Dedicating a complete PC to a undertaking could be overkill. That is the place single-board computer systems come in useful.
The perfect-known single-board pc (SBC) is, undoubtedly, the Raspberry Pi — identified worldwide for its versatility, low energy consumption, reliability, and user-friendliness.
This does not imply, nonetheless, you could’t discover options to the single-board pc (SBC). Options to the Raspberry Pi can be utilized to customise distinctive initiatives, whether or not you need extra efficiency, AI, VR assist, a board rated for industrial use, or one appropriate for programming and academic merchandise — and, maybe, even profiting from ChatGPT purposes.
Additionally: Finding Raspberry Pi: Where to buy the latest model and its alternatives
Possibly you merely need one thing smaller or with a distinct focus to the Raspberry Pi, which has been up to date to the Raspberry Pi 5 this year.
ZDNET examined and researched one of the best Raspberry Pi options out there now, based mostly on efficiency, connectivity and storage, ease of use, and value. Le Potato is ZDNET’s high choose for one of the best Raspberry Pi different total on account of its options and value within the single-board pc area, proving itself to be a strong single-board pc appropriate for newbies and fans alike.
Learn on to check the processor kind, graphics, RAM, and velocity of different nice Raspberry Pi options.
The perfect Raspberry Pi options in January 2024
- Nice value
- Nicely-made with nice documentation
Libre Laptop Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) tech specs: Processor: Amlogic S905X SoC | Graphics: Mali-450 GPU | RAM: As much as 2GB DDR3 SDRAM | Connectivity: 4x USB 2.0 Sort A | Ports: HDMI 2.0 | Storage enlargement: MicroSD Card Slot | Interface: eMMC Interface | Velocity: 100Mb Quick Ethernet
This Libre Laptop Board is a strong single-board pc at a particularly reasonably priced value level. If you happen to’re all for making an attempt out an SBC for the primary and do not need to make investments too closely, it is a nice possibility for you.
Plus, it presents infinite storage enlargement through MicroSD playing cards, which is nice should you use it closely. You are not going to be breaking any velocity information and it will not be appropriate for heavy-resource initiatives, however this board presents a fantastic set of options together with Linux, open supply graphics, video libraries, and UEFI assist — and for under $35.
- Coloration-coded GPIO for ease of use
- Filled with options
- Nice end
- Expensive at completely different stockists
Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 tech specs: Processor: Rockchip Quad-Core RK3288 1.8GHz | Graphics: Arm Mali-T764 GPU | RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 dual-channel | Bandwidth: 802.11 b/g/n | Bluetooth: V4.0 + EDR | Velocity: 16GB eMMC
This board has quite a few good options that make it preferrred for hobbyists. We significantly recognize the color-coded GPIO header, which makes it simple to acknowledge respective pin headers. Plus, the detailed silk-screen print on the face of the board makes it clear the place all the pieces goes.
The Asus Tinker Board options a wonderful processor, and the 16GB eMMC velocity presents sufficient energy for many initiatives. There’s additionally HD & UHD (4K) video assist and numerous ports, together with LAN and USB. You will discover it for under $125 at Amazon, however the value tends to leap up at completely different stockists.
- Numerous {hardware} choices
- Highly effective
- Superior choices reminiscent of Petitboot
- Steep studying curve
- Extra difficult than an everyday SBC
Odroid N2+ 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 non-obligatory 8GB to 128GB | Options: 8MB SPI flash with boot choose swap and Petitboot app | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port for as much as 4K@60Hz | Connectivity: 4x USB 3.0 ports | Velocity: 2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port
Highly effective but energy-efficient, the Odriod N2+ can be ZDNET writer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ first alternative if he wished to interchange his desktop pc with a single-board pc.
This SBC is nice for superior customers who need extra energy than an everyday SBC. It presents glorious connectivity, and it is able to working the Petitboot app. Plus, it could possibly run numerous variations of Linux, together with the most recent Ubuntu, and it is also appropriate with AndroidOS.
A model with 4GB RAM could be discovered at Amazon for $105 ($10 off), or a 2GB mannequin is offered at Exhausting Kernel for $66.
Additionally: How to install Linux on your Raspberry Pi
- Glorious efficiency
- Designed for giant workloads
- Speedy speeds
- Costly
- Overkill for many duties
Udoo Bolt V3 tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1202b twin core/quad thread @ 2.3ghz (3.2ghz Enhance) | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 | RAM: 2x DDR4 dual-channel 64-bit SO-DIMM Sockets With ECC Assist as much as 32GB | Velocity: 32GB eMMC 5.0 high-speed drive
There’s not a lot that the Udoo Bolt V3 cannot deal with, regardless of beginning off as a Kickstarter undertaking again within the day (a realm the place many initiatives fail). It is extremely quick and nice to be used in VR, AR, and AI initiatives, sporting a Ryzen processor and Vega graphics. If it is advisable load large recordsdata shortly and successfully, the Udoo Bolt V3 won’t disappoint.
The 32GB eMMC velocity is unmatched by another board we suggest. However at a value level of at the least $333, relying on the stockists, it is costly.
- Upgradable RAM
- 3D/2D picture acceleration module
- Helps open supply
Orange Pi 5 tech specs: Processor: Rockchip RK3588S 8-Core 64-Bit (4xCortex-A76 and 4xCortex-A55) as much as 2.4GHz | Graphics: Arm Mali-G610 MP4 “Odin” | RAM: LPDDR4/4x as much as 32GB | AI accelerator NPU | Video: as much as 8K @60fps | Velocity: 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet
The Orange Pi 5 board is a superb Raspberry PI different should you’re on the lookout for a board appropriate for media functions.
The $100 Orange Pi 5 does pack a punch — sporting a Rockchip RK3588S 8-core (64-bit) CPU (2.4Ghz), an Arm Odin GPU, 8GB RAM (upgradable to 32GB), DisplayPort compatibility, and a video output HDMI connector at as much as 8K.
Le Potato is ZDNET’s high choose total on account of its affordability and options within the single-board pc area. We have damaged down every Raspberry Pi different under based mostly on processor, storage, and velocity. If certainly one of these qualities is a precedence for you, this evaluation could allow you to select one of the best single-board pc for you.
Finest Raspberry Pi different |
Processor |
Storage |
Velocity |
Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 |
Rockchip Quad-Core RK3288 1.8GHz |
2GB LPDDR3 dual-channel, 16GB eMMC |
16GB eMMC high-speed drives, overclocking velocity of as much as 3.6 GHz |
Libre Laptop Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) |
Amlogic S905X SoC |
As much as 2GB DDR3 SDRAM |
100Mb Quick 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 twin core/quad thread @ 2.3ghz (3.2ghz Enhance) |
2x DDR4 dual-channel 64-bit SO-DIMM Sockets With ECC Assist as much as 32GB |
32GB eMMC 5.0 Excessive Velocity Drive |
Orange Pi 5 |
Rockchip RK3588S 8-core (4-core A76 and 4-core A55) 64-bit, as much as 2.4GHz |
As much as 32GB LPDDR4 RAM, QSPI Nor FLASH 16MB / MicroSD (TF) |
10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet |
Typically you simply have to get on with a undertaking, so you purchase an affordable single-board pc — or, maybe, you’ve got simply begun exploring the sphere of SBCs. However if you wish to put money into higher {hardware}, you need to just remember to’re not throwing cash away. To seek out one of the best SBC for you, we recommend beginning with a transparent thought of the initiatives you may use it for. This may be the onerous half, but it surely’s well worth the time. If you happen to confuse your use goal, you might get derailed partway by way of the undertaking leading to a large setback that prices money and time.
Subsequent, do a little analysis. How a lot energy and efficiency do you want? What working system do it is advisable use? This SBC information presents one of the best Raspberry options, so you will discover the board that matches your finances and wishes.
Select this SBC… | If you would like… |
Libre Laptop Board AML-2905X-CC (Le Potato) | A finances possibility for hobbyists and fans, and the right approach to discover SBCs. This Libre mannequin is a superb Raspberry Pi different for individuals who need to study SBCs with out spending a fortune. |
Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 | Whereas it has a value level on the upper aspect, the Asus Tinker Board has all the pieces you want for a wide range of initiatives. |
Odroid N2+ | A variety of {hardware} choices. The Odroid N2+ is a high performer that certainly one of our personal authors would choose as a desktop PC alternative. |
Udoo Bolt V3 | A high-end SBC with the type of efficiency you’d anticipate from a desktop pc. It is costly, however the velocity and assist for VR, AR, and AI initiatives could make it value it. |
Orange Pi 5 | A single board pc arrange for video, media, and AI assist. The Orange Pi 5 helps as much as 8K video processing at 60 fps. |
The Raspberry Pi is a superb piece of {hardware}, but it surely’s been constructed inside particular constraints that allow mass enchantment. These SBCs take what the Raspberry Pi dropped at the desk additional with options that will let you customise your expertise.
Our listing consists of choices personally examined by ZDNET authors and extremely really useful merchandise based mostly on buyer evaluations and suggestions, with these components particularly in thoughts:
- Efficiency: Efficiency is vital when you think about buying a brand new SBC. We have now thought of processing energy, RAM, and graphics.
- Connectivity & storage: The vary of connectivity choices in SBCs is various. Some will present Bluetooth, for instance, whereas others solely have HDMI and Ethernet. Moreover, some SBCs will embrace storage, and in distinction, others will present USB ports to attach your personal drives.
- Ease of use: SBCs do not must be complicated, and a few of our choices embrace helpful coloration coding or different options to make your initiatives simpler to deal with.
- Worth: Not everybody needs to put money into probably the most high-spec SBC on the market, particularly if they’re simply beginning out and exploring their pursuits. We have now thought of a variety of gadgets with newbies, hobbyists, and tech fans in thoughts.
The Raspberry Pi continues to be one of the best place to begin if you wish to get expertise with a single-board pc.
Additionally: Struggling to buy a Raspberry Pi? It could become a lot easier
These options are a fantastic subsequent step if you wish to develop your SBC information. The Raspberry Pi is a superb software for familiarizing your self with the setup and GPIO pins. And, it is a useful gizmo if certainly one of your youngsters has an curiosity in programming that you simply need to encourage.
There are numerous choices. Yow will discover plenty of generic instances on the market to guard your Raspberry Pi or different SBC, and I like to recommend getting one. In any case, should you’re investing in an SBC, it is best to defend it.
Additionally, if you’re fortunate sufficient to personal a 3D printer, then you definately’ll have an infinite provide of them! Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to the 3D printing market Shapeways to search out your good case.
You may attempt to waterproof the case by utilizing seals or silicone grease. You may additionally spray the board with a conformal coating to withstand moisture.
However past these steps, there isn’t any approach to make them fully waterproof, and also you threat injury should you do not hold your electronics away from adversarial climate situations and environments.
We selected a wide range of Raspberry Pi options based mostly on efficiency, {hardware} choices, and pricing. If these do not be just right for you, listed below are some appropriate options:
Best alternative for budget
Arduino UNO REV3 – Save 14%
The Arduino UNO REV3 is a fantastic entry-level option and is currently on sale at Amazon for $27 — making it a great option as a Christmas present or stocking filler.
Best alternative for speed
Orange Pi 5, 16GB – A sophisticated, speedy alternative
The Orange Pi 5 is a 16GB, 8-core option for developers, capable of handling AI, VR, AR, and more. You can pick one up for $126 at Amazon.
Best alternative for connectivity
Banana Pi M2 – Connectivity options
The Banana Pi M2 is a supremely affordable alternative with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support at only $40.
Best alternative for versatility
Odroid-XU4 – Stocks move quickly
The Odroid-XU4 single-board computer is a great board for a variety of projects. Given its popularity, this $74 SBC does tend to sell out frequently.
Best alternative for size
Beagleboard PocketBeagle BeagleBone – Based on Octavo systems
PocketBeagle is a $60 compact, yet powerful, USB key-fob computer.
Best alternative for AI
NVIDIA Jetson Nano – A great alternative for AI
The $149 NVIDIA Jetson Nano developer kit is a great option for developing modern AI applications with excellent user reviews.