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The best Raspberry Pi alternatives (and is there a cheaper option?)
For many projects, dedicating an entire PC to a project is overkill. This is where single-board computers come in handy.
The best know single-board computer (SBC) is, without a doubt, the Raspberry Pi. It's known worldwide for its versatility, low power consumption, reliability, and ease of use.
But there are a number of alternatives to the Raspberry Pi available that you can use to customize unique projects, whether you want more performance, AI, VR support, or a board rated for industrial use. Or maybe you simply want something smaller than the Raspberry Pi! And given there won't be a new version of Raspberry Pi released in 2023, now is a great time to try something new.
I analyzed single-board computers based on processor type, graphics, RAM, and speed to find the best Raspberry Pi alternatives on the market. This guide to single-board computers can help you find the best option for your budget and needs.
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- Color-coded GPIO for ease of use
- Packed with features
- Great finish
- Pricy
Tech specs: Processor: Rockchip Quad-Core RK3288 1.8GHz | Graphics: Arm Mali-T764 GPU | RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 dual-channel | Speed: 16GB eMMC | Bandwidth: 802.11 b/g/n | Bluetooth: V4.0 + EDR
This board has a number of nice features that make it ideal for hobbyists. I particularly appreciate the color-coded GPIO header, which makes it easy to recognize respective pin headers. Plus, the detailed silk-screen print on the face of the board makes it clear where everything goes. The Asus Tinker Board features an excellent processor, and the 16GB eMMC speed offers enough power for most projects.
- Great price
- Solid performer
- Well made with great documentation
- Budget performance
Tech specs: Processor: Amlogic S905X SoC | Graphics: Mali-450 GPU | RAM: Up to 2GB DDR3 SDRAM | Connectivity: 4x USB 2.0 Type A | Speed: 100Mb Fast Ethernet | Ports: HDMI 2.0 | Storage expansion: MicroSD Card Slot | Interface: eMMC Interface
This Libre Computer Board is a solid single-board computer at a price point that won't break the bank. If you're interested in trying out an SBC for the first and don't want to invest too heavily, this is a great option for you. Plus, it offers endless storage expansion via MicroSD cards, which is great if you use it heavily. You're not going to be breaking any speed records, but this board offers a great set of features.
- Various hardware options
- Powerful
- Advanced options such as Petitboot
- Pricey
- More complicated than a regular SBC
Tech specs: Processor: Amlogic S922X -- 4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz, 2x Cortex-A53 @ 1.9GHz | Graphics: Mali-G52 GPU | RAM: 2GB or 4GB DDR4 | Interface: eMMC socket with optional 8GB to 128GB | Features: 8MB SPI flash with boot select switch and Petitboot app | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port for up to 4K@60Hz | Connectivity: 4x USB 3.0 ports
Powerful yet energy-efficient, the Odriod N2+ would be my first choice if I wanted to replace my desktop computer with a single-board computer. This SBC is great for advanced users who want more power than a regular SBC. It offers excellent connectivity, and it's capable of running the Petitboot app. Plus, it can run various versions of Linux, including the latest Ubuntu, and it's also compatible with AndroidOS.
- Excellent performance
- Designed for large workloads
- Almost twice as fast as the MacBook Pro 13-inch
- Pricey
- Overkill for most tasks
Tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1202b dual core/quad thread @ 2.3ghz (3.2ghz Boost) | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 | RAM: 2x DDR4 dual-channel 64-bit SO-DIMM Sockets With ECC Support up to 32GB | Speed: 32GB eMMC 5.0 High Speed Drive
There's not much that the Udoo Bolt V3 can't handle. It's almost twice as fast as the 13-inch Intel MacBook Pro, and it's great for use in VR, AR, and AI projects. If you need to load massive files quickly and effectively, the Udoo Bolt V3 will not disappoint. The 32GB eMMC speed is unmatched by any other board we recommend. But at $437, it's pretty expensive.
- Raspberry Pi quality
- Powerful small package
- Perfect for industrial use
- Advanced for home users
Tech specs: Processor: 4-Core 1.5GHz 64-bit CPU | RAM: 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM Densities | Ports: 2x 4K HDMI interfaces 60fps H.265 (HEVC) video | Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet PHY with IEEE 1588 support | Interface: Single-lane PCI Express 2.0 interface | Display: Dual MIPI DSI display, and dual MIPI CSI-2 camera interfaces | Graphics: VideoCore VI graphics, supporting OpenGL ES 3.x | Features: 28 GPIO pins, with up to 6 × UART, 6 × I2C and 5 × SPI
If you're still hung up on Raspberry Pi, you may want to consider the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. It has most of the same features as the larger Raspberry Pi in a smaller package that you can plug into a carrier board. Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 incorporates a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, dual video output, and a wide selection of other interfaces. You can customize this SBC by connecting to your power supply of choice, and it includes the same ports as its larger sibling.
Read the review: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 review
What is the best Raspberry Pi alternative?
The Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 is ZDNET's top pick overall. I've broken down each Raspberry Pi alternative below based on processor, storage, and speed. If one of these qualities is a priority for you, this analysis may help you choose the best single-board computer for you.
Best Raspberry Pi alternative | Processor | Storage | Speed |
Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 | Rockchip Quad-Core RK3288 1.8GHz | 2GB LPDDR3 dual-channel | 16GB eMMC |
Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) | Amlogic S905X SoC | Up to 2GB DDR3 SDRAM | 100Mb Fast Ethernet |
Odroid N2+ | Amlogic S922X -- 4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz, 2x Cortex-A53 @ 1.9GHz | 2GB or 4GB DDR4 | 2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port |
Udoo Bolt V3 | AMD Ryzen Embedded V1202b dual core/quad thread @ 2.3ghz (3.2ghz Boost) | 2x DDR4 dual-channel 64-bit SO-DIMM Sockets With ECC Support up to 32GB | 32GB eMMC 5.0 High Speed Drive |
Raspberry Pi Computer Module 4 | 4-Core 1.5GHz 64-bit CPU | 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM Densities | Gigabit Ethernet PHY with IEEE 1588 support |
Which is the right Raspberry Pi alternative for you?
Sometimes you just need to get on with a project, so you buy a cheap single-board computer. But if you want to invest in better hardware, you want to make sure that you're not throwing money away. To find the best SBC for your, I suggest starting with a clear idea of the projects you'll use it for. This can be the hard part, but it's worth the time. If you confuse your use purpose, you may get derailed partway through the project resulting in a massive setback that costs time and money.
Next, do some research. How much power and performance do you need? What operating system do you need to use? This SBC guide offers the best Raspberry alternatives, so you can find the board that fits your budget and needs.
| Choose this SBC... | If you want... |
| Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 | The best alternative overall |
| Libre Computer Board AML-2905X-CC (Le Potato) | A budget option for hobbyists and enthusiasts |
| Odroid N2+ | A range of hardware options |
| Udoo Bolt V3 | High-end laptop performance for VR, AR, and AI projects |
| Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 | A Raspberry Pi 4 gutted down for industrial use |
How did we choose these Raspberry Pi alternatives?
I've personally tested every single-board computer in this list for quality, reliability, and ability to deliver on key propositions. Put simply, they all offer something that the Raspberry Pi doesn't.
The Raspberry Pi is a great piece of hardware, but it's been built within specific constraints that enable mass appeal. These SBCs take what the Raspberry Pi brought to the table further with features that allow you to customize your experience.
The Asus Tinker Board S is the perfect choice for a hobbyist who wants to learn their way around what these boards can do. It's a nicely designed board and easy to use with clear labels -- which means you'll spend less time looking at a manual and more time working on projects.
The Raspberry Pi Module 4 Compute is better suited to harsh industrial use. The small but durable powerhouse can handle environments that would otherwise destroy a lesser board.
What's the best way to get started with a single-board computer?
The Raspberry Pi is still the best place to start if you want to get experience with a single-board computer.
Also: Struggling to buy a Raspberry Pi? It could become a lot easier
These alternatives are a great next step if you want to expand on your SBC knowledge, the Raspberry Pi is a great tool for familiarizing yourself with the setup and GPIO pins. You can work through the basics from there!
Is there a cheaper alternative to Raspberry Pi?
Not really. All the alternatives on our list cost more than the Raspberry Pi 4, which is about $35.
What's a good source for cases for your Raspberry Pi or an alternative SBC?
There are various options. You can find a lot of generic cases out there to protect your Raspberry Pi or alternative SBC, and I recommend getting one. After all, if you're investing in an SBC, you should protect it.
Also, if you can drive a 3D printer, then you'll have an endless supply of them!
Can you make your single-board computer waterproof?
You can try to waterproof the case by using seals or silicone grease. You could also spray the board with conformal coating to resist moisture.
But beyond these steps, there's no way to make them completely waterproof.
Are there any more alternative Raspberry Pis worth considering?
We chose a variety of Raspberry Pi alternatives based on performance, hardware options, and pricing. If these don't work for you, here are some suitable alternatives: