10 Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives Comparison: x86 And ARM SBCs For 2019

In the search for the best Raspberry Pi alternatives, we often forget that the original Pi-SBC is arguably one of the most versatile pieces of hardware. The Raspberry Pi 3 B+ stays true to its $35 price tag and offers unmatched adaptability. However, most of us like having options.

It is one of the reasons why Raspberry Pi alternatives are selling like hot cakes on the market. Although these boards are inspired by the Raspberry Pi SBC, they’re far more powerful and diverse in their functionality. For example, some Raspberry Pi alternatives like the LattePanda Alpha 864s allow users to connect with an external GPU in the small SBC.

10 Best Raspberry Pi Alternatives For 2019

x86-based Alternatives

1. Atomic Pi

Atomic Pi is a Linux-powered Raspberry Pi alternative which comes pre-installed with Linux. It uses an x86-based platform and is thus able to run the full version of Windows OS.

Compared with a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, The Atomic Pi brings a lot to the table. With only a price tag of $35, the specs of the Atomic Pi far outweigh that of the Raspberry Pi 3. For comparison, the X86 single-board computer is powered by a Quad-Core Intel Atom x50-Z8350 CPU with 1.44GHz base and 1.92GHz boost clock. The CPU is also equipped with an integrated CherryTail GPU 500MHz and has 12 execution units. To ensure everyday usability, the Atomic Pi comes with 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM running at 1600MHz.

All the other essentials, including a 26-pin header, a full-size HDMI and SD card slot, USB 3.0, and a 9-axis inertial navigation sensor with a compass, are also present on the Atomic Pi. Furthermore, the Atomic Pi can also accommodate a full-size graphics card like the Nvidia 1650ti.

Atomic Pi is one of the best x86 based Raspberry Pi alternatives and is sure to please the fans of Windows and Linux alike.

2. LattePanda Alpha 864s

It is quite literally the future of single board computers and desktop computers at large. LattePanda Alpha 864s is a powerful single-board computer capable of challenging several entry-level desktops and laptops. It is an x86p-based Raspberry Pi alternative but offers way better performance than the $35 computer. For starters, the LattePanda Alpha 864s is powered by an 8th Geb Dual-Core Intel Core-M3 CPU, which is paired with Intel HD Graphics 615. To ensure this device is future proof, its makers have equipped it with 8GB LPDDR3 RAM.

Another standout feature of LattePanda Alpha 864s is the support for NVMe SSD and SATA SSD. In terms of connectivity, Alpha 864s is no slouch either; with Wi-Fi 802.11 AC, Dual Band Bluetooth 4.2 and Gigabyte Ethernet, a single board computer that combines a small form-factor with connectivity.

This x86-based Raspberry Pi alternative also supports a full-fledged desktop based GPU. A YouTuber by the name of Project-SBC has installed a LattePanda Alpha 864s with an Nvidia Gtx 1650Ti. This goes to show the capabilities of this single board computer.

However, the LattePanda Alpha 864s is let down due to its high price point at a high price. At $409, enthusiasts can build their own mini-ITX PC with even better performance.

3. SolidPC Q4

It is mainly used as an industry focused single board computer which can connect with IoT devices. Solid Run, the company that makes the SolidPC Q1 market, is the Raspberry Pi alternative as a no-nonsense industrial solution to reduce costs. However, this x86 based single board computer offers way more functionality.

The SolidPC Q4 is powered by a Intel Atom E8000 processor with integrated Intel HD Graphics. This single board computer supports up to 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM which is excellent for handling medium to heavy workloads. For connectivity, this Raspberry Pi alternative features 3 ports of USB 3.0, HDMI, Wifi, etc.

Furthermore, internal eMMC storage can also be expanded using an sd card slot. Keeping in mind that the above set of specs, the SolidPC Q4 comes with a starting price tag of $300. Users who don’t prefer the open look of a single board computer can also order an enclosure for SolidPCQ4.

4. Netgate MBT-2220

This x86 Raspberry Pi alternative is powered by an Intel Atom E3845 which is a Quad core processor with all its 4-cores running at 1.46GHz. This particular SBC retails in at $249 but it justifies the hefty price tag with its Intel Gigabit Ethernet NIC ports and 32GB SSD storage. The Netgate MBT-2220 also has 2GB DDR3L RAM and comes with a dedicated Operating system known as pfSense CE. Furthermore, for extendability, the system also supports all versions of Windows from 8.1, Ubuntu, Clear Linux, Android Orea and much more.

Netgate MBT-2200 is manufactured by Minnowboard and currently, these single board computers are out of stock. However, a Dual Core Intel CPU variant with all the same specs is also available.

5. Udoo x86 Ultra

Udoo also has an x86 plus model but the “Ultra” variant takes the cake in terms of performance. The Udoo x86 ultra offers 8GB DDR3L RAM along with 32GB of eMMC storage. For future expansion, this SBC also has a microSD slot and an M.2 SSD slot.

Powering the Udoo x86 ultra is a Quad Core Intel Pentium N3710 run at 2.56GHz which also features Intel HD 405 integrated graphics. On its own, the specs of Udoo x86 Ultra does justify its $267 price tag, but the ability to add an external graphics card like the Nvidia GTX 1050 makes this SBC even more special.

In terms of I/O, the Udoo x86 ultra features three USB 3.0 connector, an HDMI slot, a Gigabit Ethernet slot and 2 mini DP++ connectors.

ARM-based Alternatives

6. PINE 64 RockPro64

Pine 64 has several single-board computers in its stable, but RockPro64 is probably one of the most powerful in its lineup. The RockPro64 has an RK3399 SOC which consists of a dual-core Cortex-A72 and a Quad-core Cortex-A53. Handling the graphics department is a tried and tested ARM Mali-T864 GPU.

The single board computer features up to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM with a microSD slot, a USB 3.0, two USB Type-C, an HDMI port and more. RockPro64 is a favorite of several people looking to emulate older gen console games like God of War 1, Pepsiman, etc. RockPro64 does support Recalbox, which is good news for retro gaming fans, making it one of the best Raspberry Pi alternatives in 2019.

7. Nano Pi Neo

This ARM-based Raspberry Pi alternative comes in a small form factor even by the standards of single board computers. The PCB dimension of NanoPi is 40 x 40 mm and despite the small size, it contains all the essential ports and components. For starters, this SBC comes with a Quad Core Cortex-A7 processor along with a Mali GPU and 256/512MB DDR3 RAM.

NanoPi has ports for a single MicroSD card slot and one MicroUSB port for power input. The PCB also 36pin GPIO connector and a USB Type A slot. The Nano Pi offers a maximum of 100MB/sec of ethernet speed. With a price tag of just $12.99, the Nano Pi is the closest you can get to an actual palm-sized computer.

8. Libre Computer ROC Renegade

The Libre Computer single board PC offers a number of features on a budget of just $80. The Libre Computer ROC Renegade comes with a Quad Core Rockship RK3328 and a Mali 450 MP4 GPU. The SBC consists of 4GB of DDR4, microSD, one USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 slots.

The ARM-based computer supports Ubuntu 18.04, Android 7.1, Debian 9, Openmedia Vault 4 and Station OS.

9. Nvidia Jetson Nano

This single board computer is a powerful beast. It has two power inputs — mainly a barrel jack and a microUSB port, however, I’d recommend using the former for better performance. Speaking of performance, Nvidia Jetson Nano comes with a Quad Core Tegra X1 processor running at 1.43GHz. On the GPU side, the Nvidia Jetson nano comes equipped with a 128-core Maxwell Graphics chip that performs brilliantly. The setup is aided by 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, which is enough for a $140 price tag.

The overall power of Nvidia Jetson Nano allows for smooth video playback up to 4K 30 FPS, which is more than powerful for an ARM-based computer. The single board computer from Nvidia also has a microSD slot, USB 3.0, two USB Type-C and a 40-pin GPIO connector.

10. RockPi4 Model B

This particular Raspberry Pi alternative is almost identical to that in terms of size, I/O layout, and dimensions. The RK3399 chip powering the RockPi4 Model B is a Hexacore SOC with two of its cores running @1.8GHz and the remaining four of its cores running at 1.4GHz. The SOC features a Mali T860MP4 GPU which is quite a powerful processor and can be used to playback UHD content.

The RockPi4 comes in either 1GB, 2GB or 4GB DDR RAM, along with a MicroSD card connector. The operating system supported is Android and Debian. In terms of I/O, it features two USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, along with a 40 pin GPIO connector.

Furthermore, this single board computer features an HDMI port and an M.2 SSD slot for future storage expansion.

One thing to note about the RockPI4 Model B is its heating issue. The RK3399 heats up quite a lot so purchasing a heat sink is highly recommended if you want the best possible performance out of RockPi4 Model B.

The 4GB variant of the RockPi4 costs around $74.95, at the time of writing.

Pick Your Best Single Board Computer

So, this was our list of some of the best single board computers on the market. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below and we will also keep updating this list according to the new releases so make sure to stay tuned.

Also Read: La Frite Linux Mini Computer Looks Like An Ultra-affordable Raspberry Pi Alternative