Top 10 Raspberry Pi Alternatives Available in 2025

The Raspberry Pi has long been a favorite for DIY projects, learning programming, and prototyping electronics. However, with increasing demand and specific project requirements, many users are now exploring Raspberry Pi alternatives that offer better performance, affordability, or availability, especially in India. From budget-friendly options to high-performance single-board computers, these alternatives provide flexibility for a wide range of applications in 2025. 

In this blog, you will discover the top 10 Raspberry Pi alternatives, including cheap options, boards available in India, and their key specifications. We’ll also guide you on how to choose the right alternative for your projects, compare features, and highlight practical use cases for each option. 

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Top 10 Raspberry Pi Alternatives in 2025 

This section highlights the most popular and practical Raspberry Pi alternatives available in 2025. Each option includes key specifications, use cases, and pricing insights, helping you decide which board fits your project needs. 

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Here are the top 10 Raspberry Pi alternatives in India in 2025, compared by performance, price, and best use case:

1. Odroid X Series 

Odroid boards are known for their strong performance and affordability. 

• 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹6,000–₹12,000 

2. BeagleBone Black 

BeagleBone Black is 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹3,500–₹5,000 

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

3. ASUS Tinker Board 

ASUS Tinker Board offers 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹6,500–₹9,000 

4. Rock Pi 4 

Rock Pi 4 is a 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹7,500–₹12,000 

Also Read: Top 30 Raspberry Pi Projects for Students and Beginners in 2025 

5. Orange Pi 5 

Orange Pi 5 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹4,500–₹10,000 

6. NanoPi NEO3 

NanoPi NEO3 is 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹2,500–₹4,000 

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

7. LattePanda Delta 

LattePanda Delta 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹12,000–₹18,000 

8. UP Board 

UP Board is 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹10,000–₹15,000 

9. RockPro64 

RockPro64 is 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹8,000–₹13,000 

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

10. Khadas VIM3 

Khadas VIM3 is 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 
• Price Range (India): ₹9,000–₹16,000 

This section gives beginners and enthusiasts a clear view of Raspberry Pi alternatives, including performance, price in India, and suitable projects. 

Cheap Raspberry Pi Alternative: Budget Options for 2025 

Finding a Cheap Raspberry Pi alternative can be challenging, especially for students, hobbyists, or DIY enthusiasts who want functionality without a high price tag. In this section, we explore budget-friendly boards that still deliver decent performance for basic projects, IoT experiments, and learning purposes. 

1. NanoPi NEO2 

NanoPi NEO2 is compact, energy-efficient, and perfect for lightweight tasks. 

• 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 

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

2. Orange Pi Zero 

Orange Pi Zero is 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 

3. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W 

Though still part of the Raspberry Pi family, it’s a highly 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 

4. Arduino Nano Every 

Arduino Nano Every is 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 

5. ESP32 Dev Board 

ESP32 boards are highly popular for budget IoT applications. 

• 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 

Table: Quick Comparison of Cheap Raspberry Pi Alternatives 

 These budget-friendly boards are perfect for beginners or those exploring electronics and IoT projects without spending too much. While they may have limited RAM or connectivity compared to higher-end alternatives, they provide enough functionality for learning, prototyping, and small-scale applications. 

Raspberry Pi Alternatives in India: Availability and Pricing 

For makers and students in India, finding Raspberry Pi alternatives that are both affordable and readily available can be tricky. In 2025, several options have become more accessible through local retailers and online marketplaces, allowing hobbyists and developers to get started without delays or high import costs. 

Availability in India 

Most popular boards are now easier to find online and offline: 

• E-commerce platforms: Amazon India, Flipkart, and local electronics stores stock boards like Orange Pi, NanoPi, and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. 
• Specialized electronics stores: Maker shops and hardware stores in metro cities often carry boards such as BeagleBone Black, ESP32, and Arduino variants. 
• Community sellers and distributors: Some small-scale distributors import high-performance boards like Khadas VIM3 and LattePanda Delta for niche projects. 

Tip: Always check the warranty and seller credibility before purchasing. 

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

Pricing Trends in 2025 

Prices vary depending on board type, specifications, and import costs: 

• Budget boards: ESP32, Arduino Nano Every, and Orange Pi Zero range from ₹500 to ₹3,500. 
• Mid-range boards: BeagleBone Black, NanoPi NEO2, and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W cost ₹3,500–₹6,000. 
• High-performance boards: Khadas VIM3, LattePanda Delta, and RockPro64 can go up to ₹18,000, depending on RAM and storage. 

Note: Prices may fluctuate based on global supply, shipping costs, and currency rates. 

Table: Indian Pricing & Availability of Popular Boards 

Buying Tips for Indian Users 

• Compare prices across multiple platforms to get the best deal. 
• Check for official distributors to avoid counterfeit boards. 
• Consider shipping time if ordering from international stores. 
• Look for combo kits that include power adapters, cases, and SD cards for better value. 

This overview helps you quickly identify which Raspberry Pi alternatives are accessible in India, their price ranges, and where to buy them safely for your projects. 

Also Read: IoT Career Opportunities [Ultimate Guide 2024] 

How to Choose the Right Raspberry Pi Alternative for Your Project 

Selecting the right Raspberry Pi alternative depends on your project’s requirements, budget, and availability. Understanding your needs before buying ensures you get the performance, connectivity, and support required without overspending. 

1. Identify Your Project Requirements 

Before choosing a board, define what your project needs: 

• Processing power: Simple IoT projects need minimal CPU, while AI, media, or server applications require more powerful processors. 
• Memory and storage: Projects with data processing or software compilation require higher RAM and storage. 
• Connectivity: Check for USB ports, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet based on peripherals. 
• GPIO pins: Essential for electronics and robotics projects requiring sensors or actuators. 

Example: For a lightweight home automation project, an ESP32 or Orange Pi Zero may suffice. For media streaming or AI tasks, boards like Khadas VIM3 or RockPro64 are better choices. 

Also Read: Ultrasonic Sensor Arduino Code 

2. Consider Budget and Availability 

Balancing cost and performance is key: 

• Budget-friendly options: NanoPi, Arduino, ESP32 – suitable for beginners or small projects. 
• Mid-range options: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, BeagleBone Black – good for DIY electronics and learning. 
• High-performance options: LattePanda Delta, Khadas VIM3 – best for AI, robotics, and media-intensive applications. 

Tip: Check local availability in India to avoid long shipping delays and high import costs. 

3. Evaluate Community Support and Documentation 

Boards with strong community support make troubleshooting easier: 

• Tutorials, forums, and online resources help beginners set up projects quickly. 
• Popular boards like Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, BeagleBone Black, and ESP32 have extensive documentation. 
• Lesser-known boards may require more self-learning or trial and error. 

 4. Match Board Features with Use Cases 

 Also Read: Top 7 Arduino Projects Ideas & Topics For Beginners 

5. Consider Power and Size Constraints 

• Compact boards are ideal for embedded projects or portable applications. 
• Some high-performance boards may require more power and cooling solutions. 

By assessing your project type, budget, connectivity, and support, you can confidently select a Raspberry Pi alternative that meets your requirements while avoiding unnecessary costs or compatibility issues. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right Raspberry Pi alternative in 2025 depends on your project needs, budget, and availability in India. From compact, budget-friendly options like ESP32 and Arduino Nano Every to high-performance boards like Khadas VIM3 and LattePanda Delta, there’s a solution for every application. 

By considering processing power, memory, connectivity, GPIO requirements, and community support, you can pick a board that aligns with your goals, whether it’s learning, prototyping, IoT, robotics, or media projects. Exploring these alternatives ensures you get the functionality you need without compromising on affordability or convenience. 

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