Cheap Raspberry Pi alternatives: 20 computers that cost less than the Pi 3

Orange Pi Zero H2

Price: $7 or $9 (512MB RAM)

Pros

• Costs less than the $10 Raspberry Pi Zero W and includes 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and 10/100 Ethernet.

Cons

• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.
• $7 variant has less memory than the cheaper Raspberry Pi Zero.
• More difficult to setup than the Pi Zero — due to no HDMI or other dedicated video out port, only an A/V interface on board’s pins.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Ubuntu, Debian
• CPU: Allwinner H2+ with quad-core Cortex-A7 at 1.2GHz
• GPU: Mali-400 MP2 GPU
• Memory: 256MB/512MB DDR3 RAM
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: 10/100M Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi based on Allwinner XR819 WiFi module with u.FL antenna connector and external antenna
• USB: 1 x USB 2.0 host, 1 x micro-USB OTG
• Expansion: Unpopulated 26-pin Raspberry Pi B+-compatible header. 13-pin header with headphone, 2 x USB 2.0, TV out, mic and IR receiver.
• Other: 2 x LEDs
• Power: 5V via micro-USB port or optional PoE
• Dimensions (LxW): 48 x 46mm
• Weight: 26g

Onion Omega 2

Price: $7.50

Pros

• One of the cheapest computers money can buy
• Includes Wi-Fi while being cheaper and smaller than the $10 Raspberry Pi Zero W

Cons

• Slower than the cheaper Raspberry Pi Zero
• Less memory than the cheaper Raspberry Pi Zero
• No mini-HDMI port

Specs

• Operating systems: Custom version of LEDE (Linux Embedded Development Environment)
• CPU: 580 MHz processor
• Memory: 64MB
• Storage: 16MB flash
• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• USB: 1 x USB 2.0 host
• Expansion: Dedicated pins for USB2.0 and Ethernet, 12 GPIO header with 2 x PWM, 2 x UART, 1 x I2C, 1 x SPI, 1 x I2S
• Power: 3.3V operating voltage
• Dimensions: 28.2 x 42mm

NanoPi Duo

Price: $8

Pros

• Faster clock speed than the Raspberry Pi Zero W with a newer processor architecture.
• Works with a range of shields that extend its capabilities.
• 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi.

Cons

• Cheapest variant has half the memory of the only slightly more expensive Raspberry Pi Zero W
• No Bluetooth support or mini-HDMI port

Specs

• Operating systems: Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Xenial / Ubuntu Core 16.04 / Linux 4.11.2 mainline kernel
• CPU: Allwinner H2+ quad-core, Cortex A7 processor at 1.2 GHz
• GPU: Mali-400MP2 GPU at 600 MHz
• Memory: 256 / 512 MB DDR3 1866 SDRAM
• Storage: microSD card slot, with footprint for SPI flash
• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi based on Allwinner XR819 module with chip antenna, and u.FL/IPEX connector for external antenna
• USB: 1 x micro-USB OTG port
• Expansion: 2 x 16-pin breadboard compatible headers with 2x USB host ports, GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, MIC, Line Out, CVBS (composite video), Ethernet, 5V, 3.3V, and GND
• Misc: Sold with optional $2.99 heatsink
• Power: 5V via micro USB port
• Dimensions: 50 x 25.4mm
• Weight: 7.76g

NanoPi Neo Core

Price: $10/$12 (512MB)

Pros

• Faster than the Raspberry Pi Zero W with a newer processor architecture.

Cons

• Cheapest variant has half the memory of the only slightly more expensive Raspberry Pi Zero W
• No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or mini-HDMI port

Specs

• Operating systems: u-boot, Ubuntu Core, Debian Jesse
• CPU: Allwinner H3 quad core Cortex A7 at 1.2 GHz
• GPU: Mali-400MP2 GPU up to 600 MHz
• Memory: 256/512 MB DDR3
• Storage: microSD card slot / 8GB eMMC
• Connectivity: 10/100M Ethernet
• USB: 1 x USB 2.0 host, 1 x micro-USB OTG
• Expansion: 24-pin header with I2C, 2x UART, SPI, PWM, and power signals. 12-pin header with 2 x USB, IR pin, microphone and Line OUT signals
• Misc: Power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V/2A via micro-USB port or VDD pin on headers
• Dimensions: 40 x 40mm

Orange Pi 2G-IoT

Price: $10

Pros

• One ups the Raspberry Pi Zero W by also offering a 2G antenna

Cons

• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.
• Raspberry Pi Zero W has double the memory and is practically the same price
• Some wireless carriers no longer offer 2G networks

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Ubuntu, Debian
• CPU: RDA Micro 8810PL 32-bit, Arm-based Cortex A5 processor at up to 1GHz
• GPU: Vivante GC860 3D GPU can decode up to 1080p30 and encode up to 1080p30 H.264
• Memory: 256MB LPDDR2 RAM
• Display: LCD connector up to qHD resolution
• Audio: 3.5mm audio, FM jack, mic
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1/EDR module (RDA5991), and 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE module with SIM card slot
• USB: 1 x USB 2.0 host, 1 x micro-USB OTG
• Expansion: 40-pin header with SPI, I2C and GPIOs. Raspberry Pi B+ compatible
• Misc: 8 selection jumpers, power button, boot selection header
• Power: 5V via micro-USB port with optional battery
• Dimensions (LxW): 68 x 42 mm
• Weight: 26g

Orange Pi Lite

Price: $12

Pros

• More powerful and faster CPU than the only slightly cheaper Raspberry Pi Zero W
• Substantially cheaper than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Decent number of USB ports for the price

Cons\t

• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Lubuntu, Debian
• CPU: Allwinner H3 Arm-based, quad-core Cortex A7 at 1.2 GHz
• GPU: Arm Mali-400MP2 GPU up to 600 MHz
• Memory: 512MB DDR3
• Display: HDMI with CEC support
• Audio: Mic
• Storage: microSD card slot upto 64GB
• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n WiFi via Realtek WiFi module with u.FL connector
• USB: 2 x USB 2.0 host ports, 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: 40-pin Raspberry Pi compatible header
• Misc: Power button, power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V/2A via power barrel
• Dimensions (LxW): 69 \u00d7 48mm
• Weight: 36g

Orange Pi R1

Price: $14

Pros

• Dual Ethernet designed to provide a low-cost expandable, internet-connected gateway or controller.

Cons\t

• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.
• Quarter of the memory of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• No full-size USB ports
• No HDMI

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Ubuntu, Debian
• CPU: H2+ quad-core, 32-bit Cortex A7
• GPU: Mali 400MP2 at 600MHz, supports OpenGL ES2.0
• Memory: 256MB DDR3
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: 2 x 10/100M Ethernet (including on via RTL8152B USB to Ethernet), 802.11 b/g/n WiFi (Realtek RTL8189ETV) with u.FL antenna connector and external antenna
• USB: 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: Unpopulated 26-pin Raspberry Pi B+-compatible header, 13-pin header with headphone, 2 x USB 2.0, TV out, microphone and IR receiver signals
• Misc: Power LED and status LED
• Power: 5V via micro USB port
• Dimensions (LxW): 60 x 45mm

Orange Pi PC

Price: $15

Pros

• CPU has a higher clock speed than that of the Raspberry Pi 3
• Same memory as the Raspberry Pi 3 for less than half the price

Cons\t

• No Wi-Fi
• Fewer USB 2.0 ports than the Raspberry Pi 3
• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Debian, Ubuntu
• CPU: Allwinner H3 quad-core, Arm-based Cortex A7 at 1.6 GHz
• GPU: Arm Mali-400MP2 GPU at up to 600 MHz
• Memory: 1GB DDR3
• Display: HDMI with CEC and HDCP support, AV port
• Audio output: Mic
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: 10/100M Ethernet
• USB: 3 x USB 2.0 host ports, 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: 40-pin Raspberry Pi-compatible header with 28 GPIOs, UART, I2C, SPI, PWM, CAN, I2S, SPDIF, LRADC, ADC, LINE-IN, FM-IN, and HP-IN
• Misc: IR receiver, power button, power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V/2A via barrel jack
• Dimensions (LxW): 85 x 55mm
• Weight: 38g

Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 H3

Price: $19

Pros

• HDMI port with CEC support
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 support

Cons\t

• Half the memory of similarly priced boards.
• Less powerful CPU than similarly priced boards
• No full-sized USB ports.
• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android, Ubuntu, and Armbian
• CPU: Allwinner H3 quad core Cortex A7 processor at 1.2 GHz
• GPU: Mali-400MP2 GPU at 600 MHz
• Memory: 512 MB DDR3 SDRAM
• Display: HDMI port with CEC support
• Storage: microSD card slot, 8GB eMMC flash
• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Ampak AP6212) with u.FL antenna connector and external antenna
• USB: 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: Unpopulated 26-pin Raspberry Pi B+ compatible header, 13-pin header with headphone, 2x USB 2.0, TV out, microphone and IR receiver signals
• Misc: 2 x LEDs for power and status
• Power: 5V via micro USB port
• Dimensions (LxW): 48 x 46mm
• Weight: 20g

Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 H5

Price: $20

Pros

• HDMI with HDCP/CEC support
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 support
• More powerful CPU and better GPU than the only slightly cheaper Orange Pi Zero Plus 2 H3

Cons\t

• Half the memory of similarly priced boards.
• No full-sized USB ports.
• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android, Ubuntu, and Armbian
• CPU: Allwinner H5 quad-core, Cortex A53 processor at 1.2GHz
• GPU: Mali-450MP2 GPU
• Memory: 512MB DDR3 SDRAM
• Display: HDMI port with HDCP/CEC support
• Storage: microSD card slot, 8GB eMMC flash
• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Ampak AP6212) with u.FL antenna connector and external antenna
• USB: 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: Unpopulated 26-pin Raspberry Pi B+ compatible header, 13-pin header with headphone, 2x USB 2.0, TV out, microphone and IR receiver signals
• Misc: 2 x LEDs for power and status
• Power: 5V via micro USB port
• Dimensions (LxW): 46 x 48mm
• Weight: 20g

Orange Pi PC 2

Price: $20

Pros

• More powerful CPU and GPU than the Orange Pi PC
• Same memory as the Raspberry Pi 3 for a lower price
• Decent number of USB ports for the price

Cons\t

• No Wi-Fi
• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Debian, Ubuntu
• CPU: Allwinner H5 quad-core, 64-bit, Arm-based Cortex A53 at 1.6 GHz
• GPU: Arm Mali-450MP2 GPU
• Memory: 1GB DDR3
• Display: HDMI with CEC and HDCP support, AV port
• Audio output: Mic, 3.5mm audio port
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
• USB: 3 x USB 2.0 host ports, 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: 40-pin Raspberry Pi-compatible header with 28 GPIOs, UART, I2C, SPI, PWM, CAN, I2S, SPDIF, LRADC, ADC, LINE-IN, FM-IN, and HP-IN
• Misc: IR receiver, power button, power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V/2A via barrel jack
• Dimensions (LxW): 85 x 55mm
• Weight: 38g

NanoPi A64

Price: $20

Pros

• Same memory as the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B for less money
• HDMI port
• Gigabit Ethernet

Cons\t

• Fewer USB ports than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Specs

• Operating systems: Ubuntu Core, Ubuntu Mate
• CPU: Allwinner A64 quad-core Cortex-A53 at 648MHz to 1.152GHz
• GPU: Arm Mali400 MP2 GPU
• Memory: 1GB DDR3
• Display: HDMI 1.4 port, 30-pin MIPI DSI connector
• Audio output: HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port (RTL8211E), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• USB: 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1x micro-USB port for power only
• Expansion: 40-pin mostly Raspberry Pi compatible header with UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, GPIOs. 7-pin I2S header
• Power: 5V/2A via micro USB port; AXP803 PMIC; supports software power-off
• Dimensions (LxW): 64 x 60mm

Nano Pi Neo Air

Price: $23

Pros

• Small size
• Lightweight

Cons\t

• Half the memory of some similarly priced boards
• No HDMI
• Less powerful CPU than some similarly priced boards

Specs

• Operating systems: Ubuntu Core 16.04
• CPU: Allwinner H3 quad core Cortex A7 at 1.2 GHz
• GPU: ARM Mali-400MP2 GPU at up to 600 MHz
• Memory: 512MB DDR3
• Storage: microSD card slot, 8GB eMMC Flash
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 LE (via Ampak AP6212 module) with IPEX antenna connector
• USB: 1 x micro USB OTG
• Expansion: Unpopulated 24-pin header with I2C, 2x UART, SPI, PWM, and power signals, unpopulated 12-pin header with 2x USB, IR pin, SPDIF, and I2S
• Misc: Power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V/2A via micro USB port or VDD pin on serial header
• Dimensions (LxW): 40 x 40mm
• Weight: 7.5g

Rock64

Price: $25

Pros

• Capable of outputting 4K video at 60Hz, with support for HDR10, via HDMI 2.0a.
• USB 3.0 port
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Extensive options for attaching hardware to expansion headers

Cons\t

• One fewer USB port than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B.
• No Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 7.1, Debian, and Yocto
• CPU: Rockchip RK3328 quad core, Cortex A53-based processor
• GPU: Mali-450MP2
• Memory: 1GB LPDDR3 @ 1866 MHz
• Display: HDMI 2.0a up to 4K @ 60 Hz with HDR10 and HLG support
• Audio output: 3.5mm AV port (composite video + stereo audio)
• Storage: microSD card slot & eMMC flash module socket
• Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
• USB: 2 x USB 2.0 host, 1 x USB 3.0 host
• Expansion: 40-pin Pi-2 Bus with GPIOs, 2x I2C, Analog inputs, UART, SPI, and power signals (5V, 3.3V, and GND). 22-pin Pi-P5+ Bus with GPIOs, I2S, S/PDIF, Ethernet, and power signals (5V, 3.3V, and GND)
• Misc: IR receiver; power, recovery & reset buttons; eMMC jumper
• Power: 5V 3A power supply via Type H 3.5mm OD/1.35mm ID barrel ‘coaxial’ type plug

Dimensions (LxW): 85 x 56mm

Orange Pi Lite2

Price: $25

Pros

• Runs Android 7.0
• Same memory as more expensive Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Similar specced processor to more expensive Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Capable of outputting video to a 4K display
• Fast GPU
• USB 3.0
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1

Cons\t

• Fewer USB ports than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Fewer hardware expansion options than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• No Ethernet

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 7.0, Ubuntu, Debian
• CPU: Allwinner H6 V200 quad core Cortex A53 processor
• GPU: Arm Mali-T720MP2
• Memory: 1GB LPDDR3
• Display: HDMI 2.0a up to 4K at 60Hz with HDCP 2.2
• Audio output: HDMI audio output, built-in microphone
• Storage: microSD card slot
• Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n/ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 via Ampak 6255 module
• USB: 1 x USB 3.0 port, 1 x USB 2.0 host port, 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: 26-pin header
• Misc: Power & status LEDs, power button, IR receiver
• Power: 5V/2A via power barrel jack, or micro USB port; AXP805 PMIC
• Dimensions (LxW): 69 x 48mm
• Weight: 50g

Pocket Beagle

Price: $25

Pros

• Good for prototyping electronics. Extensive hardware expansion options despite its small size

Cons\t

• No Wi-Fi or Ethernet
• No on-board storage
• Half the memory of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Specs

• Operating systems: Debian
• CPU: Octavo Systems OSD3358-SM with TI Sitara AM3358 ARM Cortex-A8 processor at up to 1 GHz, Arm Cortex-M3 for power and security management functions
• GPU: PowerVR SGX530
• Memory: 512MB DDR3
• Storage: microSD card slot
• USB: 1 x micro USB 2.0 OTG port
• Expansion: 2 x 36-pin headers (unpopulated) with USB 2.0 OTG, 8x analog inputs, 44x digital GPIOs, 3x UARTs, 2x I2C, 2x SPI, 4x PWM, 2x quadrature encoder inputs, 2x CAN bus, 23x programmable PRU I/O pins, 3x voltage inputs for battery, USB, power line, 2x voltage output (3.3V LDO + 1x voltage input)
• Misc: Power button
• Power: 5V via micro USB port; via expansion headers for LiPo battery, VIN, or USB-VIN
• Dimensions (LxW): 56 x 35mm

ODROID-C0

Price: $28

Pros

• Reasonable processor and GPU for the price
• Same memory as the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B for less money

Cons\t

• No Ethernet or Wi-Fi
• No USB ports out of the box

Specs

• Operating systems: Ubuntu 14.04, Android 4.4, Arch Linux, Debian, and OpenELEC
• CPU: Amlogic S805 quad core ARM Cortex-A5 at 1.5GHz
• GPU: ARM Mali-450MP GPU
• Memory: 1GB DDR3
• Display: HDMI
• Audio output: HDMI, I2S
• Storage: microSD card slot, eMMC module socket
• Expansion: Unpopulated 40-pin header with GPIO, UART, SPI, I2C, and ADC signals, 2 x USB 2.0. Unpopulated 7-pin header for I2S
• Power: 5V/2A via 2.5/0.8mm power barrel, 3.7V Li+ battery
• Dimensions (LxW): 58 x 56mm
• Weight: 16g

NanoPi Neo Plus2

Price: $35

Pros

• Gigabit Ethernet
• Built-in eMMC storage
• Similar specs to the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B but at a lower price

Cons\t

• The board’s Internet of Things focus means there is no HDMI

Specs

• Operating systems: Ubuntu Core 16, Debian NAS, Ubuntu OLED
• CPU: Allwinner H5 quad-core, Arm-based Cortex A53 processor
• GPU: ARM Mali-450MP GPU
• Memory: 1GB DDR3
• Storage: microSD card slot, 8GB eMMC on board
• Connectivity: Low-profile Gigabit Ethernet (via RTL8211E-VB-CG chip), 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 (via Ampak AP6212A wireless module)
• USB: 2 x USB 2.0 host ports, 1 x micro USB port (for power only)
• Expansion: 24-pin header with I2C, 2x UART, SPI, and GPIOs, 12-pin header with 2x USB, IR pin, I2S, and GPIOs, 5-pin audio 2.0mm pitch header with microphone and LINE out signals
• Misc: Power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V via micro USB port or VDD pin on headers
• Dimensions (LxW): 52 x 40mm

Orange Pi Prime

Price: $30

Pros

• More memory than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Good CPU and GPU for the money

Cons\t

• One fewer USB port than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• In general, Orange Pi board reviews are critical of poor driver support and being stuck with unstable versions of older operating systems.

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 4.4, Ubuntu 16.04, Debian Jesse
• CPU: Allwinner H5 quad-core, Arm-based Cortex A53 processor
• GPU: Arm Mali 450MP4
• Memory: 2GB DDR3
• Display: HDMI 1.4 with CEC support, AV port
• Audio output: HDMI, AV port, on-board microphone
• Storage: microSD card slot up to 64GB, optional 8Mbit SPI NOR flash
• Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 with u.FL antenna
• USB: 3 x USB 2.0 host ports, 1 x micro USB OTG port
• Expansion: 40-pin Raspberry Pi-compatible header
• Misc: IR receiver, power & reset buttons, power and status LEDs
• Power: 5V/2A via barrel jack or micro USB port
• Dimensions (LxW): 98 x 60mm
• Weight: 48g

Pine A64-LTS

Price: $32

Pros

• More memory than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Lots of options for building hardware with the board
• 5-year guarantee

Cons\t

• Fewer USB ports than the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B
• Weaker GPU than some similarly priced boards

Specs

• Operating systems: Android 7.x, Xenial Mate, openSUSE, Armbian
• CPU: Allwinner R18 quad-core, Arm-based Cortex A53 64-bit processor
• GPU: Arm Mali 400MP2
• Memory: 2GB DDR3
• Display: HDMI 1.4
• Audio output: 3.5mm stereo port
• Storage: microSD card slot up to 256GB.
• Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
• USB: 2 x USB 2.0 host
• Misc: MIPI-DSI and -CSI ports
• Expansion: 2 x 20 pin Raspberry Pi 2-compatible header, 2 x 17 pin Euler GPIO header, 2 x 5 pin EXP header
• Power: DC 5V at 2A, 3.7V Li-Ion battery connector
• Dimensions (LxW): 133 x 80mm