Raspberry Pi is the most popular single-board computer right now. You can use it for your DIY projects or as a cost-effective system for learning to code – or you can even install media server software on it to stream media at your convenience.
You can do many things with the Raspberry Pi, but it may not be the ultimate solution for every tinkerer. Some might be looking for a cheaper board, and others might be looking for a powerful one.
Whatever the case, we need Raspberry Pi alternatives for various reasons. So in this article, we’ll talk about the top single-board computers that we think are the best Raspberry Pi alternatives.
1. ArmSoM Sige7
While it is a lot more expensive than Raspberry Pi, it is also a lot more powerful. It boasts of RK3588 system on chip that has built-in GPU and NPU (for AI processing). It supports up to 32 GB of RAM, has built-in eMMC storage, an NVMe slot and a lot more ports than Raspberry Pi.
Abhishek Prakash
Key Specifications
- RK3588 system on chip
- GPU Mali-G610
- NPU 6 TOPS
- Upto 32 GB RAM
- eMMC, Micro SD and NVMe storage options
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5 and WiFi 6
- Fully compatible with Raspberry Pi's 40-pin header
2. Onion Omega2+
For just $13, the Omega2+ is one of the cheapest IoT single-board computers you can find out there. It runs on LEDE (Linux Embedded Development Environment) Linux OS – a distribution based on OpenWRT.
Its form factor, cost, and flexibility that come from running a customized version of the Linux OS make it a perfect fit for almost any type of IoT application.
You can find it on Amazon or order it from their website, which involves extra shipping charges.
Key Specifications
- MT7688 SoC
- 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n WiFi
- 128 MB DDR2 RAM
- 32 MB on-board flash storage
- MicroSD slot
- USB 2.0
- 12 GPIO pins
3. NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit
This unique and exciting Raspberry Pi alternative from NVIDIA is for just $99. Yes, it’s not something everyone can use – but it’s excellent for a specific group of tinkerers and developers working with AI.
NVIDIA explains it for the following use case:
NVIDIA® Jetson Nano™ Developer Kit is a small, powerful computer that lets you run multiple neural networks in parallel for applications like image classification, object detection, segmentation, and speech processing. All in an easy-to-use platform that runs in as little as 5 watts.
So, if you’re into AI and deep learning, you can use this developer kit.
Key Specifications
- CPU: Quad-core ARM A57 @ 1.43 GHz
- GPU: 128-core Maxwell
- RAM: 4 GB 64-bit LPDDR4 25.6 GB/s
- Display: HDMI 2.0
- 4 x USB 3.0 and eDP 1.4
4. ASUS Tinker Board S
ASUS Tinker Board S isn’t the most affordable Raspberry Pi alternative at $82, but a powerful one. It features the same 40-pin connector you’d normally find in the standard Raspberry Pi 3 Model but offers a powerful processor and a GPU. Also, the Tinker Board S size is precisely the same as a standard Raspberry Pi 3.
The main highlight of this board is the presence of a 16 GB eMMC (in layman’s terms, it has SSD-like storage on board, making it faster to work on).
You can find it listed on Amazon.
Key Specifications
- Rockchip Quad-Core RK3288 processor
- 2 GB DDR3 RAM
- Integrated graphics processor
- ARM® Mali™-T764 GPU
- 16 GB eMMC
- MicroSD card slot
- 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth V4.0 + EDR
- USB 2.0
- 28 GPIO pins
- HDMI interface
5. ClockworkPi
ClockworkPi is usually a part of the GameShell Kit if you want to assemble a modular retro gaming console. However, you can purchase the board separately for $49.
Its compact size, WiFi connectivity, and the presence of a micro HDMI port make it an excellent choice for a lot of things.
Key Specifications
- Allwinner R16-J Quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU @1.2GHz
- Mali-400 MP2 GPU
- RAM: 1GB DDR3
- WiFi & Bluetooth v4.0
- Micro HDMI output
- MicroSD card slot
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6. Arduino Mega 2560
If you’re into robotic projects or you want something for a 3D printer, the Arduino Mega 2560 will be a handy replacement for the Raspberry Pi. Unlike Raspberry Pi, it’s based on a microcontroller, not a microprocessor.
It costs $48.50 on their official site and the same on Amazon. So, purchase it from any place you find convenient.
Key Specifications
- Microcontroller: ATmega2560
- Clock speed: 16 MHz
- Digital I/O pins: 54
- Analog input pins: 16
- Flash memory: 256 KB, of which 8 KB is used by the bootloader
7. Rock64 Media Board
For the same investment that you would make on a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, you’ll get a faster processor and double the memory with the Rock64 Media Board. In addition, it also offers a cheaper alternative to the Raspberry Pi if you want the 1 GB RAM model, which costs $10 less.
Unlike the Raspberry Pi, you don’t have wireless connectivity support here, but the presence of USB 3.0 and HDMI 2.0 does make a big\ difference if that matters to you.
Key Specifications
- Rockchip RK3328 Quad-Core ARM Cortex A53 64-bit processor
- Supports up to 4GB 1600MHz LPDDR3 RAM
- eMMC module socket
- MicroSD card slot
- USB 3.0
- HDMI 2.0
8. Odroid-XU4
Odroid-XU4 is the perfect alternative to Raspberry Pi if you have room to spend a little more ($80-$100 or sometimes less, depending on the store/availability).
It is indeed a powerful replacement and technically a bit smaller in size. The support for eMMC and USB 3.0 makes it faster to work with.
You can get it from Amazon or check with its official site for $53.
Key Specifications:
- Samsung Exynos 5422 Octa ARM Cortex™-A15 Quad 2Ghz and Cortex™-A7 Quad 1.3GHz CPUs
- 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM
- GPU: Mali-T628 MP6
- USB 3.0
- HDMI 1.4a
- eMMC 5.0 module socket
- MicroSD card slot
9. PocketBeagle
Pocketbeagle is an incredibly small SBC – quite similar to the Raspberry Pi Zero. However, it costs the same as a full-sized Raspberry Pi 3 model. The main highlight is that you can use it as a USB key fob and then access the Linux terminal to work on it.
It is also available on Amazon for $57.
Key Specifications
- Processor: Octavo Systems OSD3358 1GHz ARM® Cortex-A8
- RAM: 512 MB DDR3
- 72 expansion pin headers
- microUSB
- USB 2.0
10. Le Potato
Le Potato by Libre Computer is also identified by its model number AML-S905X-CC.
If you want to double the memory and an HDMI 2.0 interface and don’t mind spending a bit more than a Raspberry Pi would cost you – this is a perfect choice. However, you won’t find wireless connectivity baked in.
It is available on Amazon for $35.
Key Specifications
- Amlogic S905X SoC
- 2GB DDR3 SDRAM
- USB 2.0
- HDMI 2.0
- microUSB
- MicroSD card slot
- eMMC interface
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11. Banana Pi M64
This one comes loaded with an 8 GB eMMC – which is the key highlight of this Raspberry Pi alternative. Because of this, it will cost you $60.
The presence of an HDMI interface makes it 4K-ready. In addition, Banana Pi offers a much greater variety of open-source SBCs as an alternative to Raspberry Pi.
Key Specifications
- 1.2 Ghz Quad-Core ARM Cortex A53 64-Bit Processor-R18
- 2GB DDR3 SDRAM
- 8 GB eMMC
- WiFi & Bluetooth
- USB 2.0
- HDMI
12. Orange Pi Zero LTS
The Orange Pi Zero was originally an incredibly cheap alternative to the Raspberry Pi. You could get it for less than $10 on AliExpress or Amazon.
Now, it has a revised version called Orange Pi Zero LTS, which comes packed with good hardware specifications for around $20.
If that isn’t sufficient, you can also go for the Orange Pi 3 with better specifications, which will cost you around $25.
Key Specifications:
- H3 Quad-core Cortex-A7
- Mali400MP2 GPU
- RAM: Up to 512 MB
- TF Card support
- WiFi
- USB 2.0 OTG
13. VIM2 SBC by Khadas
VIM 2 by Khadas is one of the latest SBCs you can grab with Bluetooth 5.0. It starts at $99 and may or may not be available on Amazon.
The basic model includes 2 GB of RAM, a 16 GB eMMC, and Bluetooth 4.1. However, the Pro/Max versions include Bluetooth 5.0, more memory, and more eMMC storage.
Key Specifications
- Amlogic S912 1.5GHz 64-bit Octa-Core CPU
- T820MP3 GPU
- Up to 3 GB DDR4 RAM
- Up to 64 GB eMMC
- Bluetooth 5.0 (Pro/Max)
- Bluetooth 4.1 (Basic)
- HDMI 2.0a
- WiFi
14. UDOO BOLT v3
UDOO is another exciting board manufacturer with different options. If you want a portable supercomputer that can handle a wide range of resource-intensive tasks, BOLT v3 is for you.
Of course, it may not be a Raspberry Pi alternative for the budget. Still, if you want a compact board packed with power, you can expect that here, with its AMD Ryzen embedded SoC, a mobile GPU, and an integrated Arduino-compatible platform.
It wasn't listed on Amazon at the time of updating this article. So, you can refer to its official website for details.
Key Specifications
- AMD Ryzen v1202b Dual Core @ 2.3 GHz
- 32 Gb Emmc
- Radeon Vega 3
15. ODROID N2+
Yet another ODROID board, but this is a tad bit expensive when compared to the other in this list.
When comparing it with Raspberry Pi, it should be a powerful option and a versatile offering for what it features out-of-the-box.
Key Specifications:
- Quad-core Cortex-A73 Max 2.4 Ghz
- 4 GB RAM
- 1 x HDMI 2.0
- 4 x USB 3.0
- 40 GPIO pins
- 1 IR receiver
- UART
Wrapping Up
We do know that there are different types of single-board computers.
Some are better than the Raspberry Pi – and some are scaled-down versions with a cheaper price tag. SBCs like the Jetson Nano has been tailored for a specific use. So depending on what you require, you should verify the specifications of the single-board computer and pick one.
The gadgets discussed here are more in the range of ~$50-100 (with exceptions that cost more). If you want something cheaper, explore our Raspberry Pi Zero alternatives list.
Chinmay
💬 Do you know of anything better? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.
