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Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives in 2023

Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives in 2023

The Raspberry Pi is the best single-board computer you can use. It’s easy on the pocket, and it has versatile applications which allow its application for everything from eLearning to controlling digital signboards in remote locations.

But ever since the Covid-19 pandemic has affected global supply chains of chip manufacturers and the resulting shortages of the Raspberry Pi, alternatives to this compact computer have become a go-to solution.

Choose Your Pi(e) Carefully

With online scalpers demanding prices multiple times over the Raspberry Pi’s original price, these alternative single-board computers are rising in popularity.

While most such devices lack the versatile offering of the Raspberry Pi, the one thing that remains common is a multi-pin GPIO like you get with the Raspberry Pi. Thus, it allows users to customize and tinker with the board to develop application-specific solutions for commercial setups.

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Except for the GPIO, each alternative differs in what they offer. For instance, most devices don’t offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and you must rely on the Ethernet port for network connectivity. Also, when choosing a device, remember to check the specification of the Ethernet port, as few single-board computers lack a Gigabit Ethernet port.

Raspberry Pi alternatives also include various display ports. While a standard HDMI v2.0 is the most common, you’ll find devices with HDMI v2.1, DisplayPort, and newer devices that use USB-C Alt Mode DisplayPort.

Nevertheless, these pocket-sized pocket-friendly computers are an excellent home-use solution. They are powerful enough to accomplish everyday tasks like browsing the internet, sending emails, online shopping, and streaming content on media platforms.

To Pi, or not to Pi: Should You Consider Buying A Raspberry Pi Alternatives?

On their own admission, Raspberry Pi is still recovering from the post-pandemic effects that have disrupted the supply of the Pi 4. Earlier this year, Raspberry Pi CEO Mr. Eben Upton went on record to state that the year 2023 will be a “year of recovery” for the company. And much to the disappointment of Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, Mr. Upton cleared the air on speculation about the release of the Raspberry Pi 5 and stated there isn’t going to be a Raspberry Pi release in 2023.

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Thus, the case to consider getting a Raspberry Pi alternative has never been as compelling as now. With short supply and inflated prices, buying a Raspberry Pi alternative will help prevent delays for your projects while saving you a ton of money. For enthusiasts and tinkerers, you won’t have to keep a keen eye on rpilocator.com to get your hands on a device. Lastly, for home users wanting an inexpensive device that fulfills all their basic computing needs, most alternatives are versatile enough to facilitate all your computing tasks.

Comparison of the Best Raspberry Pi Alternative in 2023

ImageProductDetailsCheck Price
Orange Pi 5 on Amazon
Orange Pi 5 CPU: Octa-Core 1.8GHz
GPU: Integrated ARM Mali-G610
RAM: up to 16GB DDR4
Storage: MicroSD Slot
Video Port: HDMI v.2.1
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: None
USB Ports:
1x USB 3.0
2x USB 2.0
1x USB-C 3.1
Power Connector: USB-C (5V/4A)
GPIO: 26-pin
Release Date: Sep-2022
Buy on Amazon
Odroid C4 on Amazon
Odroid C4 CPU: Quad-Core 2.0GHz
GPU: Integrated ARM Mali-G31
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Storage: eMMC
Video Port: HDMI v.2.0
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: None
USB Ports:
4x USB 3.0
1x Micro USB 2.0
Power Connector: 5.5mm DC Barrel Jack
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: Jul-2022
Buy on Amazon
Banana Pi BPI-M5 Amlogic S905X3 on Amazon
Banana Pi BPI-M5 Amlogic S905X3 CPU: Quad-Core 2.0GHz
GPU: Integrated ARM Mali-G31
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Storage: MicroSD Slot
Video Port: HDMI v.2.0
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: Via expansion board
USB Ports:
4x USB 3.0
Power Connector: USB-C (5V/3A)
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: Jun-2021
Buy on Amazon
Tinker Board 2S on Amazon
Tinker Board 2S CPU: 6-Core 2.0GHz
GPU: Integrated ARM Mali-T860
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Storage: 16 GB eMMC
Video Port: HDMI v.2.0
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 and BT 5.0
USB Ports:
3x USB 3.2 Gen 1
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
Power Connector: 5.5mm DC Barrel Jack
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: Oct-2021
Buy on Amazon
Rock Pi 4 Plus Rockchip RK3399(OP1) on Amazon
Rock Pi 4 Plus Rockchip RK3399(OP1) CPU: 6-Core 2.0GHz
GPU: Integrated ARM Mali-T860MP4
RAM: up to 4GB DDR4
Storage: Micro SD Card and eMMC
Video Port: HDMI v.2.0
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 and BT 5.0
USB Ports:
2x USB 3.0
2x USB 2.0
Power Connector: USB-C (9V/2A or 12V/2A)
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: Oct-2021
Buy on Amazon
NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit on Amazon
NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit CPU: Quad-Core 1.43Ghz
GPU: NVIDIA Maxwell Architecture GPU
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Storage: Micro SD
Video Port: HDMI v.2.0 and DisplayPort v1.4
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: None
USB Ports:
4x USB 3.0
1x USB 2.0 Micro-B
Power Connector: DC Barrel Jack
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: Feb-2020
Buy on Amazon
NanoPi NEO3 on Amazon
NanoPi NEO3 CPU: Quad-Core 1.29GHz
GPU: N.A.
RAM: up to 2GB DDR4
Storage: Micro SD slot
Video Port: N.A.
Ethernet Port: Yes, 1000Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: None
USB Ports:
1x USB 3.0
Power Connector: USB-C (5V/1A)
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: July-2020
Buy on Amazon
Libre Computer Project Board AML S905X CC (Le Potato) on Amazon
Libre Computer Project Board AML S905X CC (Le Potato) CPU: Quad-Core 1.5GHz
GPU: Integrated Mali-450
RAM: up to 2GB DDR3
Storage: Micro SD slot
Video Port: HDMI v2.0
Ethernet Port: Yes, 100Mbps
Wireless Connectivity: None
USB Ports:
4x USB 2.0
Power Connector: Micro USB
GPIO: 40-pin
Release Date: Aug-2017
Buy on Amazon

1. Orange Pi 5 – Our Choice

The Orange Pi 5 strikes the right balance between price, utility, and flexibility by providing high-end configurations along with plenty of expansion options. Of course, the Raspberry Pi 4 is cheaper and offers far more bang for your buck, but getting one at its actual price is hugely challenging.

The Orange Pi 5 has an 8-core (4x Cortex-A76 and 4x Cortex A-55) processor with a clock speed of 1.8GHz. Orange Pi offers four RAM variants starting from 4GB DDR4 to 32GB DDR4 with their Pi 5 single-board computer. And to handle the graphics, the device uses an integrated Mali-G610 MP4 GPU compatible with OpenGL (1.1, 2.0, 3.2), OpenCL 2.3, and Vulkan 1.2.

The device has the newest HDMI v2.1 port and supports a video output of 8K@60Hz. It also has a USB-C 3.1 port which supports Alt Mode DisplayPort v1.4, allowing you to use the latest USB-C monitors.

In terms of connectivity, the Orange Pi 5 supports Gigabit Ethernet but lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, if wireless connectivity is crucial to your setup, the board has a PCIe M.2 M-Key expansion slot to connect SSDs or M.2 Wi-Fi cards.

The Orange Pi 5 also has a versatile USB offering. It comes with one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports. Moreover, it’s one of the few single-board computers that offer a fully functional USB-C 3.1 port, making the Orange Pi 5 one of the best alternatives to the Raspberry Pi 4.

PROS
  • Multiple RAM variants allow you the flexibility of choice.
  • The M.2 slot allows you to connect SSD storage or a wireless card.
  • The HDMI v2.1 ports enable 8K@60Hz video.
  • The Type-C power supply provides universal compatibility.
  • The Octa-Core processor provides plenty of computing power.
CONS
  • The 26-pin GPIO restricts expansion capabilities.
  • A relatively unknown device means limited online forums and communities.

2. Odroid C4 – Powerful Performance

For many, the Odroid C4 is the go-to option for single-board computing devices that rival the Raspberry Pi 4’s performance. In a head-to-head performance comparison, the Odroid C4 outclasses its predecessor, the Odroid C2, and gives the Raspberry Pi 4 a run for its money.

The C4 has a Quad-core Cortex A55 processor and an integrated Mali-G31 GPU for superior performance. Its fantastic thermal design offers a 2.0GHz clock speed without thermal throttling. However, performance is only one of the things you must consider when comparing the two rivals.

The Odroid C4 is cheaper, which often means it offers fewer capabilities than the Pi 4. For instance, the C4 provides no wireless connectivity, so you must rely on an external adapter. Moreover, the C4 has only one HDMI v2.0 port, limiting it to one display running at 4K@60Hz, whereas the Raspberry Pi 4 offers dual 4K@60Hz. So, the C4 will considerably limit your multitasking capabilities.

Nevertheless, the device is an excellent selection for enthusiasts and tinkerers, as it offers a 40+7 pin GPIO to help you customize and deploy projects. Further, it prides itself on being cheaper than the Raspberry Pi 4, making it a commercially viable option for larger commercial deployments such as electronic signages. But finding one that’s free of scalper pricing is challenging.

PROS
  • Gigabit Ethernet provides high-speed network connectivity.
  • The quad-core Cortex A55 processor provides tremendous processing power.
  • The four USB 3.0 ports provide numerous connectivity options for I/O devices.
  • The 40+7 GPIO pins provide flexibility for customization.
  • The storage performance is streamlined with the use of eMMC storage.
CONS
  • No onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
  • It supports only one 4K@60Hz display, compared to two by the Raspberry Pi 4.

3. Banana Pi BPI-M5 Amlogic S905X3 – MicroSD and eMMC Storage

The Banana Pi BPI-M5 (M5) is a reasonably priced alternative to the Raspberry Pi 4, with several similarities with the Odroid C4. But it differentiates itself from these single-board computers by offering microSD and eMMC storage, allowing you the flexibility to choose one that helps improve overall performance.

The M5 uses the Amlogic s905X3 chip, which comes with a 2.0GHz quad-core Cortex A55 processor that the Banana Pi pairs with 4GB DDR4 RAM. Like the Odroid C4, the M5 also uses the integrated Mali-G31 GPU to deliver comparable performance. You also get 16 GB eMMC storage and a microSD card slot that supports storage chips up to 256 MB.

As with the C4 and the Orange Pi 5, the M5 offers high-speed wired network connectivity with its Gigabit Ethernet port. For wireless connectivity, the M5 requires you to use an expansion board that sits atop the 40-pin GPIO. Alternatively, you can use a USB-based network adapter.

The M5 offers a typical set of expansion ports. It has one HDMI v2.0 port, four USB 3.0 ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack to connect external speakers. The lone HDMI port supports 4K@60Hz video, so while the M5 is ideal for digital signage, you’ll have to look elsewhere if your work requires a dual monitor setup. Finally, the device also has a USB-C port exclusively for power delivery.

PROS
  • The microSD slot and onboard eMMC provide storage flexibility
  • The quad-core Cortex A55 processor provides tremendous processing power.
  • The four USB 3.0 ports provide numerous connectivity options for I/O devices.
  • Gigabit Ethernet provides high-speed network connectivity.
  • The Type-C power supply provides universal compatibility.
CONS
  • A relatively unknown device means limited online forums and communities.
  • No onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

4. Tinker Board 2S – Onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The Tinker Board 2S (2S) is among the few single-board computers besides the Raspberry Pi with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onboard. Apart from offering Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, the 2S also has a Gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed network connectivity.

The computer uses a Rockchip RK3399 Hexa-core processor with two 2.0 GHz Cortex A-72 cores and four 1.5 GHz Cortex A-53 cores. The 2S uses an integrated Arm Male-T860 MP4 GPU with 4GB DDR4 RAM, making it powerful enough to handle graphic-intensive applications easily. It’s not powerful enough for professional-grade editing programs, but the 2S makes for a capable IoT device.

Asus is the only mainstream computer manufacturer to offer a single-board computer, like the Tinker Board 2S. Apart from the mainstream market, Asus attempts to capture a niche computing market targeted at enthusiasts and tinkerers. While it may seem insignificant, this means that the 2S comes with excellent documentation and support for its users.

Unlike other devices where users look for solutions in online communities, Asus’s tech support will help you whenever you hit a roadblock with the 2S. On the flip side, there are fewer online communities to help you find solutions when Asus’s tech support cannot provide answers for your specific need.

PROS
  • Onboard Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 provide wireless connectivity.
  • The powerful configuration ensures excellent performance.
  • The 40 GPIO pins provide flexibility for customization.
  • The storage performance is streamlined with the use of eMMC storage.
  • It supports a dual 4K display with HDMI v2.0 and USB-C 3.2 Gen1 Alt Mode DisplayPort.
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Limited online communities make it challenging to find specific solutions.

5. Rock Pi 4 Plus Rockchip RK3399(OP1) – High Capacity eMMC Storage

The Rock Pi 4 Plus (Pi 4 Plus) comes with eMMC storage which helps to streamline the O.S.’s functioning. It has a 16 GB and a 64 GB eMMC variant, and the Pi 4 Plus support Twister O.S. for a complete desktop experience.

The device offers a similar configuration to the Tinker Board 2S and uses the same Rockchip RK3399 hexacore processor with two 2.0GHz Cortex A-72 cores and four 1.5GHz Cortex A-53 cores. It has the same Mali-T860 MP4 GPU and two DDR4 RAM variants; 2 GB and 4 GB.

Interestingly, the similarities extend beyond the system configurations. Like the Tinker Boards, the Pi 4 Plus also has onboard Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. And considering the significant price difference, the Rock Pi 4 Plus holds a clear advantage if this is all you require.

However, the differences begin to appear when you dig deeper. The Pi 4 Plus offers outdated USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports compared to the competition. It has an HDMI v2.0 port, and the device supports 4K@60Hz video, but the absence of a fully functional USB-C port means you can connect only one display unit.

Nevertheless, the Pi 4 Plus is a versatile computer with an M.2 expansion slot, so you can connect an NVMe SSD to store all your data. And if you want a more modest (yet expandable) storage solution, you can use the microSD card slot on the rear panel.

PROS
  • The 64 GB eMMC variant is ideal for larger Linux distros.
  • Onboard Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 provide wireless connectivity.
  • The powerful configuration ensures excellent performance.
  • It has an M.2 expansion slot for attaching SSD storage.
  • Gigabit Ethernet provides high-speed network connectivity.
CONS
  • The outdated USB ports have limited data transfer speeds.
  • No provision for connecting multiple displays for multitasking.

6. NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit – AI-based Applications

The NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit is a power-packed device that runs AI-based applications. It pairs high-performance specifications on a single-board computer, making it suitable to run various A.I. models, including image classifications, speech recognition, and whatnot.

It has a powerful 128-Core Maxwell GPU and a modest quad-core ARM A57 processor with a 1.43GHz clock speed. Nvidia pairs this with 4GB DDR4 RAM and expandable microSD storage to accommodate a suitable memory card.

The Jetson Nano has plenty of connectivity ports for I/O devices. The device features four USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripheral devices. And the Nano is the only single-board computer to offer a dedicated DisplayPort and HDMI v2.0 port for connecting a monitor. To help you customize the deployment, Nvidia includes a full-size 40-pin GPIO so that you can easily tinker with the setup.

Despite the premium price and high-performance specifications, the Jetson Nano only comes with a Gigabit Ethernet port. So you’ll have to sacrifice a USB port to connect an external Wi-Fi adapter.

Lastly, Nvidia also includes a micro-USB port for powering the Jetson Nano and running in device mode. When using it in device mode, you can power the Nano via the DC Barrel Jack.

PROS
  • The four USB 3.0 ports provide numerous connectivity options for I/O devices.
  • Gigabit Ethernet provides high-speed network connectivity.
  • The configurations are ideal for implementing AI-based applications.
  • It has DisplayPort and HDMI ports for video connectivity.
  • The 40 GPIO pins provide flexibility for customization.
CONS
  • No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, despite the price.
  • The outdated USB ports have limited data transfer speeds.

7. NanoPi NEO3 – For Network Applications

The NanoPi NEO3 is an excellent device for implementing an inexpensive Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution for your office (or home) network. It has a powerful processor and a Gigabit Ethernet port to facilitate high-speed connectivity.

The NEO3 uses a quad-core 64-bit Cortex A53 processor with a clock speed of 1.29GHz. You can choose between two DDR4 RAM variants; 1 GB or 2 GB. However, we recommend getting the 2 GB variant as it provides greater flexibility and isn’t much more expensive.

The device is compact as it isn’t a general-purpose computer like the Raspberry Pi. It is designed as a network device and doesn’t have a video port or a GPU. So while you can’t stream video content from the internet, you can use it to share your media library over a network.

The NEO3 has only one USB-A 3.0 port for expansion. But you get two USB 2.0 headers if you want better peripheral connectivity. You also get a 26-pin GPIO that includes I2C, UART, SPI, and I2S. The device has a unique MAC address, so it’s convenient to identify it on a network as it acts as a digital fingerprint.

PROS
  • Gigabit Ethernet provides high-speed network connectivity.
  • Pocket-friendly price
  • It’s a pocket-sized solution to implement a NAS setup.
CONS
  • It’s not a general-purpose computer

8. Libre Computer Project Board AML S905X CC (Le Potato) – Cheapest

The Le Potato is the cheapest single-board computer on the market. It is also a previous-generation device, much older than contemporary Raspberry Pi alternatives.

The device has an Amlogic S905X quad-core Cortex A-53 processor with a 1.49GHz clock speed. And because it’s an older generation computer, it uses DDR3 RAM compared to DDR4 used by the present single-board computers. However, the device uses an integrated Mali-450 GPU that supports 4K@60Hz video with an HDR engine for H.265 HEVC (and more) decoding.

It has a 40-pin GPIO that supports SPI, PWM, I2C, and more, making it an excellent alternative to the Raspberry Pi 3. Thus, creating customized projects for specialized deployments is convenient.

Unfortunately, previous-generation USB ports significantly limit the device’s capabilities. The four USB 2.0 ports are just some limitations you must work around. The device does not offer onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, and the Ethernet port on the device is only capable of bandwidths up to 100Mbps.

Nevertheless, the Le Potato is inexpensive for modest computing needs like browsing the internet, eLearning applications, etc. This is where the Le Potato feels most at home, and we won’t recommend pushing it beyond these boundaries.

PROS
  • Price
  • It supports 4K@60Hz video.
  • The 40 GPIO pins provide flexibility for customization.
  • Excellent value-for-money specifications include a quad-core processor.
  • Compatible with Linux and Android O.S.
CONS
  • The outdated specifications limit its use with modern applications, especially AI-based models.
  • No onboard wireless connectivity and only 100Mbps Ethernet.

Best Raspberry Pi Alternative in 2023 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a GPIO?

The General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) is a set of pins connected to a computer’s logic board. It provides a versatile interface to connect external input/output devices to the computer at the hardware level. You can use this interface as a microcontroller to create IoT devices, home automation devices, and whatnot.

Further, using the GPIO, you can connect sensors, motors, and LEDs to create customized projects that serve a specific need.

Do all Raspberry Pi alternatives come with GPIO?

While there is no definition of what a device needs to have to be considered an alternative, one of the most iconic features of the Raspberry Pi is its GPIO. It gives enthusiasts and tinkerers tremendous freedom to create specialized devices.

Why do many Raspberry Pi alternatives not come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity?

Adding an onboard wireless module drives up costs. Moreover, single-board computers pride themselves on customizability. Manufacturers must choose between various Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions to pick one for their computers. Thus, most device manufacturers would instead allow the user to select the version of wireless connectivity than force their selection and risk unnecessary redundancy.

How are single-board computers different from computers with motherboards?

Here are some key differences.

Parameter Motherboard Computers Single-board computers
CPU Modular (Upgradeable) CPUs Onboard CPU
GPU Dedicated or Integrated GPU, depending on the implementation Integrated GPU only
RAM Modular RAM chip that can be upgraded and replaced Integrated RAM chips that are soldered to the board
Storage SSD and HDD microSD and eMMC
Add-on Cards It supports add-on cards via expansion slots like PCIe and M.2 slots No support for add-on cards
Size and Design Large and modular design that allows considerable customizations Compact with scope for expansion limits to physical ports or the GPIO
Use Cases Versatile use cases that include competitive gaming, content creation, and other high-performance applications Use cases are limited to less demanding applications like everyday office use, content consumption, and modest projects that require limited hardware.
Cost It depends on the specifications Low cost
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