You see new computer boards leading in 2025 because they work well, have many features, and are a good deal for lots of projects. Picking the right computer board helps you do your best, whether you build a robot, make a smart device, or need a tool for school. Experts say you should check power use, wireless choices, how strong it is, and if it works with AI. Price and easy setup are important, too. Each board gives you something special for your needs.
Key Takeaways
Single board computers in 2025 are fast and have many features. They are a good deal for projects like robotics, AI, and IoT.
Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W are great for beginners. They are easy to use and have lots of help from the community. You can use them for many things.
For AI projects, NVIDIA Jetson Nano and Orange Pi 5 Pro are strong choices. They have fast hardware and good software to do hard jobs.
IoT projects work well with low-power boards like Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and Orange Pi 5. These boards have good wireless and batteries last a long time.
When picking a board, think about what your project needs. Look at speed, how it connects, if it supports displays, and your budget. This helps you choose the best one.
Overview
Best Single Board Computers
There are lots of single board computers to pick in 2025. The raspberry pi 5 is fast and has a big group of users. The orange pi 5 pro is a good deal and works with Android. This makes it useful for many projects. The lattepanda 3 delta can run Windows and has lots of RAM. This helps when you need to do hard tasks. The raspberry pi zero 2 w is tiny and does not use much power. It is great for IoT projects. The compute module 4 is good for custom builds and for factories. The nvidia jetson nano is best for AI and machine learning. The rock pi 4 from radxa has quick storage and enough RAM for videos. Libre computer boards are cheap if you need to save money. You can also look at odroid boards, zimablade, and other radxa boards for special jobs.
Key Features
The sbcs in 2025 have new things that help you make better projects. Here are some reasons why these single board computers are special:
Many single board computers now use open-source RISC-V. This gives you more choices than old ARM or x86 boards.
Modular designs let you change or add parts. You can make your board fit your project.
Software support is getting better. You can find more tools and guides for raspberry pi, orange pi, odroid, and radxa.
Performance and RAM keep improving. You can run bigger apps and use more data.
Storage speed is important. Boards like zimablade and rock pi 4 let you get to files fast.
Power efficiency helps your projects last longer. This is good for IoT and things you carry.
Single board computers can do many jobs. The table below shows what sbcs are often used for:
Use Case Category | Description |
|---|---|
Embedded Systems | You can use single board computers to control machines in factories. |
IoT Devices | You can build smart homes and cities with sbcs for automation and remote checks. |
Education and Development | raspberry pi and orange pi help you learn coding and hardware by doing projects. |
Multimedia Applications | radxa and zimablade boards let you watch videos and show digital signs easily. |
Medical and Health | Small sbcs help doctors with tests and patient care because they are small and strong. |
Single board computers are small, strong, and easy to use for your ideas. You can get help from the raspberry pi, orange pi, odroid, radxa, zimablade, and lattepanda groups. These boards work for school, home, or even big machines in factories.
For Beginners
Best Computer Board
If you want to start with single board computers, the raspberry pi 5 and raspberry pi zero 2 w are the best choices. You can use the raspberry pi 5 for many projects because it is fast and easy to set up. The raspberry pi zero 2 w is small and uses little power, so you can build simple gadgets or try out new ideas. Many people call the raspberry pi 5 the best overall sbc for beginners. You get solid software support with both models, which means you can find updates and fixes quickly.
The raspberry pi zero 2 w comes in a basic kit. You get the board, a power adapter, a mini HDMI cable, a USB OTG cable, and a microSD card. You can connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to start using it right away. The best raspberry pi model for you depends on your project, but both options work well for learning and fun. If you want to try something different, the LattePanda 3 Delta is great for running windows and is often called the best sbc for windows.
Community Support
You will find a strong community around the raspberry pi. Many people share guides, answer questions, and help you solve problems. You can join forums, read wikis, and look at project examples. The software ecosystem for raspberry pi is large, so you can find tools for coding, making robots, or building smart devices.
Tip: If you get stuck, you can visit the raspberry pi forums or check the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s website. You will find step-by-step tutorials, videos, and answers from other users.
Other boards like Rock Pi 4 and BeagleBoard also have active groups and good documentation. You can learn about hardware, software, and even how to use the GPIO pins for your own circuits. These resources make it easy for you to start, even if you have never used a single board computer before.
For AI Projects
SBCs for AI
If you want to build smart robots or work with machine learning, you need the right single board computers. In 2025, you see many sbcs designed for ai workloads. The nvidia jetson boards stand out because they use powerful GPUs and have strong support for AI software like TensorRT and CUDA. You can also look at the orange pi 5 pro, which uses a Rockchip RK3588S chip. This board gives you a 6 TOPS NPU, so it can handle many ai workloads at the edge.
The radxa family, especially the Rock Pi N10, offers a 3 TOPS NPU. This makes it a good choice for vision projects and robotics. Many developers also use the Raspberry Pi 5 for entry-level AI. It supports Linux and works with popular AI tools such as TensorFlow Lite and OpenCV. If you need even more power, the LattePanda Sigma gives you an Intel Core i5 processor and up to 32 GB RAM. This board is great for large models and server tasks.
Tip: When you pick sbcs for AI, check if they support the frameworks you want to use. Look for boards with enough memory and good community support.
Hardware Acceleration
You need hardware acceleration to run AI tasks quickly. The nvidia jetson nano uses its GPU to speed up deep learning and computer vision. It does not have a separate NPU, but the CUDA ecosystem helps you get the most out of the GPU. The orange pi 5 pro stands out with its 6 TOPS NPU and a Mali-G610 MP4 GPU. You can use this board for both NPU and GPU tasks, which is helpful for modern AI projects.
The radxa Rock Pi N10 uses a Rockchip RK3399Pro chip. This chip has a 3 TOPS NPU that supports 8/16-bit compute. You can use it for fast image recognition or object detection. The orange pi 5 pro also supports new GPU APIs like OpenGL ES, OpenCL, and Vulkan. This means you can run advanced graphics and AI at the same time.
Board | AI Acceleration | GPU/CPU Details | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia Jetson Nano | GPU (CUDA support) | Nvidia GPU, ARM CPU | Robotics, vision AI |
Orange Pi 5 Pro | 6 TOPS NPU, Mali-G610 | Rockchip RK3588S, Arm CPU | Edge AI, automation |
Radxa Rock Pi N10 | 3 TOPS NPU, Mali-T860 | Rockchip RK3399Pro, Arm CPU | Vision, robotics |
You should always match your board to your project. Some boards work better for vision, others for robotics or large language models. The orange pi boards give you strong NPUs and modern GPUs, while radxa boards offer good value for AI beginners. The nvidia jetson family is best if you want a strong software ecosystem and GPU power.
For IoT and Connectivity
Best Single-Board Computers
You need a board that connects easily and saves power. The raspberry pi zero 2 w is small and does not use much energy. It works well for smart sensors and home automation. You can also use it for remote checks. The compute module 4 is stronger and has more ways to connect. You can build special devices for factories or smart buildings with it. The orange pi 5 is another good pick. It has fast wireless and enough power for edge computing.
When you choose a board for IoT, check how it links to other things. Some features are important:
Ethernet, USB, and serial ports help you connect sensors and networks.
Audio and video outputs let you add cameras or screens.
Backplane connectors help you grow your system.
Wireless like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth let you put your device anywhere.
The raspberry pi zero 2 w and orange pi 5 both have strong wireless. You can use them where you cannot run cables. The compute module 4 lets you add your own wireless parts if you need something special.
Low Power SBCs
Power is very important for IoT. Many projects work in places with little electricity, like outdoor sensors or battery devices. The raspberry pi zero 2 w uses less than 5 watts when working hard. This helps your device last longer on a battery. The orange pi 5 also saves power, so it is good for edge computing and smart gadgets.
Note: Using less power means your device can collect data longer and work better far away.
You can make raspberry pi boards use even less power by turning off parts you do not need. Some people use solar panels to keep their devices running. The compute module 4 is good for custom builds that need both power and saving energy. The orange pi 5 gives you speed and low power use, which is great for smart homes or city sensors.
Board | Power Use (Watts) | Wireless Support | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
raspberry pi zero 2 w | <5 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Remote sensors, IoT |
compute module 4 | <7 | Customizable | Industrial IoT, custom |
orange pi 5 | <10 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Edge AI, smart devices |
Think about where you will use your board and how long it must run. The raspberry pi and orange pi families give you many good choices for your next IoT project.
For Affordability
Budget SBCs
You want a computer board that saves money but still works well. The raspberry pi zero 2 w is one of the cheapest options you can find. It costs about $15 if you can get it at retail price. This board uses a quad-core ARM chip and has enough power for simple projects. Many people use it for learning, small robots, or smart home devices. Sometimes, it is hard to find in stores, and its features are not as new as other boards.
Libre Computer Boards give you more choices if you want something better than the raspberry pi zero 2 w. The Le Potato model costs about $35 and has a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 chip with 2GB RAM. It can run raspberry pi OS and works with many raspberry pi add-ons. The Renegade model costs about $40 and gives you USB 3.0 and fast memory. These boards work well for media centers, coding, and even some light server tasks.
You can also look at other budget-friendly alternatives. The Radxa Zero costs a little more than the raspberry pi zero 2 w but gives you more RAM and better wireless. Onion Omega2 boards start at around $22 and focus on IoT projects. Olimex A20-LIME2 costs about $68 and supports Android.
Here is a table to help you compare:
Board / Model | Price (USD) | CPU & RAM | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | $15 | Quad-core ARM, limited RAM | Small, low power, hard to find |
Libre Computers Le Potato | ~$35 | Quad-core ARM Cortex A53, 2GB RAM | Runs Pi OS, good compatibility |
Libre Computers Renegade | ~$40 | Quad-core ARM Cortex A53, 2GB RAM | USB 3.0, fast I/O, Pi 4 entry-level speed |
Radxa Zero | ~$20+ | Quad-core, up to 4GB RAM | USB-C, WiFi/Bluetooth, better performance |
Onion Omega2 | ~$22+ | IoT-focused, low RAM | Great for IoT, many add-ons |
Olimex A20-LIME2 | ~$68 | Dual-core, 1GB RAM | Android support, Gigabit Ethernet |
Value Picks
You want the best budget sbc for your money. The raspberry pi zero 2 w is the cheapest, but it can be hard to buy and does not have the newest features. Libre Computer Boards like Le Potato and Renegade cost a bit more, but they give you better speed, more memory, and more ports. These boards work with raspberry pi software and add-ons, so you can use them for many projects.
Radxa Zero and Onion Omega2 are also good value picks. Radxa Zero gives you more RAM and better wireless, which helps with bigger projects. Onion Omega2 is great for IoT and uses very little power. If you want a board that does more for the price, Libre Computer Boards and Radxa Zero are strong choices.
Tip: Always check if the board is easy to buy and has good support. Sometimes, paying a little more gives you a board that lasts longer and works better for your needs.
For Industrial Use
Rugged Computer Boards
You need a computer board that works in hard places. These places can be factories, outside, or busy work areas. Boards like Compute Module 4, LattePanda 3 Delta, and Orange Pi 5 Plus are good for these jobs. They are made for tough work and can handle rough spots. These boards use strong parts and smart designs to last longer. Some boards, like Kontron and Congatec, use fanless cooling. This keeps out dust and dirt. It also helps the board last a long time. These boards can work in very cold or very hot places. You can trust them to keep running.
Here is a table with some top boards for tough jobs:
Computer Board / Module | Vendor | Form Factor / Type | Processor / CPU | Key Features & Industrial Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Compute Module 4 | Raspberry Pi | Embedded Module | Broadcom BCM2711 | Flexible I/O, small size, works with custom boards, good for automation and control |
LattePanda 3 Delta | LattePanda | SBC | Intel Celeron N5105 | Runs Windows, lots of RAM, many ports, strong for data collection and control |
Orange Pi 5 Plus | Orange Pi | SBC | Rockchip RK3588 | High performance, many I/O options, supports AI, good for robotics and smart machines |
BL Pi-Tron CM5 | Kontron | Embedded baseboard | Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 | Built for tough environments, uses Raspberry Pi software, easy to set up |
zimablade | IceWhale | SBC | Intel Celeron N5105 | Compact, supports storage, works in edge computing and light industrial tasks |
You can find odroid boards in many factories. They work well with sensors and machines. zimablade boards are used for edge computing and storage. Many companies use odroid for control panels and smart screens. If you need a board that can handle water or dust, look for IP65 or higher ratings.
Tip: Pick boards with passive cooling and strong parts. This helps your system run all day without trouble.
Long-Term Support
You want your project to last a long time. Boards like Compute Module 4, LattePanda 3 Delta, and Orange Pi 5 Plus have long-term support. Makers promise to keep selling these boards for at least five years. This means you can buy the same board later if you need to fix or upgrade.
Some motherboards have even longer support. They come with service plans, updates, and security fixes. Some boards, like Kontron, use modular designs. You can upgrade the CPU or add ports without buying a new board. This saves money and time.
odroid boards also have good support for factories. You can get updates and help from the odroid group. Many factories use odroid for control because they trust the support. zimablade boards get regular updates to keep your system safe. lattepanda boards are easy to upgrade and work well with Windows.
Industrial boards use strong parts and solder to fight heat and age.
Many models work in very hot or cold places, from -10°C to 70°C.
You get more ways to connect, like USB, Ethernet, and serial ports.
odroid and lattepanda boards are easy to find and swap, which helps with repairs.
Note: Always check the support plan before you pick a board. Long-term support means less downtime and fewer problems for your business.
Specs Table
Computer Board Comparison
It is helpful to see computer boards side by side. This table lets you compare them easily. You can look at the processor, ram, storage, and special features. Each board is good for different things. Some are best for learning. Others are better for building smart machines.
Computer Board | Processor & Cores | RAM Options | Storage Options | GPU / AI Capability | Connectivity & Features | Price Range (USD) | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Raspberry Pi 5 | Broadcom BCM2712, 4x Cortex-A76 2.4GHz | Up to 8GB LPDDR4X | microSD, PCIe | Improved GPU | Dual 4K HDMI, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi 6, GbE | $60 – $90 | Education, DIY, coding |
Orange Pi 5 | RK3588S, 8-core (4x A76 + 4x A55) | Up to 16GB LPDDR4 | NVMe SSD, microSD | Mali-G610 GPU, 6 TOPS NPU | Dual display, Android/Linux, GbE, USB 3.0 | $80 – $120 | Multimedia, AI, home server |
NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin | Arm Cortex-A78AE cluster | 64GB LPDDR5 | NVMe SSD | NVIDIA Ampere GPU, 275 TOPS | PCIe Gen4, 40GbE, USB 3.2, JetPack SDK | $700+ | Robotics, edge AI |
LattePanda 3 Delta | Intel Celeron N5105, quad-core | 8GB DDR4 | 64GB eMMC, SATA, NVMe | Integrated GPU | HDMI, USB-C, Arduino co-processor, Windows/Linux | $279 – $350 | Windows projects, IoT, makers |
Radxa Zero 3E | RK3566, quad-core Cortex-A55 | Up to 8GB LPDDR4 | NVMe SSD, microSD | N/A | HDMI, USB 3.0, GbE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | $40 – $70 | IoT, portable server |
BeagleBone AI-64 | TI TDA4VM, 2x Cortex-A72 | 4GB LPDDR4 | 16GB eMMC, microSD | AI accelerators, 8 TOPS | PCIe, dual GbE, USB 3.0, open-source software | $150 – $200 | Robotics, industrial, vision |
ODROID-N2+ | Amlogic S922X, 6-core (4x A73 + 2x A53) | Up to 4GB DDR4 | eMMC, microSD, USB 3.0 | Mali-G52 GPU | HDMI 2.0, GbE, GPIO headers | $80 – $110 | Media center, server, maker |
Banana Pi BPI-F3 | 8-core RISC-V K1 | LPDDR4 | N/A | N/A | PCIe, USB, GbE, HDMI, open-source RISC-V | $90 – $120 | Networking, edge computing |
UDOO Bolt V8 | AMD Ryzen V1605B, quad-core | Up to 32GB DDR4 | Dual NVMe SSDs | Radeon Vega 8 GPU | Dual 4K HDMI, USB 3.1, GbE, x86 support | $400 – $600 | 3D rendering, AI, development |
MaxHub MT61N-I7 | Intel Core i7 | Up to 32GB DDR4 | NVMe, SATA | N/A | Dual 4K HDMI, USB 3.2, dual GbE | $800+ | Industrial, edge server |
Tip: Look at ram and storage before you pick a board. More ram lets you run bigger programs. Fast storage helps your apps start quickly. Boards with strong GPUs or NPUs are better for AI and graphics.
This table helps you pick the right board for your project. If you want to build a smart robot, choose a board with AI features. For learning or coding, pick one with good support and enough ram. Always check the price and features before you buy.
Choosing SBCs
Project Needs
You should always start by thinking about what your project needs. Every project has a different goal. Some projects need to control machines in a factory. Others might need to stream video, run smart sensors, or power a robot. You must decide if your board will need a display or if it will run without one. If you want to build advanced linux projects, you may need more processing power and memory.
Here is a table to help you match your project needs with important features:
Project Need | What to Look For |
|---|---|
Purpose | Choose a board that fits your main goal, like IoT, media, or robotics. |
Processing Power | Make sure the CPU and GPU can handle your tasks. |
Input/Output (I/O) | Check for USB, GPIO, HDMI, or other ports you need. |
Networking | Look for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth if your project needs to connect online. |
Display Use | Pick a board with display support if you need to show graphics or video. |
Community Size | A big community helps you find answers and accessories. |
Software Compatibility | Make sure the board works with your favorite operating system and tools. |
Accessories | Find boards with cases, sensors, or add-ons for your project. |
Price | Stay within your budget, but balance cost with features. |
Tip: Write down your project’s main goal before you choose a board. This helps you focus on the features that matter most.
Key Factors
When you pick a single board computer, you need to look at several key factors. These will help you find the best fit for your project.
Processing Power: Pick a board with a CPU and GPU that match your needs. For example, if you want the best sbc for linux, look for boards with strong processors and good memory.
Connectivity: Make sure the board has the right ports and wireless options. Some boards have fast Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even 5G for high-speed data.
Display Support: If your project needs a screen, check for HDMI or USB-C display options. Some boards can handle 4K video and multiple monitors.
Form Factor: Choose a size that fits your space. Some boards are tiny for small gadgets, while others are larger for more features.
Thermal Management: Good cooling keeps your board running smoothly, especially for heavy tasks.
Longevity and Upgradeability: Pick a board that will last and is easy to replace or upgrade.
Software: Make sure the board supports the operating system and tools you want to use. This is important for both beginners and experts.
You should always match the board’s features to your project’s needs. If you plan to work on advanced linux projects, you will need strong hardware and good software support. For simple tasks, a basic board with fewer features may be enough.
You have many choices when picking a single board computer. The table below shows top picks for each user:
User Type | Best SBC Choice | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
Beginners | raspberry pi 4 | Easy to use, big community |
AI Projects | NVIDIA Jetson Nano | Strong GPU, made for AI |
IoT/Industrial | NXP i.MX6ULL Colibri SOM | Reliable, many connections |
Alternatives | Banana Pi, Orange Pi 4B | Good specs, more options |
To match the right board to your project:
Set clear goals for your raspberry pi or other board.
Pick input and output that fit your needs.
Plan how you will store and run programs.
Think about adding features later.
Keep your raspberry pi project simple and fun.
Organize your raspberry pi parts and notes.
Share your raspberry pi stories or ask questions below. Your ideas help others learn!
FAQ
What is a single board computer (SBC)?
A single board computer is a small computer with all parts on one board. You can use it for learning, building gadgets, or running smart devices. SBCs work like regular computers but use less space and power.
Can you use these boards for gaming?
You can play simple games on most SBCs. Some boards, like Raspberry Pi 5 and Orange Pi 5, run retro games well. For 3D or modern games, you need a more powerful board or a regular PC.
How do you power a single board computer?
Most SBCs use a USB power adapter or a battery pack. You should check the board’s manual for the right voltage and connector. Using the correct power supply keeps your board safe and running smoothly.
Do you need to know coding to use an SBC?
You do not need to be an expert. Many projects use simple code or none at all. You can find step-by-step guides online. Learning basic coding helps you do more with your board, but you can start with easy projects.
See Also
In-Depth Comparison Between PCBWay And Other PCB Makers
Upcoming Innovations In PCB And PCBA Design Processes
Benefits And Obstacles Of Flex PCBA In Electronics