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The Raspberry Pi has long been the go-to single-board computer (SBC) for makers, hobbyists, and developers. But whether it’s due to supply shortages, performance limitations, or specific project needs, more people are now exploring Raspberry Pi alternatives.
In this guide, we’ll break down some of the best Raspberry Pi alternatives available in 2025 — with pros, cons, and use-case recommendations to help you pick the right board for your next project.
🔍 Why Look for a Raspberry Pi Alternative?
There are several reasons you might want an alternative to the Raspberry Pi:
📦 Availability: Raspberry Pi stock issues have left many frustrated.
🚀 Performance: Some boards offer better CPUs, RAM, or GPU performance.
🔌 I/O & Connectivity: Need more USB ports, eMMC storage, or dual gigabit Ethernet?
🧠 AI & ML Applications: Raspberry Pi doesn’t match some AI-focused boards.
💻 Linux Desktop Experience: Some boards offer a more fluid desktop than the Pi 4 or 5.
🏆 Top Raspberry Pi Alternatives (2025 Edition)
1. Orange Pi 5
CPU: Rockchip RK3588S (8-core, ARM Cortex-A76 + A55)
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR4/5
Ports: USB 3.0, HDMI, M.2 for NVMe SSDs
Pros: Extremely powerful, great for AI, Android or Linux
Best for: Power users, emulation, AI projects, desktop replacement
2. Rock Pi 4 Model C+
CPU: Hexa-core Rockchip RK3399
RAM: Up to 4GB LPDDR4
Ports: USB 3.0, USB-C, Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe slot
Pros: NVMe SSD support, good Linux support
Best for: DIY NAS, media centers, dev boards
3. Odroid N2+
CPU: Amlogic S922X (Quad-core Cortex-A73 + Dual Cortex-A53)
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Ports: 4x USB, HDMI 2.0, eMMC module support
Pros: High-performance CPU, active cooling
Best for: Retro gaming, media centers, Linux distros
4. Banana Pi M5
CPU: Amlogic S905X3
RAM: 4GB DDR4
Ports: HDMI, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet
Pros: Reliable performance, Raspberry Pi-like form factor
Best for: General-purpose computing, NAS projects
5. NVIDIA Jetson Nano
CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A57
GPU: 128-core Maxwell (powerful AI support)
RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
Pros: Incredible for AI/ML, great community
Best for: Computer vision, robotics, deep learning
6. BeagleBone Black
CPU: AM335x 1GHz ARM® Cortex-A8
RAM: 512MB DDR3L
Pros: Real-time processing, lots of GPIO
Best for: Industrial applications, robotics, embedded systems
💡 Choosing the Right Pi Alternative
| Use Case | Recommended Board |
|---|---|
| Desktop Replacement | Orange Pi 5, Rock Pi 4 |
| AI & Machine Learning | Jetson Nano, Orange Pi 5 |
| Media Center / Kodi | Odroid N2+, Banana Pi M5 |
| Headless Server / NAS | Rock Pi 4, Banana Pi M5 |
| GPIO / Robotics Projects | BeagleBone Black, Pi 4 |
| Budget-Friendly Alternative | Banana Pi M2 Zero, Orange Pi Zero 2 |
🛠 Software Compatibility
Most of these boards support major Linux distros like:
Ubuntu / Armbian
Debian
Android (in some cases)
Specialized OS like DietPi, CoreELEC, or custom images
Before buying, double-check community support, available images, and whether your project needs special drivers.
🧠 Final Thoughts
While Raspberry Pi remains iconic, it’s no longer the only game in town. Whether you’re after more horsepower, AI capabilities, or just an in-stock option, there’s a perfect Raspberry Pi alternative out there waiting for you.
Be sure to consider community support, documentation, and OS compatibility as much as raw specs. The Pi ecosystem is massive, but many of these alternatives are catching up fast.
