The Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives in 2024
Although Raspberry Pi is fantastic, it's always worth considering other options, especially if you cannot obtain an RPi. So, take a look at these fantastic alternatives.
Looking for alternatives to the Raspberry Pi? Check out the top 4 contenders in 2024, as compiled by ENBLE.
If you’re tired of the Raspberry Pi craze and want to explore other options, look no further. We’ve rounded up the five best alternatives that will satisfy your SBC cravings. These alternatives may not be as famous as the Raspberry Pi, but they definitely pack a punch.
🌟 Orange Pi 5 – Best overall Raspberry Pi alternative
Pros: – Excellent performance – Lots of connectivity – Can go up to 32GB of RAM
Cons: – A bit pricey – Not compatible with Raspberry Pi cases or HATS – Documentation could be better
The Orange Pi 5 is an outstanding alternative to the Raspberry Pi. It may be a bit more expensive, but the performance and power it offers are well worth the cost. With a quad-core A76 and quad-core A55 combination, running on a 64-bit architecture at 2.4GHz, this tiny computer means business. It also features an ARM Mali-G610 GPU, capable of displaying 8k resolutions. Additionally, its connectivity options are impressive, providing HDMI out, USB 3.0 type-C, two USB 2.0 type-As, a Gigabit LAN port, and more. If you’re looking for a high-performance SBC that can handle demanding tasks, the Orange Pi 5 is your best bet.
Specifications: – Processor: quad-core A76 + quad-core A55 – GPU: ARM Mali-G610 – RAM: Up to 32GB – Storage: 16MB NoR Flash + MicroSD card slot
🔗 Related: The 6 best Docusign alternatives in 2024
🌟 UDOO BOLT V3 – Best premium Raspberry Pi alternative
Pros: – One of the best performances in an SBC – Can handle up to 32GB of ECC RAM
Cons: – Very Expensive
If you’re looking for an SBC with laptop-like power, the UDOO BOLT V3 is the choice for you. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1202b processor, capable of reaching 3.2GHz, and an AMD Radeon Vega 3 GPU, this SBC can handle even the most complex tasks. With the ability to run various Linux distributions and potentially Windows 10, the UDOO BOLT V3 is a powerhouse. It also supports up to 32GB of ECC RAM, making it perfect for intensive tasks. If you need even more power, the UDOO BOLT V8 offers a better CPU and GPU combo, rivaling entry-level laptops’ processing power.
Specifications: – Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1202b – GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 3 – RAM: Up to 32GB ECC – Storage: 32GB EMMC
🌟 Libre Le Potato – Best budget Raspberry Pi alternative
Pros: – Very cheap – Great performance for the price – Cross-compatibility with many Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 parts
Cons: – Little to no documentation – No USB 3.0 or Type-C ports
For those on a budget, the Libre Le Potato is an excellent option. Despite its low price, it offers surprisingly powerful performance. With quad 64-bit 1.5GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processors and an ARM Mali-450 GPU, the Libre Le Potato can handle most use cases. Additionally, it offers compatibility with many Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 parts, allowing for flexibility. However, it lacks documentation, making it less beginner-friendly. Additionally, its ports are a bit dated, lacking USB 3.0 and Type-C options.
Specifications: – Processor: 1.5GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processors – GPU: ARM Mali-450 – RAM: Up to 2GB – Storage: 2GB
🌟 ODROID N2+ – Best Raspberry Pi alternative for networking and streaming
Pros: – Very versatile – Lots of ports to work with – Excellent performance with no fan or thermal throttling
Cons: – Not as much support and has a learning curve – No internal storage
If networking and streaming are your priorities, the ODROID N2+ is the perfect choice. Its compact design and optimized heatsink allow for efficient cooling without the need for an additional fan. Powered by the Amlogic S922X SoC, which includes a Quad-core Cortex-A73 and a dual-core Cortex-A53, this SBC delivers solid CPU power. Its ARM Mali-G52 GPU supports 4k, HDR10, and HLG, making it ideal for streaming content. The ODROID N2+ offers four USB 3.0 type-A ports, HDMI, ethernet, Micro USB, a DC port for power, and many more. However, it has no on-board storage, relying on MicroSD or eMMC storage options.
Specifications: – Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A73 and a dual-core Cortex-A53 – GPU: ARM Mali-G52 – RAM: Up to 4GB – Storage: None
🌟 Nvidia Jetson Nano – Best Raspberry Pi alternative for GPU performance and AI
Pros: – Powerful GPU for AI and machine learning – Extensive SDK and support – Surprisingly cheap for what you get
Cons: – Only supports Linux – Doesn’t have any internal storage
For those delving into deep learning and AI, the Nvidia Jetson Nano is the ideal choice. The 128-core Maxwell GPU is a powerhouse for processing deep learning tasks. While its Quad-core ARM A57 CPU may not compete with other SBCs, it perfectly complements the GPU for AI-related tasks. With a 4GB RAM limit and no on-board storage, the Jetson Nano relies on external storage solutions. Nvidia provides excellent documentation, an SDK, and support for Linux OS, making it highly versatile. While it lacks Type-C ports, its USB 3.0s, Micro-USB, and HDMI port cover most connectivity needs.
Specifications: – Processor: Quad-core ARM A57 – GPU: 128-core Maxwell – RAM: Up to 4GB – Storage: None
How We Chose These Raspberry Pi Alternatives
Versatility
We prioritized versatility when selecting these alternatives. They offer enough performance and capability to adapt them to various use cases. While the Nvidia Jetson Nano is more specialized for AI and machine learning, it has gained popularity for those specific needs.
Connectivity
SBCs thrive on having multiple inputs and outputs. We selected options with an abundance of ports and connections, allowing for flexibility in connecting additional screens, cameras, and other peripherals. The Libre Le Potato deviates slightly from this, offering flexibility at a great price but lacking USB 3.0 and Type-C ports.
Support
While the Raspberry Pi has a massive community and extensive documentation, other SBCs may not have the same level of support initially. However, as these alternatives gain popularity, we expect support and documentation to improve. It’s essential to consider the current level of support when choosing an alternative.
🔗 Reference List: – The 6 best Docusign alternatives in 2024 – Save $500 on this Samsung 32-inch 4K gaming monitor – This Lenovo gaming laptop with RTX 4080, 32GB of RAM is $550 off – Best External Hard Drives in 2023
Now that you’ve explored these fantastic Raspberry Pi alternatives, the choice is yours! Let us know which one caught your attention or if you have any questions in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends who are also on the hunt for the perfect SBC. Happy exploring! 🚀✨
