The Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives: A Quick Summary
The Raspberry Pi remains a top choice for DIY projects, but ongoing supply chain issues and rising prices have made it harder to get one. Fortunately, plenty of powerful single-board computers (SBCs) can fill the gap.
If you’re looking for an affordable and feature-packed Raspberry Pi alternative. We’ve got you covered! Check out our top picks that still work in 2025:
Here are the top Raspberry Pi alternatives:
- Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato): Best overall alternative
- Orange Pi 5 Plus: Best for media streaming
- Tinker Board 2S: Best for hobbyists
- Odroid N2+: Best for power and performance
- Udoo Bolt V8: Best for speed and high-end tasks
The Raspberry Pi often stands out as the best when you need a powerful brain and control hub for your DIY projects, but there are numerous alternatives to the popular single-board computer (SBC).
I have done the research to help you find the perfect SBC for your custom gadget build, home automation system, or robot of your dreams. The Trendalize team has extensive experience with SBC use and offers the best Raspberry Pi alternatives by combining research, practical testing, and a careful analysis of user feedback.
Why you can trust Trendalize
Years of Experience: 25+ | Product Reviewers: 30 | Sqft of Lab Space: 10,000 sqft
Trendalize’s reviewers test each product or service on this list for weeks or months, using them for everything from routine tasks to more performance-intensive work. We aim to provide you with insight into how each option might fit into your life and workflow, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of its various features.
Why Use an SBC?
Single-board computers (SBCs) integrate essential computing components on a single-circuit board. They provide:
- Processor, memory, storage, and connectivity in a compact form
- Affordable alternatives to full-sized computers
- Specialized features for applications like video streaming, AI, and home automation
- Alternatives that might be more readily available than Raspberry Pi models
What is the Best Raspberry Pi Alternative Right Now (2025)?
I tested and researched the best Raspberry Pi alternatives based on price, usability, connectivity storage, and performance. After analyzing the market’s most popular options and customer reviews, the Libre Computer Board (aka Le Potato) emerged as our top pick for the best Raspberry Pi alternative overall. This Raspberry Pi alternative is an excellent single-board computer suitable for beginners and enthusiasts.
5 Top Alternatives to Raspberry Pi – Detailed List
1. Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato)
Best Raspberry Pi alternative overall
Price: $40
If you’re new to SBCs and want an affordable yet powerful option, the Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) is an excellent choice. It supports Linux, open-source graphics, video libraries, and UEFI.
✅ Pros:
✔ Affordable
✔ Well-documented
✔ Expandable storage
❌ Cons:
✖ Limited capabilities
Technical Specs:
- Processor: Amlogic S905X SoC
- Graphics: Mali-450 GPU
- RAM: Up to 2GB DDR3
- Ports: HDMI 2.0, 4x USB 2.0, MicroSD storage expansion
- Speed: 100Mb Fast Ethernet
2. Orange Pi 5 Plus
Best Raspberry Pi alternative for media
Price: $152
The Orange Pi 5 Plus is a great pick for media streaming, supporting 8K video output and multiple operating systems like Debian, Ubuntu, and Android.
✅ Pros:
✔ High-performance media support
✔ Supports multiple OS
❌ Cons:
✖ Expensive
✖ Some support issues
Technical Specs:
- Processor: Rockchip RK3588 (8-core, up to 2.4GHz)
- Graphics: ARM Mali-G610
- RAM: Up to 16GB LPDDR4
- Ports: HDMI (8K@60fps), USB, Ethernet (2x PCIe 2.5G LAN)
3. Tinker Board 2S
Best Raspberry Pi alternative for hobbyists
Price: $130
For those who love DIY projects, the Tinker Board 2S is a feature-packed SBC with color-coded GPIO pins and 4K video support.
✅ Pros:
✔ Color-coded GPIO for easy use
✔ Supports 4K video
❌ Cons:
✖ Legacy OS issues
Technical Specs:
- Processor: Rockchip Quad-Core RK3299
- Graphics: Arm Mali-T860 GPU
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage: 16GB eMMC
4. Odroid N2+
Best Raspberry Pi alternative for power
Price: $66
If you need a powerful SBC that is also energy-efficient, the Odroid N2+ is a great choice with advanced OS support and high processing power.
✅ Pros:
✔ Powerful yet energy-efficient
✔ Advanced OS support (Ubuntu, Android)
❌ Cons:
✖ Steep learning curve
✖ Power supply issues reported
Technical Specs:
- Processor: Amlogic S922X (4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz; 2x Cortex-A53 @ 1.9GHz)
- Graphics: Mali-G52 GPU
- RAM: 2GB/4GB DDR4
- Ports: HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz), USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet
5. Udoo Bolt V8
Best Raspberry Pi alternative for speed
Price: $450+
For those needing desktop-level performance in an SBC, the Udoo Bolt V8 is an ultra-fast powerhouse, ideal for VR, AI, and AR projects.
✅ Pros:
✔ Desktop-level performance
✔ Suitable for VR, AI, AR projects
❌ Cons:
✖ Expensive ($450+)
✖ Overkill for most tasks
Technical Specs:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B (Quad-Core, 2.0GHz, Boost 3.6GHz)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8
- RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4 dual-channel
- Storage: 32GB eMMC high-speed drive
What is the Best Raspberry Pi Alternative?
Le Potato is Trendalize’s ultimate choice because of its features and affordability in the single-board computer market. Below, we’ve divided up the Raspberry Pi alternatives according to processor, storage, and speed. Should you prioritize any of these attributes, this analysis could assist you in selecting an alternative single-board computer.
Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives: In-Depth Comparison
| Model | Processor | RAM/Storage | Speed |
| Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) | Amlogic S905X SoC | Up to 2GB DDR3 SDRAM | 100Mb Fast Ethernet |
| Orange Pi 5 Plus | Rockchip RK3588 (8-core, up to 2.4GHz) | 16GB LPDDR4 RAM, up to 256GB eMMC | 2.4GHz with Gigabit Ethernet |
| Tinker Board 2S | Rockchip Quad-Core RK3299 | 4GB DDR4 SDRAM, 16GB eMMC | 16GB eMMC high-speed drive |
| Odroid N2+ | Amlogic S922X (4x Cortex-A73, 2x Cortex-A53) | 2GB or 4GB DDR4 | 2.4GHz with Gigabit Ethernet |
| Udoo Bolt V8 | AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B | Up to 32GB DDR4 dual-channel | 32GB eMMC 5.0 high-speed drive |
Which Raspberry Pi Alternative is Right for Your Project?
You may purchase a low-cost single-board computer because you need to start working on a project, or you may be new to the world of SBCs. Make sure you’re not wasting money, though, if you want to spend money on better hardware.
We suggest you begin your search for the right SBC by having a clear idea of the projects you plan to use it for. It’s worth the time, but this can be the challenging part. A project that is derailed halfway through can have a significant setback that costs money and time.
Next, conduct some research. How much performance and power are you in need of? Which operating system must you use? The top Raspberry alternatives are provided in this SBC guide, so you can choose the board that best suits your requirements and price range.
| Choose this SBC… | If you want… |
| Libre Computer Board AML-S905X-CC (Le Potato) | A budget-friendly SBC to start learning and experimenting. |
| Orange Pi 5 Plus | A media-friendly SBC with high-resolution video output. |
| Tinker Board 2S | A feature-packed option for various projects. |
| Odroid N2+ | A powerful SBC for high-performance applications. |
| Udoo Bolt V8 | A premium SBC for AI, VR, and AR projects. |
How to Choose the Best Raspberry Pi Alternative
When you are choosing your new Raspberry Pi alternative, consider the following essential factors:
- Price: What is your budget for your new project? Use case is also important; if you are just starting out, a less expensive SBC should work, but for long-term projects, you may want to spend more.
- Project: You won’t need the most expensive or advanced kits available if you want an SBC for hobby projects; a minimal amount of RAM and processing will be enough, so you might not want to invest in the best board or the most advanced processing power.
- Next-gen tasks: For instance, you might want to think about a model with more specifications or one designed with these projects in mind, like the Nvidia Jetson, if you want to investigate the potential of AI.
- Media: If you want to stream audio and video using your Raspberry Pi alternative, make sure the SBC you are thinking about has the necessary parts and support.
How did we choose these Raspberry Pi alternatives?
The Raspberry Pi is a great piece of hardware, but it was designed with certain limitations to make it appealing to a wider audience. These SBCs expand on the features that the Raspberry Pi offers, letting you personalize your experience.
Our list consists of products that Trendalize authors have personally tested and that are highly recommended based on user reviews and feedback, keeping these factors in mind:
- Performance: When looking to buy a new SBC, performance is critical. We considered processing power, RAM, and graphics, and included options that can handle resource-intensive projects.
- Connectivity: SBCs provide a variety of connectivity choices. For instance, some only have Ethernet and HDMI, while others have Bluetooth.
- Storage: While some SBCs have USB ports for external drive connections, others have storage. We like to provide a variety of choices.
- Ease of use: SBCs don’t have to be complicated; some of our options include useful color coding or other features to help you manage your projects.
- Price: Not everyone wants to put their money in the most high-end SBC available, especially when they are just starting out and finding their options. We reviewed a variety of devices with new users, customers with hobbies, and tech enthusiasts in mind.
FAQs
Best way to start with an SBC?
Buy an entry-level board like Raspberry Pi or Le Potato, install an OS (Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu), and follow beginner projects.
Best source for SBC cases?
Online retailers like Amazon, AliExpress, and dedicated SBC manufacturers’ websites.
Can you waterproof an SBC?
Yes, use conformal coating, waterproof enclosures, and silica gel packs to protect against moisture.
Why are Raspberry Pi models expensive?
Supply chain issues, chip shortages, and high demand have driven up prices.
Do professionals use Raspberry Pi?
Yes, for prototyping, automation, IoT, and education, but not typically for high-performance applications.
What is Raspberry Pi?
A small, affordable single-board computer used for DIY projects, coding, and embedded applications.
Is Banana Pi a good alternative?
Yes, it offers better specs in some models but has less community support than Raspberry Pi.
What is an SBC developer kit?
A package including an SBC, power supply, cables, and sometimes accessories for development and prototyping.
