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MicrocontrollersNovember 18, 20248 min read

Raspberry Pi 5 vs The Competition: Which SBC to Buy?

Comparing the Pi 5 to Orange Pi, Rock Pi, and other single-board computers for your next project.

Raspberry Pi 5 vs The Competition


The Raspberry Pi 5 is finally here with real performance gains. But is it still the best choice when alternatives exist?


Raspberry Pi 5 Highlights


  • 2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 (2-3x faster than Pi 4)
  • PCIe 2.0 x1 lane (NVMe support!)
  • Dedicated power button
  • Real-time clock ready
  • 4GB or 8GB RAM options

  • Price: $60 (4GB) / $80 (8GB) + accessories


    The Alternatives


    Orange Pi 5 Plus ($90)

  • RK3588 (more powerful CPU)
  • 2x PCIe 2.1 lanes
  • Native NVMe slot
  • 8/16/32GB RAM options
  • Less software support

  • Rock 5B ($120)

  • RK3588
  • M.2 for NVMe and WiFi
  • Most powerful in class
  • Strong community

  • Libre Computer Boards ($35-65)

  • Great Raspberry Pi form-factor alternatives
  • Good mainline Linux support
  • Often better availability

  • The Verdict


    For beginners and general use: Raspberry Pi 5. The software ecosystem is unmatched.


    For NAS/server builds: Orange Pi 5 or Rock 5B for the extra PCIe lanes and RAM.


    For availability and price: Libre Computer boards are reliably in stock.


    For learning embedded systems: The Pi's documentation and community can't be beat.