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.

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.

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. 

Our 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. We have 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. We’ve also included different options for the SBC hobbyist.
• Storage: Some SBCs include storage, while others provide USB ports for connecting external drives. We like to include choices with and without storage, allowing you to pick what you prefer to use.
• Ease of use: SBCs don’t have to be complex, and some of our options include practical color coding or other features to make your projects easier to handle. Furthermore, some of our 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. We have considered a range of devices with beginners, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts in mind. 

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.