With most countries still going in and out of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, millions are stuck home looking for ways to pass the time. Raspberry Pi kits are a great way for both children and adults to learn about coding.
Raspberry Pi kits -- which generally come with electronic components that can be transformed from a simple monitor or LCD into a working PC -- were first created in the UK in 2012. The Raspberry Pi Foundation wanted a way to teach computer science in schools, and since then, more than 30 million Raspberry Pi boards have been sold.
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They are now very popular among computer scientists and children trying to learn programming languages like Python and Java.
An average Raspberry Pi has a microcomputer board about the size of a credit card that comes with a keyboard, mouse, monitor ports, RAM, and a processor.
The latest version of the Raspberry Pi board to be released is the Raspberry Pi 4 -- and that was the most popular in 2021. The Raspberry Pi 4 was released as a revision of the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. Many come with memory cards of varying sizes, with some carrying MicroSD cards of 16GB or more.
Also: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review: A capable, flexible and affordable DIY computing platform
Often the operating systems come loaded onto your microSD card, but it is also fairly simple to install an operating system yourself. What makes Raspberry Pi kits fun is that there is no standard -- each one is different in its own way and depends completely on the preferences of the builder.
Many kits for sale by retailers are tailored to specific markets of people interested in Raspberry Pi kits for certain tasks. The computers built using Raspberry Pi kits run on a Linux-based OS system that is the Raspberry Pi OS.
Also: The 5 best Raspberry Pi alternatives
Size:4GB RAM|Storage:32GB EVO+ Memory Card|Cables:6-ft Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable|Price:$149.99
At $149.99, the Raspberry Pi 4 comes with a 64-bit quad-core processor running at 1.5Ghz, and the CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter Kit includes a Raspberry Pi case as well as a Samsung 32GB EVO+ Class 10 MicroSD pre-loaded with NOOBS.
It also comes with an integrated fan mount, the CanaKit low-noise bearing system fan, a 6-ft Micro HDMI to HDMI cable, and more.
There are also cheaper versions that come with 2GB or 1GB RAM. The quick start guide is also praised in reviews by current users. CanaKit produces many of the top-selling Raspberry Pi kits and each one comes with a different array of tools and add-ons.
Pros:
- 64-bit quad-core processor
- Samsung 32GB EVO+ Class 10 MicroSD pre-loaded with NOOBS
Cons:
- Video on LCD monitors sometimes blanks out with HDMI video
- Some say the fan is not the best
Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 basic kit
There are 2GB, 4GB and 8GB versions available
Size:4GB RAM|Storage:32GB EVO+ Memory Card|Price:$119.99
The Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Kit comes with a case, fan, 3-amp power supply, 32GB SD Card, guide, heat sink, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.,0 and a micro HDMI Cable. There are 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB versions available on Amazon.
There is an on/off switch attached to the USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 compatible power supply that's built specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 model.
Vilros compared the model to entry-level x86 PC systems and said it offered various improvements compared to previous models like increased processor speed, multimedia performance, and connectivity. In addition to a built-in fan, there are also a set of four heat sinks.
The kit is a bit more advanced than others but offers more opportunities to build a wider variety of things, ideal for both hobbyists and beginners.
Pros:
- Detailed user guide
- USB-C 5V 3A power supply with on/off switch
- Built-in fan and four heat sinks
- Aluminum alloy case
Cons:
- Some users have said the case does not last long
Size:4GB RAM|Storage:32GB Class 10 MicroSD Card |Price:$149.99
Labists' Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Complete Starter PRO Kit comes with a 1.5GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 CPU and is able to deliver a 500Mhz speed for stronger processing power.
The Bluetooth 5.0 has expanded the kit's range and speed while dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac wireless LAN allows for better reception thanks to quick wireless networking. There is support for 4K/60fps thanks to the dual micro-HDMI ports as well as H.265 4Kp60 hardware decoding.
There are two USB 3.0 ports and a thick 5-ft USB-C power supply that comes with a noise filter and an on/off switch. The kit is also equipped with three copper heat sinks and a mini silent fan. Labists even included its own screwdrivers along with a quick-start guide.
Pros:
- Detailed user guide
- USB-C 5V 3A power supply with on/off switch
- Built-in fan + 4 heat sinks
- Aluminum alloy case
Cons:
- The fans are loud
- The sinks are cumbersome
Size:8GB RAM|Storage:32GB Evo Plus (Class 10) Micro SD Card |Price:$89.99
Vilros' V-Kits is tailored toward beginners interested in things like gaming. The kit comes with a March 2018 Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and a 64-bit SoC at 1.4Ghz.
In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, there is a built -n Samsung 32GB Evo Plus (Class 10) Micro SD Card Preloaded With NOOBS as well as a micro SD-USB adapter.
Vilros included an aluminum case that is self-cooling and acts as a heat sink. Like other kits, Vilros' is equipped with a 2.5 Amp USB power supply with a micro USB cable and an on/off switch. A noise filter and 5-ft HDMI cable are included. The company also offers users a one-year subscription to its customer support channel.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Ease of use
Cons:
- Tailored to beginners
Size:1GB RAM|Storage:32GB Micro SD Card |Price:$89.99
The Neego Raspberry Pi 3 B+ (B Plus) Ultimate Kit is a bit pricier than the other options but comes with a 64-Bit quad-core CPU, built-In Wi-Fi, and a 7-inch touchscreen display. The screen has a resolution of 800 x 480 and can connect through a GPIO or USB, making it ideal for gaming.
The 32GB card has a Raspberry Pi 3 Compatible Version of NOOBS preloaded and an SD adapter card. The heat sink comes as a two-piece set and the kit is equipped with a 6-ft HDMI cable as well as a 2.5A Power Charger.
Pros:
- 800 x 480 screen
- 6-ft HDMI cable
- Built-in Wi-Fi
Cons:
- A number of reviews cite faulty hardware sent to them
What is a Raspberry Pi?
Created in 2012 by the UK-based Raspberry Pi Foundation, the small single-board computers were initially built for educational purposes. Despite the modest expectations of the foundation and co-founder Ebert Upton, demand for the kits skyrocketed. Upton planned to sell 10,000 and has now sold more than 38 million as of March.
Its applications expanded quickly beyond education and it is now used by organizations like the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Oracle. People have used them to build their own private clouds, tablets and more.
What is the difference between the foundation's Raspberry Pi 400 and the kits on this list?
The Raspberry Pi Foundation offers its own $100 version of the Raspberry Pi through sellers like CanaKit, Vilros, and others.
The Raspberry Pi 400 comes with the Raspberry Pi 4 hardware, an official keyboard, mouse, and micro HDMI cable.
Like many of the kits on this list, the Raspberry Pi 400 has a quad-core 64-bit processor at 1.8Ghz, 4GB of RAM, wireless networking, dual-display output, and 4K video playback.
Every kit comes with different accessories, add-ons, detailed guides, and more that help for specific tasks. Each different kit gives you a chance to surf the web, watch videos, program, edit documents, build games,and more.
How much RAM do I need?
The amount of RAM you need is based on the kind of things you plan to do or build with your Raspberry Pi. Each generation of Raspberry Pi has increased the amount of RAM available and now the maximum is 8GB for most models.
For most beginners, 4GB is enough to handle most tasks.
How did we choose these Raspberry Pi kits?
This list was compiled through extensive research, discussions with industry experts, and examinations of bestseller lists compiled throughout 2021.
A range of factors was considered when choosing this selection, and the majority were chosen for their price relative to the market as well as the add-ons in each kit, the RAM, and the case.
What other Raspberry Pi kits are worth considering?
Both CanaKit and Vilros offer a slate of different kits for each generation of Raspberry Pi. The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 basic kit 8GB and CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 extreme kit 8GBare both well-regarded. Other popular models include:
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FAQs
Which Raspberry Pi kit is best? ›
The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 basic kit 8GB and CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 extreme kit 8GB are both well-regarded. Other popular models include: Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero W basic starter kit - Amazon. CanaKit Raspberry Pi 3 B+ ultimate starter kit - Amazon.
Which Raspberry Pi is best for beginners? ›The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 3 B+ offers everything you need to get started with the Raspberry Pi microcomputer. It contains the Pi 3 B+ computer board, a microSD card preloaded with NOOBS, a case, power supply and cables to connect everything together.
Which Raspberry Pi should I buy 2022? ›If you're buying a Pi today, the Raspberry Pi 4 is likely to be your first choice. It has plenty of connectivity, with wireless and wired connections, and with an 8GB option, enough memory to power a 64-bit desktop Linux like Ubuntu as an alternative to its own Raspberry Pi OS.
What is the most powerful Raspberry Pi 2022? ›The Raspberry Pi 4 is the one with the strongest specifications in the Raspberry Pi stable of single-board computers (SBC). It is the most powerful of all Raspberry Pis with the highest amount of RAM and the fastest clock speed.
What's the newest Best Raspberry Pi? ›The latest version in the line is the Pi Zero 2 W. Launched in late 2021, this model includes a system in a package (SiP) design based on the previous-generation Pi 3.
What is a good age for Raspberry Pi? ›There is no correct age to start learning
In my time at the Raspberry Pi Foundation, I have taught children as young as five and adults as old as seventy. There is no correct age at which a child can begin coding, and there are opportunities to begin at almost any age.
The best general-purpose Raspberry Pi for the money is the Raspberry Pi 4 B (2GB). It is powerful enough for almost any project you throw at it and even for some light web surfing. However, if you can spare an extra $20, you can't go wrong by getting the 4GB unit.
Will Raspberry Pi prices go down? ›Just before Christmas 2022, Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton mentioned that he expects 2023 to see a marked change in supply. If a constrained supply led to the spike in prices, thanks to scalpers, then the less constrained the supply of Raspberry Pis, the more prices will fall.
How many days will it take to learn Raspberry Pi? ›If you're serious about learning Raspberry Pi, it should not take you more than 10 days to get a solid start with the device. To build a mature understanding of its dynamics, dedicated 2–3 weeks are more than enough.
How long will a Raspberry Pi last? ›The lifespan of Raspberry Pi averages around 7-10 years; however, it entirely depends on your usage. Several factors reduce your device lifespan like overheating, improper power supply and shutdown process, inappropriate environment, and messy setup.
What is better Raspberry Pi 4 or 400? ›
Raspberry Pi Performance
The Raspberry Pi 400 includes a cooling system that allows it to be as much as 20% faster than the Pi 4 at a clock speed of 1.8Ghz.
The average cost of all Raspberry Pi models lies between the range of $150 – $250. The Raspberry Pi 4B is the latest model which is available in three different RAM sizes (2GB, 4GB, and 8GB).
Is there anything more powerful than Raspberry Pi? ›The Odroid XU4 has powerful and energy-efficient hardware with octa-core Heterogeneous Multi-Processing ARM CPU and 2GB of high-speed RAM. It is built around a Samsung Exynos5422 SoC and has an HDMI 1.4 supporting 1080p output, 3 USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 30-pin GPIO header.
Will there be a Raspberry Pi 800? ›Orange Pi has presented the Orange Pi 800, its version of the Raspberry Pi 400. The Orange Pi 800 comes with a Rockchip RK3399 SoC, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage and a 6-row keyboard, among other features. Orange Pi has introduced the Orange Pi 800, its version of the Raspberry Pi 400.
Does NASA use Raspberry Pi? ›Getting spacecraft into orbit
Engineers use pi to put spacecraft into orbit around other planets. To do this, they have to slow down the spacecraft just enough and at exactly the right time for it to get pulled into orbit by the planet's gravity.
That being said, Raspberry Pi CEO Mr. Eben Upton has made it clear that the Raspberry Pi 5 won't be coming until 2024. As announced in a recent blog post, 100,000 units will enter the supply chain, and in the second half of 2023, we can expect inventory levels to return to pandemic norms.
What is the most expensive Raspberry Pi? ›The Raspberry Pi Foundation has released a new version of its flagship model, the Raspberry Pi 4. In addition to the models that come with 2GB and 4GB of RAM, there's a new 8GB model. This model costs $75, which makes it the most expensive Raspberry Pi out there.
What is better then a Raspberry Pi 4? ›ODROID N2+ Odroid N2+ is one of the best single-board computers out there and easily rivals Raspberry Pi 4 in terms of both specs and pricing. The N2+ comes with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 CPU with a dual-core Cortex-A53 cluster integrated into the main board which is clocked at 1.8GHz.
What age is best to start coding? ›Kids as young as 7 years of age can start coding and learning programming basics. In fact, coding for kids has gained popularity rapidly in recent years as technology becomes increasingly part of everyday life. Kids who learn to code when they're young can set themselves up for a lifetime of opportunities for success.
Is it OK to leave Raspberry Pi on all the time? ›Yes, they are designed to be run for long periods of time, without failure. The only time it will not be able to be “on” all the time is if the Pi didn't have power.
What temperature is too high for Raspberry Pi? ›
The default activation temperature is 80°C. The fan is designed for scenarios where the Raspberry Pi 4 has been overclocked and required to run for lengthy periods, which would produce extra waste heat. Once it reaches say 80°C, the Raspberry Pi 4 would normally throttle back CPU performance to reduce the temperature.
What is the difference between the Raspberry Pi models? ›The Raspberry Pi 2 has 1 GB of RAM. The Raspberry Pi 3 has 1 GB of RAM in the B and B+ models, and 512 MB of RAM in the A+ model. The Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W have 512 MB of RAM. The Raspberry Pi 4 is available with 1, 2, 4 or 8 GB of RAM.
Is there a Raspberry shortage 2023? ›Recent electronics shortages appear to be clearing up, as the Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced that they think stock issues will clear up in 2023. Stock for Raspberry Pi single-board computers has been scant at best since 2020.
Why Raspberry Pi is not used in industry? ›RPi boards lack USB header connectors, which makes it impossible to connect sensors, modems, etc. via USB connection. This forces developers to connect those peripherals via USB cable (not the recommended way, particularly not for industrial applications).
How long will Raspberry Pi shortage last? ›Eben Upton says Raspberry Pi stock issues will end in 2023
The company has been prioritizing its commercial customers, with the 100,000 units for enthusiasts containing “Zero W, 3A+ and the 2GB and 4GB variants of Raspberry Pi 4”.
...
Cost to keep a Raspberry Pi running for one year.
| Model | Cost (Idle) | Cost (High CPU load) |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 2 B | 1,16 EUR / USD | 2,10 EUR / USD |
With the growing demand for Raspberry Pi, it's an excellent opportunity for users to earn a profit from it by purchasing the Raspberry Pi accessories from websites like Amazon and eBay and reselling them at a higher price to earn money.
What programming language should I learn for Raspberry Pi? ›C or C++ are generally one of the three languages that's most widely used on the Raspberry Pi, the other being Python.
How long should SD card last in Raspberry Pi? ›Unfortunately, practically everything out there has a write-heavy component with the exception of simple scheduled scripts, so you'd expect to replace the SD card on your Raspberry Pi, on average, every 12 months.
What are the disadvantages of Raspberry Pi? ›- Power Limitation.
- Hardware Limitation.
- Memory Limitation.
- Processing Limitation.
- Software Limitation.
- Storage Limitation.
Can you run a Raspberry Pi on a battery? ›
USB port powering is definitely the best way to go, but you can't just connect a battery—we don't have 5V batteries. Commonly used supplies are four AA batteries (over 6V fully charged), a 9V battery, or two 3.7 Lithium Ion Batteries (7.4V). All of them will fry a Raspberry Pi.
Should I get 4GB or 8GB RAM Raspberry Pi? ›As such, you won't notice a difference between the 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB models. Raspberry Pi uses such as retro gaming and media consumption won't see much of a performance gain with the additional RAM. Overall, the Pi 4 8GB can perform the same functions as its 4GB and 2GB siblings, albeit with more overhead.
Will there be a Raspberry Pi 400 8GB? ›8 GB is unlikely for the near future. If many customers ask us for a Pi 400 8GB version, we will of course give feedback to Raspberry Pi Trading – Raspberry Pi reacts on customer input and would offer such an 8GB memory version if the market wants it.
What is the fastest OS for Raspberry Pi 4? ›Twister OS is the one you'll probably look to try out on your Raspberry device because it's best in the business when it comes to providing the features you've been looking for a long time. If you want to use this OS on your device, you will be able to enjoy a variety of customizable options straight from your desktop.
Why are Raspberry Pi expensive now? ›"Demand for Raspberry Pi products increased sharply from the start of 2021 onwards, and supply constraints have prevented us from flexing up to meet this demand, with the result that we now have significant order backlogs for almost all products.
Why is there a shortage of Raspberry Pi? ›Since the Covid 19 pandemic and resulting chip shortage, the Raspberry Pi has often been hard to come by.
How much can a Raspberry Pi mine? ›As you can see, after a couple of hours, the results are not a million dollars but an estimated $0.003 daily. Keep in mind, however that this is an old Raspberry Pi 3. New models like the Raspberry Pi 4b can produce up to 1.75 MH/s, compared to my ridiculously low 252.35 KH/s.
Does Raspberry Pi run faster on SSD? ›More Storage With Faster Performance
Booting your Raspberry Pi with an SSD is highly recommended as it is much faster and more reliable than a microSD card. You can use any external SSD available on the market. This includes M. 2, SATA, and NVMe/PCIe SSDs.
The Raspberry Pi 4 has a more powerful CPU and this is evidenced in benchmark tests, with the BPI M5 performing slightly worse than the Pi 4 on the Octane 2.0 benchmark. The Banana Pi M5 board still performs better than the Raspberry Pi 3 B, but it is not a major contender for the more high-end Raspberry Pi 4.
What can replace Raspberry Pi? ›- Onion Omega2+
- NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit.
- ASUS Tinker Board S.
- ClockworkPi.
- Arduino Mega 2560.
- Rock64 Media Board.
- Odroid-XU4.
- PocketBeagle.
Is there a new Raspberry Pi coming? ›
In theory, the Raspberry Pi 5 could appear at any point in 2023. However, this is unlikely. Recent reports suggest the Raspberry Pi 5's release date won't be until 2024.
Why is every Raspberry Pi sold out? ›The great Raspberry Pi shortage started at the beginning of 2021, due to a mismatch of supply and demand. Since then, eager makers have been forced to turn to the second-hand market, or exorbitantly overpriced examples from resellers on Amazon.
Is Raspberry Pi faster than phone? ›Re: Raspberry PI 4 vs Smartphone
My question is: which is faster, an android Smartphone (for example, 6 GB RAM) or a Raspberry (4 GB RAM)? Obviously the Pi is much faster. I can toggle an I/O pin on an old Pi 3 at 50MHz. I have yet to find an I/O pin pin a smart phone.
A Raspberry Pi is an awesome little computer, but it isn't an ideal board to directly control robot hardware without some help. If you want to efficiently output multiple PWM streams to a motor controller or measure voltages, it needs additional parts.
Who is Raspberry Pi owned by? ›Raspberry Pi (Trading) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raspberry Pi Foundation, with the money earned from sales of Raspberry Pi products being used to fund the charitable work of the Foundation.
Can solar power a Raspberry Pi? ›Every Raspberry Pi Board can be powered by the Sun, you just need to find the right one for your project. Here is a number of potential Solar Panels that can be used with Raspberry Pi Boards.
Is the Raspberry Pi desktop kit worth it? ›At $120, the Desktop Kit, which includes an upgraded version of the Pi 4 board, is much pricier than a Pi board on its own. (They start at $35.) It delivers good value, though, and indeed gets Pi first-timers up and running quickly. But persistent Pi quirks mean it's still not a realistic substitute for an actual PC.
Is Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 better? ›Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent choice if you want faster data transfer, dual-monitor support, and better performance. Considering the price for a Raspberry Pi 4 base variant with 2 GB RAM costs about $35. It just does not make sense to opt for the 1 GB Raspberry Pi 3 model at nearly the same price.
Is Raspberry Pi 4 better than 3B +? ›As the most recent RPi variant, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Raspberry Pi 4B is the most powerful. This SBC features a Broadcom BCM2711 SoC based around a 1.5GHz Cortex-A72 quad-core CPU. This makes it roughly three times as powerful as the 3B+.
Is Raspberry Pi 8GB RAM worth it? ›Ultimately, whether the Raspberry Pi 4 8GB is worth it depends on a few different factors. It's definitely the most capable Raspberry Pi available, with the results to prove it. You can open over 30 browser tabs, run several different apps at the same time, and edit images or videos on an 8GB Pi.
What are the disadvantages of using Raspberry Pi? ›
It does not replace the computer, and the processor is not as fast. It is a time consuming to download and install software i.e.; unable to do any complex multitasking. Not compatible with the other operating systems such as Windows.
Will there be a Raspberry Pi 4? ›Raspberry Pi chief Eben Upton says his company is just beginning to recover from two years of "supply chain hell", so fans shouldn't expect a successor to the Raspberry Pi 4 in the next year.
Why is it hard to buy a Raspberry Pi 4? ›The great Raspberry Pi shortage started at the beginning of 2021, due to a mismatch of supply and demand. Since then, eager makers have been forced to turn to the second-hand market, or exorbitantly overpriced examples from resellers on Amazon.
Which is better 8GB or 4GB Raspberry Pi? ›The short answer is that, right now, the 8GB capacity makes the most sense for users with very specialized needs: running data-intensive server loads or using virtual machines. As our tests show, it's pretty difficult to use more than 4GB of RAM on Raspberry Pi, even if you're a heavy multitasker.
How many models of Raspberry Pi are there? ›There are different models of Raspberry Pi, but the most popular are Raspberry Pi 4B, Raspberry Pi 3B+, Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, and Raspberry Pi 400.