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 5 best Raspberry Pi alternatives for makers and developers in 2025

5 top Raspberry Pi alternatives for AI, budget, and desktop power.
5 best Raspberry Pi alternatives for makers and developers in 2025
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Raspberry Pi has become the go-to board for makers, but it isn’t always the best answer.

Sometimes projects demand more speed, more memory, or stronger media and AI support. That’s where the best Pi alternatives come in, offering extra power, storage flexibility, and smoother performance.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Which five Raspberry Pi alternatives are worth your attention in 2025?
  • How each board compares in terms of performance, price, and community support.
  • Which options are best suited for specific projects, such as AI, media playback, or desktop workloads?
  • The pros and cons of each choice so you can make an informed decision.
  • FAQs and tips to help you select the board that best suits your project.

The 5 best Raspberry Pi alternatives 

  1. Orange Pi 5 Plus
  1. Libre Sweet Potato (AML-S905X-CC)
  1. ASUS Tinker Board 2S
  1. ODROID N2+
  1. Udoo Bolt V8

An overview of the 5 best Raspberry Pi alternatives

BoardCPUGPU / NPURAMStorageVideoNetworkingPortsAmazon / Typical PriceAmazon RatingBest For
Orange Pi 5 PlusRockchip RK3588 (8-core: 4×A76 + 4×A55) up to 2.4 GHzMali-G610 + NPU (~6 TOPS)4GB / 8GB / 16GB LPDDR4/4xeMMC, M.2 NVMe (varies)8K decode/encode, HDMI2.5G EthernetUSB-C, HDMI, 40-pin GPIO₦186,785.78 – ₦257,387.54 (≈ $200–270)⭐ 4.3Media projects & edge AI
Libre Sweet Potato (AML-S905X-CC)Amlogic S905X (quad Cortex-A53)Mali-4502GBmicroSD, optional eMMC4K decode100 Mbps EthernetUSB, 40-pin GPIO, USB-C (some versions)₦58,834.80 – ₦73,543.50 (≈ $45–60)⭐ 4.3Budget builds & media playback
ASUS Tinker Board 2SRockchip RK3399 (2×A72 + 4×A53)Mali-T8602GB / 4GB LPDDR416GB eMMC + microSD4K60, HDMI + USB-C DPGigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi/BluetoothUSB 3.0, USB-C, 40-pin GPIO, CSI/DSI$130–170⭐ 3.6Hobbyists needing polish
ODROID N2+Amlogic S922X (4×A73 + 2×A53) ~2.2–2.4 GHzMali-G522GB / 4GB DDR4eMMC + microSD4K HDMI 2.1Gigabit Ethernet4× USB 3.0, HDMI, GPIO$66–90N/ARaw CPU power in SBC
Udoo Bolt V8AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B (4c/8t)Radeon Vega 8Up to 32GB DDR4 (SO-DIMM)M.2 NVMe, some eMMC SKUsMulti-display, desktop-gradeGigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi (varies)USB 3.x, PCIe lanes$452 (Shopseco.com)N/ADesktop-class performance

How we chose these Raspberry Pi alternatives

Each board here was evaluated against practical criteria that makers and developers actually care about:

PROMOTED
  • Performance that matches the use case — CPU architecture, GPU capability, RAM capacity, and multimedia handling.
  • Storage and connectivity — support for eMMC, M.2, or microSD; USB speeds; and GPIO pin compatibility.
  • Software ecosystem — availability of Debian/Ubuntu builds, driver stability, and the strength of community documentation.
  • Pricing and accessibility — realistic street prices and whether you can easily buy the board in common markets.
  • Thermals and power profile — whether it runs cool under sustained workloads or requires active cooling.

Each alternative you’ll read about below is either widely tested in the field or well-documented by the maker community. And when a feature has limitations, such as incomplete drivers or limited OS support, we clearly indicate this so you can make an informed decision.

Raspberry Pi 5 best alternatives in-depth review 

1) Orange Pi 5 Plus — best for media projects and edge AI

Amazon rating 4.3

image 1
ItemDetails
CPURockchip RK3588, 8-core (4× Cortex-A76 + 4× Cortex-A55) up to 2.4 GHz
NPUIntegrated NPU, up to ~6 TOPS (INT8/FP16)
GPUARM Mali-G610
RAM4GB / 8GB / 16GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4x
StorageeMMC socket; M.2 (device variants may include NVMe)
VideoUp to 8K video decode/encode, HDMI output
Networking2.5G Ethernet (depending on variant)
PortsUSB (including USB-C), HDMI, 40-pin GPIO
Amazon prices in Naira 16GP: ₦ 257,387.548GP:  ₦ 257,387.544GP:  ₦ 186,785.78

Why you’d pick it

The Orange Pi 5 Plus features a Rockchip RK3588 processor with four Cortex-A76 and four Cortex-A55 cores, an ARM Mali-G610 GPU, and an integrated NPU rated at around 6 TOPS, enabling it to handle local inference and heavy media processing.

 You can equip it with 4, 8, or 16 GB of LPDDR4 memory and use eMMC or M.2 NVMe storage for significantly improved responsiveness compared to microSD. The board supports high-resolution video pipelines up to 8K and offers 2.5G Ethernet on some variants, which helps when streaming or transcoding large files over the LAN. 

Migration tips

Start by downloading a Linux image designed explicitly for the RK3588, rather than attempting to reuse a Raspberry Pi image. If your current Pi project relies on fast I/O, consider migrating the OS to eMMC or an NVMe drive, as microSD performance may feel sluggish. Verify GPIO pin mappings and test camera or display drivers early, as device-specific drivers may require recompilation.

Pros

  • Excellent CPU and NPU for edge AI and media applications.
  • Extensive RAM options and NVMe support for responsive storage.

Cons

  • Smaller community and fewer Pi-style accessories.
  • Driver and image maturity can lag behind Raspberry Pi vendors. 

2) Libre Sweet Potato (AML-S905X-CC) — best for budget projects and media playback

Amazon rating 4.3

image 4
ItemDetails
CPUAmlogic S905X (quad-core Cortex-A53)
GPUARM Mali-450
RAM2GB (typical model)
StoragemicroSD slot; optional eMMC variants
Video4K decode support, suitable for media center builds
Networking100 Mbps Ethernet (Fast Ethernet)
PortsUSB, 40-pin GPIO, USB-C on some revisions
Amazon prices in Naira Board: ₦58,834.80Board+ PoE: ₦73,543.50

Why you’d pick it

It feels familiar if you’ve worked with a Pi, and you don’t lose the essentials like GPIO access and USB ports. You won’t get gigabit Ethernet or loads of RAM, but for experimenting, classrooms, or a cluster of low-cost boards, it’s a wise choice.

Migration tips

Use Libre Computer’s official images to ensure you receive tested kernels and documented drivers. Remember, network throughput is limited to 100 Mbps, so plan streaming or file transfers accordingly. Test simple GPIO scripts before migrating extensive HAT-based projects, as some libraries may require recompilation.

Pros

  • Extremely low cost and sound 4K playback for media.
  • Official images and documentation for quick setup.

Cons

  • Only 2 GB RAM and Fast Ethernet limit multitasking and network throughput.
  • Smaller ecosystem of accessories and fewer community tutorials than Raspberry Pi. 

3) ASUS Tinker Board 2S — best for hobbyists who want a polished board and media performance

Amazon rating: 3.6

image 2
ItemDetails
CPUDual-core Arm® Cortex®-A72 @ 2.0 GHzQuad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 @ 1.5 GHz
GPUArm® Mali™-T860 MP4 GPU @ 800 MHz
RAM2GB or 4GB LPDDR4 variants
Storage16GB eMMC (on 2S model) + microSD
Video4K60 support, HDMI, and USB-C display options
NetworkingGigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi + Bluetooth on some SKUs
PortsUSB 3.0, USB-C (DP alt), 40-pin GPIO, CSI/DSI
Typical price~ $130–170 depending on RAM/eMMC variant

Why you’d pick it

If you want something that feels refined out of the box, the ASUS Tinker Board 2S is built for you. It features 16GB of onboard eMMC, so you’re not limited to slow microSD cards, and the colour-coded GPIO makes wiring projects less prone to errors. You can output 4K60 video over HDMI or USB-C, offering flexibility for various display types. Working is reliable with gigabitEthernet and optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. 

Migration tips

Choose ASUS’s official OS images or popular community builds to minimise driver problems. If you plan to move your Pi image, cloning it to the Tinker Board’s eMMC yields faster and more reliable boots than using a microSD card. Double-check pinouts and voltage expectations before attaching HATs or sensor shields to ensure compatibility.

Pros

  • Polished hardware and eMMC for a better out-of-the-box experience.
  • Good documentation and reliable media playback.

Cons

  • A smaller software and accessory ecosystem than the Raspberry Pi.
  • Slightly pricier than the lowest-cost alternatives. 

4) ODROID N2+ — best for raw CPU power in an SBC form factor

Amazon rating: N/A

image 5
ItemDetails
CPUAmlogic S922X: 4× Cortex-A73 + 2× Cortex-A53 (up to ~2.2–2.4 GHz)
GPUMali-G52
RAM2GB or 4GB DDR4 options
StorageeMMC socket + microSD
Video4K output via HDMI
NetworkingGigabit Ethernet
Ports4× USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1 (depending on revision), 40-pin GPIO
Typical Amazon price2GB model ≈ $66 (retailer pricing)

Why you’d pick it

If you’ve ever hit the limits of a Raspberry Pi while compiling code, running Docker containers, or even emulating games, the ODROID N2+ is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Its Cortex-A73 cores clock up to 2.4GHz, so everyday tasks feel snappier and heavier projects bolt. Pair it with eMMC storage and gigabit Ethernet, and you’ve got a responsive board that can double as a mini server or a powerful dev box. 

Migration tips

Start with Hardkernel’s official Ubuntu images for the best compatibility. Prefer eMMC modules for your system image to get consistent boot times and longer flash life. Verify HAT compatibility and test your GPIO scripts before moving a finished case or sensor array.

Pros

  • Strong CPU performance per dollar and solid build quality.
  • Fast eMMC booting and active community support.

Cons

  • Limited maximum RAM compared with the highest-end ARM SBCs.
  • Sustained heavy loads need deliberate cooling and a stable power supply.

5) Udoo Bolt V8 — best when you need desktop-class performance in a compact board

Amazon rating: N/A

image 3
ItemDetails
CPUAMD RYZEN Embedded V1605B Quad Core/Eight Thread @2GHZ (3.6 Boost)
GPUAMD Radeon Vega 8 (integrated)
RAM2× SO-DIMM slots — up to 32GB DDR4 (dual-channel)
StorageeMMC on some SKUs; M.2 NVMe on various kits
VideoMultiple display outputs; GPU capable of desktop workloads
NetworkingGigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi depends on SKU
PortsUSB 3.x, PCIe lanes available on some carrier boards
Typical priceHigh-tier board; expect several hundred dollars (varies by config)
Shopseco.com: $452.00Udoo.org: $ 459,00

Why you’d pick it

If you’ve ever wished your Pi could act like a real desktop, the Udoo Bolt V8 is that dream board. With an AMD Ryzen V1605B processor and Radeon Vega 8 graphics, you can run Windows or Linux exactly as you would on a laptop or PC. You can load it with up to 32GB of RAM, add NVMe storage, and even drive demanding apps like video editing, 3D prototyping, or AI training.

Migration tips

Migrate to x86 OS images, as ARM Raspberry Pi images are not compatible with this environment. Expect to install standard Ubuntu or Windows builds and adjust cooling settings. Active fans or large heatsinks are recommended for optimal performance. Inventory any ARM-only binaries or drivers and find x86 equivalents before committing to a complete migration..

Pros

  • Native x86 performance and Vega GPU for desktop workloads.
  • Extensive RAM and NVMe options let you treat the board like a compact workstation.

Cons

  • Significantly more expensive and power hungry than ARM SBCs.
  • Requires active cooling and careful power planning for sustained high loads.

Final takeaways

  • The Orange Pi 5 Plus is your go-to option if you need 8K video or edge AI workloads, thanks to its integrated NPU.
  • Libre Sweet Potato is truly invaluable for budget-friendly media centers or light DIY projects.
  • The ASUS Tinker Board 2S offers a polished platform for hobbyists who value official support and a refined ecosystem.
  • ODROID N2+ gives you serious CPU strength in a small board—ideal for compute-heavy tasks.
  • The Udoo Bolt V8 is essentially a desktop in SBC form—perfect for those who need raw horsepower for demanding applications.

Raspberry Pi alternative FAQs

1. Why should I consider a Raspberry Pi alternative?

  • Raspberry Pi boards are often hard to find or overpriced in some regions. Alternatives like the Orange Pi or ODROID offer better performance, more RAM, or cheaper options without sacrificing community support.

2. Which Raspberry Pi alternative is best for AI or ML projects?

  • The Orange Pi 5 Plus stands out thanks to its integrated NPU (~6 TOPS) and support for 8K media. It’s ideal for edge AI, computer vision, and media-heavy projects where the Pi 4 would struggle.

3. What’s the cheapest Raspberry Pi alternative worth buying?

  • The Libre Sweet Potato is the most budget-friendly option on this list, with solid 4K playback and GPIO support for basic electronics. It’s perfect for media playback and light DIY automation.

4. Can I run the same Raspberry Pi software on these boards?

  • Not always. Most boards support Debian or Ubuntu images, but drivers and compatibility vary. Check each vendor’s OS images before starting. Some projects may require additional tweaks, but the open-source community typically provides guides and fixes.

5. Which Raspberry Pi alternative is best for heavy multitasking or desktop-like performance?

  • The Udoo Bolt V8 is the clear winner in this regard. With its AMD Ryzen processor, Vega 8 graphics, and support for up to 32GB RAM, it behaves like a compact desktop. If you want to run Linux, Windows, or even virtualisation on an SBC, this board is unmatched.

6. Are there beginner-friendly Raspberry Pi alternatives?

  • Yes, but it depends on your choice. Boards like the Libre Sweet Potato and ASUS Tinker Board 2S come with ready-to-use OS images and active communities, making them more approachable for beginners. High-performance boards, such as the Udoo Bolt V8, are more advanced and better suited for experienced makers.

Rounding up,

Choosing the right Raspberry Pi alternative comes down to what you want to build. If you need raw power for AI or 8K media, the Orange Pi 5 Plus is a safe bet. For budget-friendly tinkering and media centres, the Libre Sweet Potato is hard to beat. Makers who want polish and good community support will enjoy the ASUS Tinker Board 2S, while the ODROID N2+ delivers reliable CPU muscle for sustained projects. And if you’re aiming for desktop-class performance, nothing here rivals the Udoo Bolt V8.

So, which one fits your next build?

Don’t just settle for what’s number 1 or 2. Match the board to your project, your budget, and your learning curve. Explore one of these alternatives, and you’ll unlock more flexibility than a Raspberry Pi alone can offer.

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