The Raspberry Pi is a well-liked single-board laptop (SBC) and, for a lot of, is on the coronary heart of DIY programming and residential computing tasks. Nonetheless, options in the marketplace can present the identical, or higher, mind and processing hub. In addition they provide highly effective processors, reminiscence, storage, and devoted {hardware} for functions akin to AI or video. SBCs may also be used from an early age and supply a enjoyable, hands-on method to be taught programming, for instance.
In case you’re on the lookout for something from a beginner-friendly mannequin to a robust developer-based SBC, we’ve you coated.
What’s the greatest Raspberry Pi various proper now?
The Libre Laptop Board — or Le Potato — is my general prime choose. This $40 Raspberry Pi various is a stable SBC for rookies and lovers. When you may go for Candy Potato, Le Potato fits a broader person base.
The Orange Pi 5 Plus additionally deserves a point out as a flexible board with sufficient energy to deal with media tasks, though it’s dearer at $136.
The ZDNET group is well-versed in SBC use. We’ll enable you discover the right SBC in your house automation, customized gadget creation, or the robotic you have at all times wished to construct. After analyzing the market’s hottest choices, buyer suggestions, and evaluations, my prime suggestions for the very best Raspberry Pi options of 2025 are beneath.
The very best Raspberry Pi options of 2025
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This Libre Laptop Board is an reasonably priced, stable, single-board laptop, which makes it my prime choose for SBCs outdoors of the Raspberry Pi vary.
Why we prefer it: Le Potato helps the Ubuntu 22.04 long-term help (LTS) and Raspbian 11 working techniques. Plus, it gives limitless storage growth by way of MicroSD playing cards for frequent utilization.
You will not break any velocity data, and it isn’t appropriate for heavy-resource tasks. Nonetheless, this board gives nice options together with Linux, open supply graphics, video libraries, and unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) help. This suite needs to be greater than sufficient for many tasks.
Guides and tutorials for this SBC can be found on the Libre Laptop hub.
Who’s it for: In case you’re excited about making an attempt out an SBC for the primary time to check with conventional PC setups with out breaking the financial institution, it is a nice choice for you.
On Amazon, you possibly can choose up a 2GB mannequin for less than $40. A spread of equipment together with heatsinks and dongle community adapters, will be bought from LoveRPi.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Clients love the value level and common versatility of this SBC, however some report booting points, and so it may not go well with customers of the developer selection.
Libre Laptop Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) tech specs: Processor: Amlogic S905X SoC | Graphics: Mali-450 GPU | RAM: As much as 2GB of DDR3 SDRAM | Connectivity: 4x USB 2.0 Sort A | Ports: HDMI 2.0 | Storage growth: MicroSD Card Slot | Interface: eMMC Interface | Pace: 100Mb Quick Ethernet
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The Orange Pi 5 Plus board is a superb Raspberry Pi various in case you’re on the lookout for a board appropriate for media functions.
Why we prefer it: Put merely, the Orange Pi 5 Plus packs a punch.
It sports activities a Rockchip RK3588 8-core (64-bit) central processing unit (2.4Ghz), an Arm Mali graphics processing unit (GPU), 16GB random entry reminiscence (RAM), help for Debian 11, Android 12, Ubuntu 22.04, Orange Pi working techniques, and a video output high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector as much as 8K.
Who’s it for: Anybody who needs the whole package deal in an SBC for media and video tasks.
Clients report that they’re proud of the ability and velocity of the system as a Raspberry Pi various.
The 8GB Orange Pi 5 Plus is priced at $148, and supply could take a number of weeks relying in your location.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In accordance with person suggestions, this system is great, however there are help issues. So, it may not be the best choice for anybody who needs technical help.
As a substitute, a Wiki-style guidebook is obtainable if you wish to study particular features of this SBC.
It also needs to be famous that choosing up equipment is perhaps tough. On account of modifications to U.S. customs laws, Orange Pi.internet, the most effective locations to purchase the product, is now now not delivery boards to the U.S. Equipment may additionally finally change into a problem, too.
Orange Pi 5 Plus tech specs: Processor: Rockchip RK3588 8-Core 64-Bit (quadcore A76 and quadcore A55) as much as 2.4GHz | Graphics: ARM Mali-G610 | RAM: LPDDR4/4x as much as 16GB | as much as 256GB eMMC storage modules | Video: as much as 8K at 60fps | Connectors: USB, Ethernet (2xPCIe 2.5G LAN)
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The Tinker Board 2S is one other of my favorites, because of its sturdy energy and processing capabilities.
Why we prefer it: The Tinker Board 2S options a wonderful processor and the 16GB embedded multi-media card (eMMC) velocity gives sufficient energy for many tasks. It additionally helps excessive definition (HD) and ultra-high definition (UHD), also called 4K video, in addition to varied ports together with native space community (LAN) and USB.
This board has a number of wonderful options that make it perfect for hobbyists. We notably recognize the color-coded general-purpose (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 the whole lot goes.
Who’s it for: Clients say there’s far much less help obtainable in comparison with Raspberry Pi, however they often prefer it as a venture SBC. I take into account this one of many higher choices round for hobbyists.
This SBC is at present in inventory at Amazon for $130, though shares do fluctuate. Consumer manuals and quick-start guides are additionally obtainable.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Anybody who needs a speedy supply. Delivery can take as much as a number of weeks, relying on the retailer.
Tinker Board 2S tech specs: Processor: Rockchip Quad-Core RK3299 | Graphics: Arm Mali-T860 GPU | RAM: 4GB LPDDR4 | Bandwidth: 802.11 b/g/n | Bluetooth: V4.0 and EDR | Pace: 16GB eMMC
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Highly effective but energy-efficient, the Odroid N2+ could be one in all ZDNET creator Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ first selections if he wished to exchange his desktop with a single-board laptop.
Why we prefer it: The N2+ is right for superior customers who require extra energy than a typical SBC. It gives wonderful connectivity and might run the Petitboot app.
It could actually additionally run varied variations of Linux, together with Ubuntu, and is suitable with Android. As well as, the CPU clock of the quad-core Cortex-A73 was elevated from 1.8GHz to 2.4GHz, and the dual-core processor was boosted from 1.9GHz to 2.0GHz.
Additionally: set up Linux in your Raspberry Pi
It is also near inconceivable to argue with the value level, as Hardkernel sells a 2GB mannequin for less than $66. Circumstances may also be bought at Amazon.
Who’s it for: Buyer evaluations point out that the N2+ is a good house automation and gaming choice, and so this is perhaps the best alternative for house tasks that require substantial assets.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Some customers, nevertheless, have skilled energy provide points and so maintain this in thoughts. If fixed use and operation are vital to you, one other one in all my suggestions is perhaps extra appropriate.
Odroid N2+ tech specs: Processor: Amlogic S922X — 4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz, 2x Cortex-A53 at 1.9GHz | Graphics: Mali-G52 GPU | RAM: 2GB or 4GB DDR4 | Interface: eMMC socket with elective 8GB to 128GB | Options: 8MB SPI flash with boot choose change and Petitboot app | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port for as much as 4K at 60Hz | Connectivity: 4x USB 3.0 ports | Pace: 2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port
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There’s not a lot that the Udoo Bolt V8 cannot deal with relating to power-hungry tasks that require excessive velocity, making it one other of my prime SBCs.
Why we prefer it: With a Ryzen processor (@ 2.0GHz) (3.6GHz Enhance) and Vega 8 graphics, it is quick and nice for digital actuality (VR), augmented actuality (AR), and AI duties. If you want to load massive information shortly and successfully, the Udoo Bolt V8 will not disappoint.
The developer says this SBC is “virtually twice as quick because the MacBook Professional 13 for VR, AR, and AI tasks.”
The velocity and energy of this SBC are a step above many of the different boards I like to recommend. It is also costly, costing at $452, relying on the provider.
Who’s it for: Clients who’ve used the Udoo Bolt V8 point out how costly it’s, however many benefit from the sheer energy this SBC supplies, and I take into account this the most effective choices for developer-based SBC tasks.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Contemplating the value level, this Raspberry Pi various will not be appropriate for anybody simply beginning out with SBC programming.
Udoo Bolt V8 tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B Quad Core/eight Thread @ 2.0GHz (3.6GHz Enhance) | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 | RAM: 2x Ddr4 Twin-channel 64-bit So-DIMM Sockets with Ecc Help Up To 32GB 2400 Mt/s | Pace: 32GB eMMC 5.0 high-speed drive
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Le Potato is ZDNET’s prime choose general attributable to its affordability and options within the single-board laptop house. We have damaged down every Raspberry Pi various beneath based mostly on processor, storage, and velocity that will help you select a single-board laptop.
|
Finest Raspberry Pi various |
Processor |
RAM/Storage |
Pace |
|
Libre Laptop Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) |
Amlogic S905X SoC |
As much as 2GB DDR3 SDRAM |
100Mb Quick Ethernet |
|
Orange Pi 5 Plus |
Rockchip RK3588 8-core, as much as 2.4GHz |
16GB LPDDR4 RAM, as much as 256GB eMMC modules |
2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port |
|
Tinker Board 2S |
Rockchip Quad-Core RK3399 2GHz |
4GB DDR4 SDRAM, 16GB eMMC |
16GB eMMC high-speed drive |
|
Odroid N2+ |
Amlogic S922X — 4x Cortex-A73 at 2.2GHz, 2x Cortex-A53 at 1.9GHz |
2GB or 4GB DDR4 |
2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port |
|
Udoo Bolt V8 |
AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B Quad Core/eight Thread @ 2.0Ghz (3.6ghz Enhance) |
2x DDR4 Twin-channel 64-bit So-DIMM Sockets With Ecc Help Up To 32GB 2400 Mt/s |
32GB eMMC 5.0 Excessive Pace Drive |
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An affordable single-board laptop will suffice for a fast venture or in case you’re exploring the sector of SBCs, however if you wish to spend money on higher {hardware}, be sure to’re not losing cash.
Earlier than shopping for a pricier SBC, we advise beginning with a transparent thought of the tasks you may use it for. That is well worth the time. Getting derailed partway by a venture may end up in a large and dear setback.
Subsequent, do a little analysis. How a lot energy and efficiency do you want? What working system do you want to use? This SBC information gives the very best Raspberry Pi options so you’ll find the board that matches your finances and wishes.
|
Select this SBC… |
If you need… |
|
Libre Laptop Board AML-2905X-CC (Le Potato) |
A finances choice for hobbyists and lovers, and the right method to discover SBCs. This Libre mannequin is a good Raspberry Pi various for individuals who need to study SBCs with out spending a fortune. |
|
Orange Pi 5 Plus |
A single-board laptop arrange for video and media help. The Orange Pi 5 Plus helps as much as 8K video processing at 60fps and has excessive ranges of efficiency. |
|
Tinker Board 2S |
Whereas it has a value level on the upper facet outdoors of gross sales promotions, the Tinker Board has the whole lot you want for quite a lot of tasks. |
|
Odroid N2+ |
A spread of {hardware} choices. The Odroid N2+ is a prime performer that one in all our personal authors would choose as a desktop PC alternative. |
|
Udoo Bolt V8 |
A high-end SBC with the form of efficiency you’ll count on from a desktop laptop. It is costly, however the velocity and help for VR, AR, and AI tasks could make it price it. |
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When you’re deciding on a single board laptop outdoors of the Raspberry Pi model, you need to take into account the next elements earlier than making a purchase order:
- Worth: How a lot are you prepared to spend in your new venture? In case you’re beginning out, a less expensive SBC needs to be high-quality, whereas you may need to spend slightly extra for long-term or superior tasks. For instance, there shall be value variations between a primary SBC to be taught programming fundamentals and one designed for AI.
- Undertaking: If you would like an SBC for hobbyist tasks, you will not want essentially the most superior or costly kits on the market — minimal RAM and processing will do, and so that you may not need to go for essentially the most superior processing energy or the very best board. You might even get away with recycling older elements, akin to exterior storage, to be used together with your new SBC.
- Subsequent-gen duties: If you wish to discover the capabilities of AI, you will have an SBC with excessive specs or one thing explicitly constructed with these tasks in thoughts, such because the Nvidia Jetson. Nonetheless, you need to count on to pay extra for superior SBCs.
- Connectivity: Contemplate what connectivity is vital to you before you purchase. SBCs could embrace several types of USB ports — akin to USB-A or USB-C — in addition to assorted web or Bluetooth connectivity choices.
- Media: In case you intend to make use of your Raspberry Pi various for media, akin to streaming audio and video, make sure that the SBC you might be contemplating has the required elements and help, particularly for any exterior storage you propose to make use of.
- Safety: SBCs are far much less cumbersome than conventional computer systems, so you could be tempted to convey one while you journey. In that case, guarantee you’ve additionally factored in a protecting case or measures to cease your SBC from being broken throughout transit or impacted by mud and water.
- Cooling: If you wish to run useful resource and power-heavy functions in your SBC, you will have to contemplate warmth technology. The extra energy an SBC makes use of and the extra duties it performs, the extra warmth it generates, and so you could must look into cooling strategies akin to warmth sinks or followers.
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The Raspberry Pi is a superb piece of {hardware}, nevertheless it’s been constructed inside particular constraints that allow mass attraction. These SBCs take what the Raspberry Pi dropped at the desk additional with options that assist you to customise your expertise.
My record contains choices personally examined by ZDNET authors and extremely really helpful merchandise based mostly on buyer evaluations and suggestions, with these elements particularly in thoughts:
- Efficiency: Efficiency is vital when you think about buying a brand new SBC. I thought of processing energy, RAM, and graphics and have included choices capable of deal with resource-heavy tasks.
- Connectivity: SBCs provide a spread of connectivity choices. Some present Bluetooth, for instance, whereas others solely have HDMI and Ethernet. I’ve additionally included completely different choices for the SBC hobbyist.
- Storage: Some SBCs embrace storage, whereas others present USB ports for connecting exterior drives. I like to incorporate selections with and with out storage, permitting you to extra management over implementing these kind of elements.
- Ease of use: SBCs do not need to be complicated. A few of my choices embrace sensible coloration coding or different options to make your tasks simpler to deal with. Moreover, a few of my prime suggestions are appropriate for studying how one can code and for instructional tasks.
- Worth: Not everybody needs to spend money on essentially the most high-spec SBC on the market, particularly if they’re simply beginning out and exploring their pursuits. I thought of a spread of gadgets with rookies, hobbyists, and tech lovers in thoughts.
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Newest information within the SBC house
- Researchers say that hackers planted a 4G-enabled Raspberry Pi in a financial institution community to forge a backdoor into an ATM community.
- Adafruit is engaged on a brand new SBC, dubbed Fruit Jam, which is across the measurement of a bank card. A launch date is but to be introduced.
- One other new product that has not too long ago appeared is the Banana Pi BPI-R4 Professional, that includes a MediaTek processor and extra RAM than earlier fashions.
- The CrowPi 3 “Al Studying and Improvement Station” has reached its Kickstarter objectives. This SBC is meant for AI utility use.
Raspberry Pi is a small computing system developed by the U.Ok.-based non-profit Raspberry Pi Basis. Raspberry Pi SBCs are cheaper than PCs or laptops, and are used to be taught programming, construct computer systems, robots, safety techniques, and extra. In a way, Raspberry Pi SBCs perform because the compact mind of a system or venture.
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The Raspberry Pi continues to be the very best place to begin if you wish to get expertise with a single-board laptop. You can even check out guides supplied by the Raspberry Pi Basis to study SBC elements.
Additionally: Raspberry Pi simply launched its personal high-performance SSDs and SSD kits
These options are a terrific subsequent step to broaden your SBC information. The Raspberry Pi is a good instrument for familiarizing your self with the setup and general-purpose enter/output (GPIO) pins. It is also a great tool if one in all your youngsters has an curiosity in programming that you simply need to encourage.
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You’ll find plenty of generic instances on the market to guard your Raspberry Pi or various SBC, and I like to recommend getting one. In any case, in case you’re investing in an SBC, you need to defend it. You might take a look at KKSB for a number of concepts.
Additionally, in case you are fortunate sufficient to personal a 3D printer, you then’ll have an limitless provide of instances. Alternatively, you possibly can go to the 3D printing market Pinshape to seek out your good case.
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You possibly can attempt to waterproof the case by utilizing seals or silicone grease. You might additionally spray the board with a conformal coating to withstand moisture.
Past these steps, there is no method to make them fully waterproof, and also you threat injury in case you do not maintain your electronics away from adversarial climate situations and environments.
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Sure, many professionals use Raspberry Pi for the whole lot from product testing to instructional tasks, however in addition they use options. All of it relies on private and venture wants.
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The price of Raspberry Pi fashions — as soon as solely $15 or so — has elevated attributable to provide shortages, and the value of computing elements and chips has elevated attributable to inflation. Nonetheless, within the grand scheme of issues, some Raspberry Pi fashions are nonetheless very reasonably priced for a spread of SBC tasks.
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Sure, Banana Pi is a stable various to Raspberry Pi. It’s a related system however has added advantages. For instance, it helps a wider vary of working techniques, akin to Android and Linux — together with Ubuntu. It permits for extra highly effective processors and extra RAM choices, in addition to enhanced connectivity like Gigabit Ethernet and serial superior know-how attachment (SATA) help.
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Developer kits are a particular kind of board that has been assembled — from the circuit board to peripherals — with the event of prototypes and experimental programming in thoughts. Whereas there is no stable distinction between a developer equipment and a typical SBC, developer boards can usually be stripped all the way down to easy merchandise centered on improvement and coding quite than finish tasks.
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Newest updates
- In ZDNET’s July replace, we carried out substantial copy and editorial modifications. We additionally changed the Udoo Bolt V3 with the Udoo Bolt V8 as a best choice, and supplied extra info on our favourite various Raspberry Pi SBCs. We additionally eliminated the Jetson Nano from our options attributable to an absence of inventory.
- In ZDNET’s June replace, we carried out editorial updates and eliminated merchandise which are out of inventory.
- In Might, we carried out intensive copy modifications and up to date all pricing.
Extra Raspberry Pi options
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The $119 FriendlyElec NanoPi R6S is a flexible open supply various with help for working techniques together with Debian, Android, and FriendlyWrt. Specs embrace a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 (as much as 2.4GHz) and quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU (as much as 1.8GHz), alongside a Mali GPU and 32GB eMMC storage.
You should buy a $20 case seperately. On account of a warehouse change, nevertheless, delivery is delayed.
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The Orange Pi 5 is a 4GB, 8-core choice for builders, able to dealing with AI, VR, and AR. You possibly can choose one up for $100 at Amazon. It is costly, nevertheless it comes with a Rockchip RK3588S processor, an ARM Mali-G610 GPU, an AI accelerator, and another helpful {hardware} elements.
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You might take into account the $35 Libre Laptop Candy Potato if you would like an improve to Le Potato, however based mostly on buyer suggestions, many customers desire the unique. Nonetheless, this budget-friendly various helps Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Debian 12, and CoreELEC, and is supplied with 2GB RAM.
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