The best Raspberry Pi alternatives of 2025: Expert recommended

August 2, 2025 TH Author

The Raspberry Pi is a popular single-board computer (SBC) and, for many, is at the heart of DIY programming and home computing projects. However, alternatives on the market can provide the same, or better, brain and processing hub. They also offer powerful processors, memory, storage, and dedicated hardware for applications such as AI or video. SBCs can also be used from an early age and provide a fun, hands-on way to learn programming, for example.

If you’re looking for anything from a beginner-friendly model to a powerful developer-based SBC, we have you covered.

What is the best Raspberry Pi alternative right now?

The Libre Computer Board — or Le Potato — is my overall top pick. This $40 Raspberry Pi alternative is a solid SBC for beginners and enthusiasts. While you could opt for Sweet Potato, Le Potato suits a broader user base.

The Orange Pi 5 Plus also deserves a mention as a versatile board with enough power to handle media projects, although it is more expensive at $136.

The ZDNET team is well-versed in SBC use. We’ll help you find the perfect SBC for your home automation, custom gadget creation, or the robot you’ve always wanted to build. After examining the market’s most popular options, customer feedback, and reviews, my top recommendations for the best Raspberry Pi alternatives of 2025 are below.

The best Raspberry Pi alternatives of 2025

This Libre Computer Board is an affordable, solid, single-board computer, which makes it my top pick for SBCs outside of the Raspberry Pi range.

Why we like it: Le Potato supports the Ubuntu 22.04 long-term support (LTS) and Raspbian 11 operating systems. Plus, it offers endless storage expansion via MicroSD cards for frequent usage.

You won’t break any speed records, and it’s not suitable for heavy-resource projects. Still, this board offers great features including Linux, open source graphics, video libraries, and unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) support. This suite should be more than enough for most projects.

Guides and tutorials for this SBC are available at the Libre Computer hub.

Who is it for: If you’re interested in trying out an SBC for the first time to compare with traditional PC setups without breaking the bank, this is a great option for you.

On Amazon, you can pick up a 2GB model for only $40. A range of accessories including heatsinks and dongle network adapters, can be purchased from LoveRPi.

Who should look elsewhere: Customers love the price point and general versatility of this SBC, but some report booting issues, and so it might not suit users of the developer variety.

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The Orange Pi 5 Plus board is an excellent Raspberry Pi alternative if you’re looking for a board suitable for media purposes.

Why we like it: Put simply, the Orange Pi 5 Plus packs a punch.

It sports a Rockchip RK3588 8-core (64-bit) central processing unit (2.4Ghz), an Arm Mali graphics processing unit (GPU), 16GB random access memory (RAM), support for Debian 11, Android 12, Ubuntu 22.04, Orange Pi operating systems, and a video output high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector up to 8K.

Who is it for: Anyone who wants the complete package in an SBC for media and video projects.

Customers report that they are happy with the power and speed of the system as a Raspberry Pi alternative.

The 8GB Orange Pi 5 Plus is priced at $148, and delivery may take several weeks depending on your location.

Who should look elsewhere: According to user feedback, this device is excellent, but there are support problems. So, it might not be the best option for anyone who wants technical support.

Instead, a Wiki-style guidebook is available if you want to learn about specific functions of this SBC.

It should also be noted that picking up accessories might be difficult. Due to changes to U.S. customs regulations, Orange Pi.net, one of the best places to buy the product, is now no longer shipping boards to the U.S. Accessories may also eventually become an issue, too.

Orange Pi 5 Plus tech specs: Processor: Rockchip RK3588 8-Core 64-Bit (quadcore A76 and quadcore A55) up to 2.4GHz | Graphics: ARM Mali-G610 | RAM: LPDDR4/4x up to 16GB | up to 256GB eMMC storage modules | Video: up to 8K at 60fps | Connectors: USB, Ethernet (2xPCIe 2.5G LAN)

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The Tinker Board 2S is another of my favorites, thanks to its robust power and processing capabilities.

Why we like it: The Tinker Board 2S features an excellent processor and the 16GB embedded multi-media card (eMMC) speed offers enough power for most projects. It also supports high definition (HD) and ultra-high definition (UHD), also known as 4K video, as well as various ports including local area network (LAN) and USB.

This board has several excellent features that make it ideal for hobbyists. We particularly appreciate the color-coded general-purpose (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.

Who is it for: Customers say there is far less support available compared to Raspberry Pi, but they generally like it as a project SBC. I consider this one of the better options around for hobbyists.

This SBC is currently in stock at Amazon for $130, although stocks do fluctuate. User manuals and quick-start guides are also available.

Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who wants a rapid delivery. Shipping can take up to several weeks, depending on the retailer.

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Powerful yet energy-efficient, the Odroid N2+ would be one of ZDNET author Adrian Kingsley-Hughes’ first choices if he wanted to replace his desktop with a single-board computer.

Why we like it: The N2+ is ideal for advanced users who require more power than a standard SBC. It offers excellent connectivity and can run the Petitboot app.

It can also run various versions of Linux, including Ubuntu, and is compatible with Android. In addition, the CPU clock of the quad-core Cortex-A73 was increased from 1.8GHz to 2.4GHz, and the dual-core processor was boosted from 1.9GHz to 2.0GHz.

Also: How to install Linux on your Raspberry Pi

It’s also close to impossible to argue with the price point, as Hardkernel sells a 2GB model for only $66. Cases can also be purchased at Amazon.

Who is it for: Customer reviews indicate that the N2+ is a great home automation and gaming option, and so this might be the right choice for home projects that require substantial resources.

Who should look elsewhere: Some users, however, have experienced power supply issues and so keep this in mind. If constant use and operation are important to you, another one of my recommendations might be more suitable.

Odroid N2+ tech specs: Processor: Amlogic S922X — 4x Cortex-A73 @ 2.2GHz, 2x Cortex-A53 at 1.9GHz | Graphics: Mali-G52 GPU | RAM: 2GB or 4GB DDR4 | Interface: eMMC socket with optional 8GB to 128GB | Features: 8MB SPI flash with boot select switch and Petitboot app | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1 port for up to 4K at 60Hz | Connectivity: 4x USB 3.0 ports | Speed: 2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port

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There’s not much that the Udoo Bolt V8 can’t handle regarding power-hungry projects that require extreme speed, making it another of my top SBCs.

Why we like it: With a Ryzen processor (@ 2.0GHz) (3.6GHz Boost) and Vega 8 graphics, it’s fast and great for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and AI tasks. If you need to load large files quickly and effectively, the Udoo Bolt V8 won’t disappoint.

The developer says this SBC is “almost twice as fast as the MacBook Pro 13 for VR, AR, and AI projects.”

The speed and power of this SBC are a step above most of the other boards I recommend. It’s also expensive, costing at $452, depending on the supplier.

Who is it for: Customers who have used the Udoo Bolt V8 mention how expensive it is, but many enjoy the sheer power this SBC provides, and I consider this one of the best options for developer-based SBC projects.

Who should look elsewhere: Considering the price point, this Raspberry Pi alternative won’t be suitable for anyone just starting out with SBC programming.

Udoo Bolt V8 tech specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B Quad Core/eight Thread @ 2.0GHz (3.6GHz Boost) | Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 | RAM: 2x Ddr4 Dual-channel 64-bit So-DIMM Sockets with Ecc Support Up To 32GB 2400 Mt/s | Speed: 32GB eMMC 5.0 high-speed drive

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Le Potato is ZDNET’s top pick overall due to its affordability and features in the single-board computer space. We’ve broken down each Raspberry Pi alternative below based on processor, storage, and speed to help you choose a single-board computer.

Best Raspberry Pi alternative	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 modules	2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port
Tinker Board 2S	Rockchip Quad-Core RK3399 2GHz	4GB DDR4 SDRAM, 16GB eMMC	16GB eMMC high-speed drive
Odroid N2+	Amlogic S922X — 4x Cortex-A73 at 2.2GHz, 2x Cortex-A53 at 1.9GHz	2GB or 4GB DDR4	2.4Ghz with Gigabit Ethernet Port
Udoo Bolt V8	AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B Quad Core/eight Thread @ 2.0Ghz (3.6ghz Boost)	2x DDR4 Dual-channel 64-bit So-DIMM Sockets With Ecc Support Up To 32GB 2400 Mt/s	32GB eMMC 5.0 High Speed Drive

A cheap single-board computer will suffice for a quick project or if you’re exploring the field of SBCs, but if you want to invest in better hardware, make sure you’re not wasting money.

Before buying a pricier SBC, we suggest starting with a clear idea of the projects you’ll use it for. This is worth the time. Getting derailed partway through a project can result in a massive and costly setback.

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 Pi alternatives so you can find the board that fits your budget and needs.

Choose this SBC…	If you want…
Libre Computer Board AML-2905X-CC (Le Potato)	A budget option for hobbyists and enthusiasts, and the perfect way to explore SBCs. This Libre model is a great Raspberry Pi alternative for those who want to learn about SBCs without spending a fortune.
Orange Pi 5 Plus	A single-board computer set up for video and media support. The Orange Pi 5 Plus supports up to 8K video processing at 60fps and has high levels of performance.
Tinker Board 2S	While it has a price point on the higher side outside of sales promotions, the Tinker Board has everything you need for a variety of projects.
Odroid N2+	A range of hardware options. The Odroid N2+ is a top performer that one of our own authors would select as a desktop PC replacement.
Udoo Bolt V8	A high-end SBC with the kind of performance you would expect from a desktop computer. It’s expensive, but the speed and support for VR, AR, and AI projects may make it worth it.

When you are selecting a single board computer outside of the Raspberry Pi brand, you should consider the following factors before making a purchase:

Price: How much are you willing to spend on your new project? If you’re starting out, a cheaper SBC should be fine, whereas you might want to spend a little more for long-term or advanced projects. For example, there will be cost differences between a basic SBC to learn programming fundamentals and one designed for AI.
Project: If you want an SBC for hobbyist projects, you won’t need the most advanced or expensive kits out there — minimal RAM and processing will do, and so you might not want to go for the most advanced processing power or the best board. You may even get away with recycling older components, such as external storage, for use with your new SBC.
Next-gen tasks: If you want to explore the capabilities of AI, you will need an SBC with high specifications or something explicitly built with these projects in mind, such as the Nvidia Jetson. However, you should expect to pay more for advanced SBCs.
Connectivity: Consider what connectivity is important to you before you buy. SBCs may include different types of USB ports — such as USB-A or USB-C — as well as varied internet or Bluetooth connectivity options.
Media: If you intend to use your Raspberry Pi alternative for media, such as streaming audio and video, ensure that the SBC you are considering has the required components and support, especially for any external storage you intend to use.
Protection: SBCs are far less bulky than traditional computers, so you may be tempted to bring one when you travel. If so, ensure you have also factored in a protective case or measures to stop your SBC from being damaged during transit or impacted by dust and water.
Cooling: If you want to run resource and power-heavy applications on your SBC, you will need to consider heat generation. The more power an SBC uses and the more tasks it performs, the more heat it generates, and so you may need to look into cooling methods such as heat sinks or fans.

The Raspberry Pi is an excellent 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.

My list includes options personally tested by ZDNET authors and highly recommended products based on customer reviews and feedback, with these factors specifically in mind:

Performance: Performance is critical when you consider purchasing a new SBC. I considered processing power, RAM, and graphics and have included options able to handle resource-heavy projects.
Connectivity: SBCs offer a range of connectivity options. Some provide Bluetooth, for example, whereas others only have HDMI and Ethernet. I’ve also included different options for the SBC hobbyist.
Storage: Some SBCs include storage, while others provide USB ports for connecting external drives. I like to include choices with and without storage, allowing you to more control over implementing these types of components.
Ease of use: SBCs don’t have to be complex. Some of my options include practical color coding or other features to make your projects easier to handle. Furthermore, some of my top recommendations are suitable for learning how to code and for educational projects.
Price: Not everyone wants to invest in the most high-spec SBC out there, especially if they are just starting out and exploring their interests. I considered a range of devices with beginners, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts in mind.

Latest news in the SBC space

Researchers say that hackers planted a 4G-enabled Raspberry Pi in a bank network to forge a backdoor into an ATM network.
Adafruit is working on a new SBC, dubbed Fruit Jam, which is around the size of a credit card. A launch date is yet to be announced.
Another new product that has recently appeared is the Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro, featuring a MediaTek processor and more RAM than previous models.
The CrowPi 3 “Al Learning and Development Station” has reached its Kickstarter goals. This SBC is intended for AI application use.

Raspberry Pi is a small computing system developed by the U.K.-based non-profit Raspberry Pi Foundation. Raspberry Pi SBCs are cheaper than PCs or laptops, and are used to learn programming, build computers, robots, security systems, and more. In a sense, Raspberry Pi SBCs function as the compact brain of a system or project.

The Raspberry Pi is still the best place to start if you want to get experience with a single-board computer. You can also take a look at guides provided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to learn about SBC components.

Also: Raspberry Pi just released its own high-performance SSDs and SSD kits

These alternatives are a great next step to expand your SBC knowledge. The Raspberry Pi is a great tool for familiarizing yourself with the setup and general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins. It’s also a useful tool if one of your kids has an interest in programming that you want to encourage.

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You can find a lot of generic cases out there to protect your Raspberry Pi or alternative SBC, and I recommend getting one. After all, if you’re investing in an SBC, you should protect it. You could check out KKSB for a few ideas.

Also, if you are lucky enough to own a 3D printer, then you’ll have an endless supply of cases. Alternatively, you can visit the 3D printing marketplace Pinshape to find your perfect case.

You can try to waterproof the case by using seals or silicone grease. You could also spray the board with a conformal coating to resist moisture.

Beyond these steps, there’s no way to make them completely waterproof, and you risk damage if you don’t keep your electronics away from adverse weather conditions and environments.

Yes, many professionals use Raspberry Pi for everything from product testing to educational projects, but they also use alternatives. It all depends on personal and project needs.

The cost of Raspberry Pi models — once only $15 or so — has increased due to supply shortages, and the price of computing components and chips has increased due to inflation. Still, in the grand scheme of things, some Raspberry Pi models are still very affordable for a range of SBC projects.

Yes, Banana Pi is a solid alternative to Raspberry Pi. It is a similar system but has added benefits. For example, it supports a wider range of operating systems, such as Android and Linux — including Ubuntu. It allows for more powerful processors and additional RAM options, as well as enhanced connectivity like Gigabit Ethernet and serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) support.

Developer kits are a specific type of board that has been assembled — from the circuit board to peripherals — with the development of prototypes and experimental programming in mind. While there’s no solid distinction between a developer kit and a standard SBC, developer boards can often be stripped down to simple products focused on development and coding rather than end projects.

Latest updates

In ZDNET’s July update, we performed substantial copy and editorial changes. We also replaced the Udoo Bolt V3 with the Udoo Bolt V8 as a top choice, and provided more information on our favorite alternative Raspberry Pi SBCs. We also removed the Jetson Nano from our alternatives due to a lack of stock.
In ZDNET’s June update, we performed editorial updates and removed products that are out of stock.
In May, we performed extensive copy changes and updated all pricing.

More Raspberry Pi alternatives

The $119 FriendlyElec NanoPi R6S is a versatile open source alternative with support for operating systems including Debian, Android, and FriendlyWrt. Specifications include a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 (up to 2.4GHz) and quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU (up to 1.8GHz), alongside a Mali GPU and 32GB eMMC storage.

You can purchase a $20 case seperately. Due to a warehouse change, however, shipping is delayed.

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The Orange Pi 5 is a 4GB, 8-core option for developers, capable of handling AI, VR, and AR. You can pick one up for $100 at Amazon. It’s expensive, but it comes with a Rockchip RK3588S processor, an ARM Mali-G610 GPU, an AI accelerator, and some other useful hardware components.

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You could consider the $35 Libre Computer Sweet Potato if you want an upgrade to Le Potato, but based on customer feedback, many users prefer the original. Still, this budget-friendly alternative supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Debian 12, and CoreELEC, and is equipped with 2GB RAM.

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