Top 15 Raspberry Pi Alternatives Available in 2026

Odroid X, BeagleBone Black, ASUS Tinker Board, Rock Pi 4, and many newer and cheaper options like NanoPi NEO2 now offer the speed, ports, and stability users need, making them strong raspberry pi alternatives for 2026. These boards handle heavier scripts, smoother multimedia, and wider project needs with better availability and stronger hardware support.

In this guide, you'll read more about why users look for alternatives to raspberry pi, the key factors to compare, and how to find reliable raspberry pi alternatives in 2026 that match your specific project needs.

Explore upGrad’s Artificial Intelligence Courses to gain industry-relevant skills and stay ahead in your AI career. Enroll now! 

Top 10 Raspberry Pi Alternatives in 2026

This section highlights the best raspberry pi alternative boards available in 2026. If you are looking for reliable alternatives to raspberry pi that offer better availability or specialized features, the list below covers the top competitors.
 

Board	Price (INR)	Available On
NanoPi NEO3	2,500–4,000	Specialist online stores
BeagleBone Black	3,500–5,000	Amazon India, Flipkart
Orange Pi 5	4,500–10,000	Amazon India, specialist stores
ASUS Tinker Board	6,500–9,000	Amazon India, Flipkart
Odroid X	6,000–12,000	Robu.in, Amazon India
Rock Pi 4	7,500–12,000	Amazon India
RockPro64	8,000–13,000	Amazon India, specialist stores
Khadas VIM3	9,000–16,000	Amazon India
UP Board	10,000–15,000	Amazon India
LattePanda Delta	12,000–18,000	Amazon India, Flipkart

 Now explore each Raspberry Pi alternatives in detail.

1. NanoPi NEO3

As one of the standout cheap raspberry pi alternatives, the NanoPi NEO3 is a compact board made for light, efficient tasks. It is arguably one of the most efficient raspberry pi cheap alternatives for users who need simple scripts and IoT builds without stretching their budget.

• Compact and ideal for lightweight applications
• Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 512MB / 1GB
• Storage: microSD
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB 3.0, GPIO
• Best For: IoT devices, low-power servers, small robotics projects

Also Read: What Are IOT Devices?: Definition, Uses, Types 

2. BeagleBone Black

A long-standing raspberry pi competitor, BeagleBone Black is a steady choice for learners and makers who want clear pin control. It works well for hands-on builds, hardware testing, and small automation systems.

• Ideal for learning and electronics prototyping
• Processor: AM335x 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8
• RAM: 512MB
• Storage: 4GB onboard eMMC, microSD slot
• Connectivity: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, GPIO pins
• Best For: IoT projects, robotics, industrial applications

Also Read: 15+ AI Developer Tools To Enhance Your Career in 2025

3. Orange Pi 5

As a top contender for a raspberry pi 5 alternative, Orange Pi 5 gives you strong performance at a reasonable cost. It works well for users who want a fast board for media, automation, and DIY builds without high spending.

• Combines performance and affordability
• Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
• RAM: 2GB / 4GB / 8GB
• Storage: eMMC + microSD
• Connectivity: USB 3.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Best For: DIY electronics, media projects, home automation

Also Read: 35 Useful Raspberry Pi Projects for Learning & Automation

4. ASUS Tinker Board

If you need a raspberry alternative that prioritizes multimedia, the ASUS Tinker Board delivers stronger graphics output with smooth handling for visual tasks. It fits users who need a stable board for media and gaming setups.

• Higher graphics performance than standard Raspberry Pi
• Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A17
• RAM: 2GB / 4GB
• Storage: microSD support
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB 2.0/3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
• Best For: Media streaming, gaming, AI experiments

Also Read: AI in Data Science: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters Today

5. Odroid X Series

When looking for versatile alternatives to raspberry pi, the Odroid X Series gives you steady speed and clear value. It works well for users who need a reliable board for media, scripting, and small server tasks.

• Strong performance with good pricing
• Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
• RAM: 4GB / 8GB options
• Storage: eMMC module and microSD support
• Connectivity: USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Best For: DIY projects, media centers, lightweight server applications

Also Read: 28 Robotics Project Ideas for Students in 2025

6. Rock Pi 4

The Rock Pi 4 is one of the most compatible pi alternatives, giving you solid speed for heavier workloads. It fits users who want a board that handles streaming, AI tasks, and edge setups with ease.

• Versatile board suitable for high-performance projects
• Processor: Hexa-core ARM Cortex-A72/A53
• RAM: 2GB–4GB
• Storage: eMMC and microSD
• Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Best For: Media servers, AI applications, edge computing

7. RockPro64

RockPro64 gives you strong compute power. While it offers premium features, it remains competitive against other raspberry pi alternatives cheap enough for hobbyist budgets, working well for users who need stable output for streaming and AI tasks.

• Designed for high-performance computing and multimedia
• Processor: Hexa-core ARM Cortex-A72/A53
• RAM: 2GB–4GB
• Storage: eMMC, microSD, NVMe support
• Connectivity: USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Best For: Media centers, edge computing, AI projects

8. Khadas VIM3

Standing out among premium raspberry pi competitors, the Khadas VIM3 gives you fast processing with strong graphics output. It suits users who want smooth AI work, sharp media handling, and quick response in complex setups.

• Ideal for AI and media-heavy applications
• Processor: Amlogic A311D (Quad-core Cortex-A73 + Dual-core Cortex-A53)
• RAM: 4GB / 8GB
• Storage: eMMC + microSD
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Best For: AI projects, media streaming, high-performance DIY projects

Also Read: Applications of Robotics: Industrial & Everyday Use Cases 

9. UP Board

The UP Board is a unique raspberry pi alternative that gives you solid x86 performance for builds requiring Windows or specific Linux distributions. It fits well for tasks that need professional project setups.

• Powerful and suitable for professional-grade projects
• Processor: Intel Atom x5-Z8350
• RAM: 2GB / 4GB
• Storage: 32GB eMMC, microSD
• Connectivity: USB 3.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Best For: AI, robotics, industrial IoT

10. LattePanda Delta

Often cited as the best raspberry pi alternative for Windows-based development, the LattePanda Delta gives you smooth support for flexible work. It fits users who want a compact board that handles desktop tools and AI tasks.

• Supports Windows and Linux for development flexibility
• Processor: Intel Celeron N4100
• RAM: 4GB / 8GB
• Storage: 64GB eMMC
• Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Best For: Windows-based development, AI projects, automation

Also Read: IIoT vs IoT: Understanding the Difference Between IIoT and IoT Technologies 

Cheap Raspberry Pi Alternatives: Budget Options for 2026

In this section, we explore raspberry pi cheap alternatives that still deliver decent performance for basic projects, IoT experiments, and learning purposes. 

1. ESP32 Dev Board

The ESP32 Dev Board gives you strong wireless features at a very low cost. It is one of the most versatile raspberry pi alternatives cheap enough for mass deployment, fitting simple IoT builds, sensor systems, and home automation setups with quick deployment.

• Budget-friendly IoT board
• Processor: Dual-core Tensilica LX6
• RAM: 520KB SRAM
• Storage: Flash memory
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPIO
• Best For: IoT projects, home automation, sensors
• Price Range (India): ₹500–₹1,200

2. Arduino Nano Every

Arduino Nano Every is a light and simple option for basic electronics work. It fits students, makers, and quick prototyping tasks where you need tight control and low power use.

• Great for simple electronics and embedded projects
• Processor: ATmega4809
• RAM: 6KB SRAM
• Storage: 48KB Flash
• Connectivity: USB, GPIO
• Best For: Electronics projects, prototyping, sensors
• Price Range (India): ₹900–₹1,500

Also Read: 50 IoT Projects for 2025 to Boost Your Skills (With Source Code) 

3. Orange Pi Zero

The Orange Pi Zero stands out among raspberry pi cheap alternatives for its impressive connectivity at a rock-bottom price. It works well for tiny IoT builds and low-load servers, proving that effective alternatives don't have to sacrifice essential networking features.

• One of the cheapest alternatives with decent connectivity
• Processor: H2+ Quad-core Cortex-A7
• RAM: 256MB / 512MB
• Storage: microSD
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, GPIO
• Best For: Small IoT devices, lightweight servers
• Price Range (India): ₹1,500–₹2,500

4. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

If you want to stay within the official ecosystem, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is the best raspberry pi alternative to the larger, more expensive Model B boards. It fits portable DIY work and scripting perfectly, offering official support at a price point that rivals even the most aggressive raspberry pi competitors.

• Affordable option for basic projects
• Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A53
• RAM: 512MB
• Storage: microSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPIO
• Best For: DIY electronics, portable IoT, learning programming
• Price Range (India): ₹1,800–₹2,500

Also Read: 30 IoT Examples in Real-Life You Should Know 

5. NanoPi NEO2

The NanoPi NEO2 serves as a specialized raspberry pi competitor for users who need a simple, low-power headless server. Its compact build and energy efficiency make it a smart choice for network-attached storage or firewalls where a full-sized raspberry pi alternative might be overkill.

• Compact and energy-efficient
• Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A7
• RAM: 512MB / 1GB
• Storage: microSD
• Connectivity: Ethernet, USB 2.0, GPIO pins
• Best For: IoT projects, small servers, low-power robotics
• Price Range (India): ₹2,000–₹3,500

Key Factors to Compare Before Choosing an Alternative

Choosing the right board becomes easier when you know what to compare. Each raspberry pi alternative has different strengths.

Processing Power

Look at the CPU first. It decides how smoothly your programs run. For powerful raspberry pi 5 alternatives, a strong multi-core processor is essential to handle automation, heavy coding tasks, and multiple processes.

• Check the number of cores
• Note the clock speed
• Look for newer ARM or x86 chips for better stability

Also Read: Top 20 IoT Interview Questions & Answers 2025 for All Levels 

Graphics and Media Handling

If you plan to work with video, AI tools, or display projects, the GPU matters. A high-quality raspberry alternative should offer hardware decoding and strong graphic performance to keep videos smooth and reduce lag.

• 4K output support
• Hardware decoding
• Graphic performance for ML or visual builds

RAM and Multitasking

More RAM helps you run heavier scripts without slowdown. To be considered the best raspberry pi alternative for machine learning or desktop use, look for boards offering 4GB or even 8GB of RAM.

• At least 2GB for general use
• 4GB or more for ML or media tasks
• Faster memory options for better responsiveness

Storage Options

Your project may need faster storage. Unlike the standard models, many modern pi alternatives offer eMMC modules or NVMe slots for significantly faster boot times and data transfer.

• microSD
• eMMC
• NVMe on advanced boards

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Gen AI Tools for Businesses and Creators

Connectivity and Ports

Good connectivity gives you room to build bigger systems. A strong raspberry pi competitor will often include advanced ports like USB-C, dual Ethernet, or dedicated camera interfaces to match your devices.

• USB 3.0 for fast transfers
• Ethernet for stable networks
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless setups
• GPIO pins for hardware control

Price and Budget Fit

Many users look for value. Some boards are premium, while others fall under cheap raspberry pi alternatives. Always check the price range to see if cheap alternatives enough for your budget still offer the GPIO control you need.

• Check the price range
• Compare it with the features offered
• Balance cost and performance based on your project goals

Also Read: Types of AI: From Narrow to Super Intelligence with Examples

Use-Case Fit

Each board suits specific tasks. When evaluating alternatives to raspberry pi, match the board specifically to your project goal, whether that is IoT, media streaming, or edge computing.

• IoT and sensors
• Media streaming
• Robotics
• Edge computing
• Learning and prototyping

Quick Comparison Table

Factor	What to Look For
CPU	Core count, speed, updated architecture
GPU	4K output, smooth video, ML capability
RAM	2GB–8GB depending on workload
Storage	microSD, eMMC, NVMe
Connectivity	USB 3.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPIO
Price	Budget vs premium trade-off
Use-Case	IoT, media, AI, robotics, learning

This section helps readers compare raspberry pi alternatives with clarity so they can pick the board that fits their needs.

Also Read: IoT Career Opportunities [Ultimate Guide 2024] 

Raspberry Pi Alternatives vs Official Raspberry Pi

Here’s how alternatives stack up against the official Raspberry Pi lineup in 2026, so you can see where each fits.

Feature	Raspberry Pi Series	Alternatives
CPU Architecture	Broadcom ARM-based, stable community support,	Many alternatives use newer multi-core ARM / x86 chips with higher clock speeds
RAM Options	Up to 8GB in recent models	Some offer up to 16GB or more, faster memory
Storage & I/O	microSD standard, some eMMC in higher models	eMMC + NVMe + faster USB/PCIe support in some boards
Connectivity & Ports	Standard USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi options	Alternatives often add USB-C, multiple Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, higher-speed ports

Also Read: AI Project Management: The Role of AI in Project Management

Pros and Cons of Using Raspberry Pi Alternatives in 2026

Raspberry Pi alternatives give you more options to match your project needs, but they also come with a few trade-offs you should know before choosing.

Comparison Table

Category	Pros	Cons
Performance	More CPU choices and higher speeds	Varies across brands and models
Memory & Storage	More RAM options and faster storage like NVMe	Some boards have limited upgrade paths
Connectivity	Extra ports such as USB 3.0, dual Ethernet, or Wi-Fi 6	Driver support may differ by OS
Availability	Easier to find when Raspberry Pi supply is low	Stock varies across regions
Price	Wider range, including strong budget options	Premium boards can cost more than a Raspberry Pi
Software Support	Some boards offer newer OS builds and optimizations	Smaller communities and fewer tutorials

If you match the board to the right use case, alternatives can offer strong value and better performance for many projects.

Conclusion

Raspberry Pi alternatives give you more choice and better options for different builds. Many professionals still find this tech hard to learn, from basics to real work.Working on IoT projects is a smart way to build your technical skills and apply concepts in practical scenarios. To make the most of these opportunities, you need a strong foundation in IoT systems, programming, and device integration.

upGrad offers industry-relevant courses designed to sharpen your IoT skills. From learning to build connected devices to working with real-time data, these courses guide you with structured content and hands-on practice. 

Here are the top upGrad courses that can help you stand out.

• Programming with Python: Introduction for Beginners
• Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
• Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
• Data Science in E-commerce

Want personalized career guidance? Consider upGrad’s free career counseling services. Get your queries answered by experts! You can also visit an upGrad center to explore relevant learning programs and advancement opportunities.