIe slot for expansion.
Use cases and applications
RockPro64 is suitable for projects that require high-performance computing, such as media centers, servers, and advanced IoT applications. Its powerful hardware and expandability options make it versatile for demanding tasks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High-performance hexa-core processor and ample RAM
- USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfer
- PCIe slot for expansion options
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other alternatives
- Limited community support compared to more popular boards
Conclusion
When it comes to Raspberry Pi alternatives, there is a diverse range of options available to suit different project requirements. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, high-performance computing, multimedia capabilities, or energy efficiency, these alternatives offer unique features and capabilities. Consider factors such as performance, cost, community support, and accessory compatibility to make the best choice for your project.
With Arduino Uno, you get a beginner-friendly board with real-time control capabilities. BeagleBone Black offers a powerful single-board computer experience, while Odroid XU4 provides high performance for multimedia applications. Intel NUC brings desktop-like functionality in a compact form factor, and Banana Pi offers a Raspberry Pi-like experience with built-in wireless connectivity. Orange Pi provides flexibility with different models and performance options, while Asus Tinker Board excels in high-definition video playback. NanoPi Neo focuses on low power consumption, and Pine A64 balances performance and affordability. Finally, RockPro64 offers high-performance computing and expandability options.
Explore these Raspberry Pi alternatives and find the one that best suits your project needs and preferences.
FAQs
What is the potato alternative to Raspberry Pi? ›
Libre Computer Le Potato
Le Potato is an impressive board, and comes with an Amlogic S905X SoC with a 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 clocked at 1.512GHz, putting it more-or-less on a par with the Raspberry Pi 3B+. Libre Computer's flagship board offers four full-sized USB 2.0 ports, a 40-pin GPIO header, and HDMI 2.0.
Asus Tinker Board
It is designed to be an affordable alternative to Raspberry Pi, offering high-performance computing capabilities at a lower cost. Asus Tinker Board comes with a variety of ports and connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB, and HDMI.
The ASUS Tinker Board S is hands down the best overall Raspberry Pi alternative for emulation in 2023. This powerful single-board computer (SBC) is designed specifically with users in mind, delivering impressive performance and an extensive set of features that cater to the gaming community.
Can banana pi replace Raspberry Pi? ›The Banana Pi M5 board still performs better than the Raspberry Pi 3 B, but it is not a major contender for the more high-end Raspberry Pi 4.
Which is better banana pi or Raspberry Pi? ›Key Difference between Raspberry Pi and Banana Pi
Raspberry Pi depends on MicroSD and USB for storage, whereas Banana pi is fitted with a SATA port, which allows a faster option for connecting mass storage devices like hard drives.
The shortage in stock is due to supply chain issues which affected any components which used semiconductors. The Raspberry Pi range was not alone in this: graphics cards, along with other PC components, also saw stock shortages and high demand. It's also difficult to buy a bare board.
What is the disadvantage of Raspberry Pi? ›One of the main drawbacks of using Raspberry Pi for ROS development is its limited performance. Raspberry Pi has a relatively low processing power and memory, which means it can struggle to run complex or computationally intensive tasks, such as image processing, navigation, or machine learning.
Will Raspberry Pi prices go down? ›Just before Christmas 2022, Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton mentioned that he expects 2023 to see a marked change in supply. If a constrained supply led to the spike in prices, thanks to scalpers, then the less constrained the supply of Raspberry Pis, the more prices will fall.
Do professionals use Raspberry Pi? ›Raspberry Pi: 7 uses to consider
"For IT professionals, you can do a lot of coding and development with the Raspberry Pi, making it a great tool for when you want to make something and don't know where to start. Using a Raspberry Pi as the base, you can load everything that you would need on.
The $35 Raspberry Pi has long enabled fun projects that required just a little computing power—but during the height of the pandemic, it became difficult to get hold of one. Supply chain issues hit the production of these affordable boards hard, causing shortages that have lasted since 2021.
Will Raspberry Pi ever be back in stock? ›
Eben Upton has confirmed that his team is currently focused on recovering from the supply chain shortages for their existing models, rather than creating entirely new SKUs. Upton said in a late 2022 interview that 2023 will be a "recovery year," and "don't expect a Pi 5 next year."
Which is better Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone? ›The BeagleBone Black might lack most of the USB features found on its Pi 4 counterpart. But it comes with two 46 pin headers. It also rocks 4GB eMMC and dual PRU 32-bit micro-controllers. All these features increase BeagleBone I/o, making it perfect for advanced projects that require sensor hooks.
Are there fake Raspberry Pis? ›There is no such thing as a counterfeit Raspberry Pi. There are things like Odroids, Banana Pi and Orange Pi that have some matching hardware characteristics but are not counterfeits. Regular Raspberries are made in more than one factory. Most are made in Wales, UK but some are made in a Chinese fabrication plant.
Can Arduino replace Raspberry Pi? ›With the use of Python, Raspberry Pi functions exceptionally for developing software applications, while Arduino is considered good for interfacing Sensors and controlling LEDs and Motors. But, this doesn't mean that Raspberry Pi can not be utilized for the same purpose.
Which is better Arduino or Raspberry Pi? ›Raspberry Pi has a superb processing power – up to 1.6 GHz (depending on the board), whereas that of Arduino is up to 16 MHz (depending on the board). Arduino will come in handy for controlling motors, LEDs, or interfacing sensors, whereas Raspberry Pi is good for developing software applications.
Is there going to be a Raspberry Pi 5? ›The Raspberry Pi 5 is expected to be released in 2024. Although there were whispers it would be made available early 2023, this speculation has been squashed by Raspberry Pi's CEO Eben Upton – who said in an interview that 2023 would be a 'recovery year'.
Is Orange Pi as good as Raspberry Pi? ›Orange Pi can run in different operating systems and is good in performance when compared with Raspberry Pi. Core speed, RAM, and video performance is better when compared with Raspberry Pi but only in nominal modes. Both, in many terms, are similar in specifications and capabilities due to the operating systems used.
Why is everyone sold out of Raspberry Pi? ›The orders for Raspberry Pi are significantly increasing, however, low-volume Raspberry Pi stock cannot meet the requests from all the clients, thus a large gap in supply and demand formed and needs to be filled.
What is the most sold Raspberry Pi? ›The Raspberry Pi Model 3 is the best-selling Raspberry Pi.
What is the real price of Raspberry Pi? ›This item Raspberry Pi 4 8GB RAM | All N... | ELeCTRO buddy Raspberry Pi Zer... | |
Rating | 4.0 out of 5 stars 467 reviews | 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 reviews |
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What is the lifespan of a Raspberry Pi? ›
The Raspberry Pi lifespan is said to be around 7-10 years. The usual reason for major damage is due to a user's lack of care with the device. Users don't protect the device from power breakdowns and SD card failures, or it is kept in a rough environment.
Why do hackers use Raspberry Pi? ›It can be powered by a portable battery, making it a useful tool for hacking on the go. Customization: Raspberry Pi is highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a hacker. It can be used to build customized hacking tools, such as sniffers and network scanners.
Can you watch Netflix on Raspberry Pi? ›In conclusion, you can run Netflix on a Raspberry Pi by simply making use of a plugin from the popular media center Kodi, which will work perfectly for this purpose. Another way to do it is via the Chromium web browser by installing the Widevine DRM package to your Raspberry Pi.
Is Raspberry Pi discontinued? ›RS Group has been an important partner for Raspberry Pi, manufacturing our products under licence since launch in February 2012. Our licence agreement with RS Group came to an end in June 2022, with the result that they no longer manufacture Raspberry Pi products.
Can Raspberry Pi run Windows? ›Incredibly, Windows 11 on a Raspberry Pi works really well. While you're limited with your choice of software, this is actually true of any Windows-compatible computer.
What to do after buying Raspberry Pi? ›- Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi.
- Connect the Raspberry Pi to a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
- Connect an Ethernet cable if you plan to use wired Internet.
- Plug the Pi in to power it on.
All over the world, people use the Raspberry Pi to learn programming skills, build hardware projects, do home automation, implement Kubernetes clusters and Edge computing, and even use them in industrial applications.
Can you use a Raspberry Pi as an everyday computer? ›Living With a Raspberry Pi Isn't Easy Either
As mentioned earlier, a Raspberry Pi works just fine for everyday computing tasks such as web browsing and office applications.
In general, the Raspberry Pi 4 can handle most tasks such as reading articles like this one, playing video, or working with text. But don't expect top-level performance from the $50 board — it will be not the fastest computer in the world. Be aware that when you buy the Raspberry Pi 4, you get only the board.
How much is a Raspberry Pi in 2023? ›Another downside of buying the Raspberry Pi 3B+ in 2023 is that it is generally sold for about the same price as the 1GB RAM version of the Raspberry Pi 4, around $35.
Is Raspberry Pi ready for industry? ›
In many industrial applications, Raspberry Pi modules can form the basis of I/O and sensor modules, as well as control and server units.
What is the fastest Raspberry Pi? ›Raspberry Pi Zero
The newest and fastest Raspberry Pi, the Pi 4 B is powered by a 1.5-GHz, quad-core processor and comes with 2 or 4GB of RAM, a big step up from prior-generation Pis that topped out at 1GB.
Raspberry Pi (/paɪ/) is a series of small single-board computers (SBCs) developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation in association with Broadcom. The Raspberry Pi project originally leaned towards the promotion of teaching basic computer science in schools.
Who owns Raspberry Pi? ›Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raspberry Pi Foundation, with the money earned from sales of Raspberry Pi products being used to fund the charitable work of the Foundation.
How many Raspberry Pi have been sold? ›Ten years after the first Raspberry Pi was shipped in 2012, more than 40 million of the devices have been sold worldwide, creating a market worth in excess of $1 billion, plus more in peripherals.
What is the potato alternative? ›Cauliflower is probably the most common substitute for potatoes. Many people singing the praises of cauliflower mash and even cauliflower rice. It's easy to fry and roast cauliflower or throw into soups and stews. And it's the one vegetable that's most likely to pass as potatoes.
What is the alternative to Raspberry Pi hacker news? ›Hacker News. Ask HN: Best Raspberry Pi Alternative? OP links the Banana Pi M5, VIM1s, Odroid C4, Rock 3A, and the Orange Pi 5 4GB as potential alternatives, but the hardware is not the problem, it's the software support and the community.
What is an alternative to Desiree potato? ›Desiree are a good allrounder in taste and texture, but the British ones are probably not harvested yet. Maris Piper or King Edward are a suitable substitute.
Can you power a Raspberry Pi with a potato? ›The lack of current is what drove [Equalo] to dramatically scale up the typical potato battery. With a target device of a Raspberry Pi Zero requiring around 100 mA at 4.5V, this means he needed over 700 potato slices.
What is a high Fibre alternative to potatoes? ›Cauliflower is a low-carb potato substitute that has fiber and is high in vitamin C. Cauliflower has a similar texture to potatoes, but it is not as starchy. It's a low-carb cruciferous vegetable with lots of healthy benefits.
What is the potato controversy? ›
In 1986, the Industrial Commission and the State Bank were embroiled (and embarrassed) in the infamous “Honduran potato deal.” The idea was to ship four million pounds of ND seed potatoes to Honduras, part of H.L. Thorndal's quest to find foreign markets for North Dakota commodities.
Can potato replace rice? ›Potatoes contain more essential nutrients than white rice. Next time you're asked whether you want a baked potato vs. rice with your meal, opt for the baked potato if you're looking for the healthier choice. But toppings can change their nutrition content.
Does NASA use Raspberry Pi? ›We last wrote about the new space-hardened Raspberry Pi units, dubbed Astro Pi, in September and they launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in December as part of Expedition 66 on a Dragon Cargo spacecraft atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Why are Raspberry Pi so cheap? ›Raspberry Pis Were Designed to Be Cheap
Using open source software on open source hardware, the price point of the Pi remained low, even as the capabilities of the flagship 'B' series boards skyrocketed.
The current shortage of Raspberry Pi can be attributed to various factors, including the ongoing global semiconductor shortage, increased demand for home electronics during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the popularity of Raspberry Pi in many industries.
What are Belle potatoes? ›Solanum tuberosum 'Belle de Fontenay' is an old French potato from the 1800s. An early potato, it produces small, smooth, kidney-shaped tubers with a creamy yellow flesh. The tubers store after harvesting for several months and the flavour is even said to improve with age.
What is a Butterball potato? ›German Butterball potatoes are medium to large in size and are round to oblong in shape, averaging 10-12 centimeters in length. The pale, smooth, yellow skin is lightly netted with shallow eyes, dark brown spots, and brown patches. The flesh is a vibrant yellow to gold and is firm, waxy, and dense.
What is a Sebago potato? ›Sebago potatoes are considered the all-purpose potato and are the most widely used variety. They have light brown to white skins and white flesh. Sebagos are high in nutrients and virtually fat free. They can be baked, fried, boiled, grilled, mashed, and added to any stew or casserole.
What should you never unplug while your Raspberry Pi is running? ›As you may have already noticed, there is no button to switch the Raspberry Pi on or off. Your first instinct is probably to pull the power cord, but this is highly not recommended. There are many reasons why pulling the power cord while your operating system is still running is not a good idea.
Will Raspberry Pi shut down if it gets too hot? ›Re: shutdown pi at high temps
Also Pi won't shutdown or anything IF it starts to overheat, it will just downclock itself to cool down.
How long will a Raspberry Pi run on a power bank? ›
USB power banks are capable of powering a Raspberry Pi, since they usually have an output voltage of 5 V . And yes, by using a (quite large) 50 Ah power bank, you can definitely expect your Pi to run for at least 24 h .