The best Raspberry Pi alternatives of 2023

May 11, 2023

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For a lot of initiatives, dedicating a whole PC to a mission is overkill. That is the place single-board computer systems come in useful.

The most effective-known single-board pc (SBC) is, definitely, the Raspberry Pi. It is identified worldwide for its versatility, low energy consumption, reliability, and ease of use.

When Raspberry Pi was first launched, it was tough to safe one. Now, nevertheless, there’s a huge number of Raspberry Pi choices — in addition to options to the single-board pc (SBC).

Alternate 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. Perhaps you merely need one thing smaller than the Raspberry Pi! And given there will not be a brand new model of Raspberry Pi launched in 2023, now is a good time to attempt one thing new.

We have analyzed single-board computer systems based mostly on processor kind, graphics, RAM, and velocity to seek out one of the best Raspberry Pi options in the marketplace. This information to single-board computer systems will help you discover the most suitable choice on your funds and wishes.

Additionally: The most effective cooler for Raspberry Pi energy customers

Execs

Colour-coded GPIO for ease of use
Filled with options
Nice end

This board has a variety of good options that make it perfect for hobbyists. We notably admire the color-coded GPIO header, which makes it straightforward 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 provides sufficient energy for many initiatives. There’s additionally HD & UHD (4K) video assist and numerous ports, together with LAN and USB.

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Nice worth
Strong performer
Effectively-made with nice documentation

This Libre Laptop Board is a stable single-board pc at a worth level that will not break the financial institution. For those who’re taken with making an attempt out an SBC for the primary and do not need to make investments too closely, it is a nice choice for you.

Plus, it provides limitless storage growth by way of MicroSD playing cards, which is nice if you happen to use it closely. You are not going to be breaking any velocity information, however this board provides an excellent set of options.

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Numerous {hardware} choices
Highly effective
Superior choices resembling Petitboot

Cons

Dear
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

Highly effective but energy-efficient, the Odriod N2+ can be ZDNET writer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ first selection if he needed 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 provides wonderful connectivity, and it is able to working the Petitboot app. Plus, it may possibly run numerous variations of Linux, together with the newest Ubuntu, and it is also suitable with AndroidOS.

Additionally: Methods to set up Linux in your Raspberry Pi

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Glorious efficiency
Designed for big workloads
Speedy speeds

Cons

Dear
Overkill for many duties

Udoo Bolt V3 tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1202b twin core/quad thread @ 2.3ghz (3.2ghz Increase) | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 | RAM: 2x DDR4 dual-channel 64-bit SO-DIMM Sockets With ECC Help as much as 32GB | Pace: 32GB eMMC 5.0 Excessive Pace Drive

There’s not a lot that the Udoo Bolt V3 cannot deal with, regardless of beginning off as a Kickstarter mission 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 huge recordsdata shortly and successfully, the Udoo Bolt V3 won’t disappoint.

The 32GB eMMC velocity is unmatched by every other board we suggest. However at $437, it is fairly costly.

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Upgradable RAM
Robust video processing capabilities

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 @60Hz | 3D/2D picture acceleration module | helps open supply

The Orange Pi 5 board is a good Raspberry PI various if you happen to’re searching for a board appropriate for media functions.

Whereas costly, the Orange Pi 5 does pack a punch — sporting a Rockchip RK3588S 8-core (64-bit) CPU, an Arm Odin GPU, 8GB RAM (upgradable to 32GB), DisplayPort compatibility, and a video output HDMI connector at as much as 8K with a 60Hz refresh fee.

The Asus Tinker Board S R2.0 is ZDNET’s high decide total. I’ve damaged down every Raspberry Pi various beneath based mostly on processor, storage, and velocity. If one among these qualities is a precedence for you, this evaluation could make it easier to select one of the best single-board pc for you.

Greatest Raspberry Pi various	Processor	Storage	Pace
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 Increase)	2x DDR4 dual-channel 64-bit SO-DIMM Sockets With ECC Help as much as 32GB	32GB eMMC 5.0 Excessive Pace 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 mission, so you purchase an affordable single-board pc. However if you wish to spend money on higher {hardware}, you need to just remember to’re not throwing cash away. To search out one of the best SBC for you, I counsel beginning with a transparent concept of the initiatives you will use it for. This may be the onerous half, nevertheless it’s well worth the time. For those who confuse your use objective, you could get derailed partway by means of the mission leading to an enormous setback that prices money and time.

Subsequent, perform a little research. How a lot energy and efficiency do you want? What working system do it is advisable use? This SBC information provides one of the best Raspberry options, so you will discover the board that matches your funds and wishes.

Select this SBC…	In order for you…
Asus Tinker Board S R2.0	The most effective various total. Whereas it has a worth level on the upper facet, the Asus Tinker Board has all the pieces you want for a wide range of initiatives.
Libre Laptop Board AML-2905X-CC (Le Potato)	A funds choice for hobbyists and fans. This Libre mannequin is a good Raspberry Pi various for individuals who need to study SBCs with out spending a fortune.
Odroid N2+	A spread of {hardware} choices. The Odroid N2+ is a high performer that one among our personal authors would choose as a desktop PC substitute.
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 good piece of {hardware}, nevertheless it’s been constructed inside particular constraints that allow mass enchantment. These SBCs take what the Raspberry Pi delivered to the desk additional with options that permit you to customise your expertise.

Our checklist contains choices personally examined by ZDNET authors and highly-recommended merchandise based mostly on buyer evaluations and suggestions.

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 purchase a Raspberry Pi? It might develop into lots simpler

These options are an excellent subsequent step if you wish to broaden your SBC data. The Raspberry Pi is a good instrument for familiarizing your self with the setup and GPIO pins. You’ll be able to work by means of the fundamentals from there!

There are numerous choices. You’ll find a variety of generic instances on the market to guard your Raspberry Pi or various SBC, and I like to recommend getting one. In any case, if you happen to’re investing in an SBC, it’s best to shield it.

Additionally, if you happen to can drive a 3D printer, you then’ll have an limitless provide of them!

You’ll be able to attempt to waterproof the case by utilizing seals or silicone grease. You would additionally spray the board with conformal coating to withstand moisture.

However past these steps, there is no technique to make them fully waterproof.

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: