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. Also: The best coolers for Raspberry Pi power users | The best laptops: Does Apple take the crown? 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. 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. 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. Also: How to install Linux on your Raspberry Pi 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. 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 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. 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. 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! Also, if you can drive a 3D printer, then you’ll have an endless supply of them! But beyond these steps, there’s no way to make them completely waterproof.
