The best Raspberry Pi models are designed for everyone; no whether you’re on a budget or looking for the ultimate tinkering project, you can find something to suit your needs. Are you looking to create your own media server? Perhaps you want to take things back to the good old days and put together a retro console? The Raspberry Pi, a small, but mighty, single-board computer is here to spark your curiosity.
TL;DR – These are the best Raspberry Pi models to buy
- Raspberry Pi 5 - Best Overall
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B - Runner Up
- Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ - Best for Retro Gamers
- Raspberry Pi Zero W - Best Budget Pick
- Raspberry Pi 400 - For All-in-One Linux PC
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W - For Security Cameras
- Raspberry Pi Pico - For Small Projects
The Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK charity, was originally established to encourage people of all ages to code, program, and problem-solve. Now there is a multitude of Raspberry Pi models to choose from, no matter where you are in your journey. But, investing in a Raspberry Pi isn't for everyone. It's not like picking up one of the best MacBooks or best gaming PCs and running with it. It's a project, but a very rewarding one if you're willing to learn.
1. Raspberry Pi 5
Best Raspberry Pi Model Overall
Pros:
- Latest release
- Faster performance
Cons:
- 40-pin header isn’t color coded
On the face of it, you might think the Raspberry Pi 5 is the same as the Raspberry Pi 4. Yes, they are the same size and come with similar connectivity options, but they are different - I promise! With a newer Broadcom BCM2712 Cortex-A76 at 2.4-GHz, you can expect faster performance. But, that’s not all, there’s been huge improvements to the graphics processor too, with a 12-core VideoCore VII GPU - around 2x faster than the Raspberry Pi 4.
If you’re wondering whether to spend a little more on the Raspberry Pi 5, you’ll be pleased with the worthy upgrade. It’s a big improvement over the Pi 4, allowing you to enjoy better features and faster performance overall. For more advanced projects, the Pi 5 with 8GB of RAM is a great choice for DIY computer enthusiasts.
2. Raspberry Pi 4
Runner Up
Pros:
- Three different RAM amounts
- Supports two 4K external displays
Cons:
- Potential overheating issues
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is a fantastic choice—thanks to its number of ports, wide range of memory options up to 8GB, and stellar price starting at $35.
Equipped with a robust quad-core Broadcom BCM2711 Cortex-A72 chip, it’s a well-rounded machine that can take on just about any project you can imagine from media streaming to robotics and complex apps to complicated coding. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, along with an Ethernet port for a solid and steady connection to the internet.
If you’re a beginner or an experienced user, the Raspberry Pi 4 B will serve you well for your next project without breaking the bank.
3. Raspberry Pi 3 B+
Best Retro Gamer
Pros:
- Affordable Linux PC
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Overheating issues under load
If you’re looking to build your very own retro gaming console, then the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ is a very good option—namely for its one HDMI port to connect to a TV and its four built-in USB 2.0 ports for multiple gaming controllers. While it only caps out at 1GB of memory, that’s more than enough for retro gaming emulation since most older consoles from the ‘80s and ‘90s only had up to 16MB of RAM.
In fact, Jeff Atwood, Stack Overflow co-founder, wrote in a blog post, “It's fast enough to emulate N64 and PSX and Dreamcast reasonably, all for a whopping $35.”
4. Raspberry Pi Zero W
Best Budget Model
Pros:
- Extremely cheap
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons:
- Considerably slower than full-sized models
On a tight budget? The Raspberry Pi Zero W is our wallet-friendly pick with its starting price of just $15. While it’s tiny and isn’t the most powerful Pi, it has more than enough oomph for simple tasks—such as light-, motor-, media casting-, or camera-based projects. It’s ideal for beginners who want something inexpensive in which to tinker.
5. Raspberry Pi 400
Best for All-in-One Linux PC
Pros:
- Ready to use built into a keyboard
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- Lacks ports
Starting at $70, the Raspberry Pi 400 is essentially a Raspberry Pi 4, but with one less USB 2.0 port and capped out at 4GB of memory. However, it also has a built-in full-sized keyboard, which gives it an authentic desktop experience. Now add your own monitor and mouse, install the Linux-based Raspberry Pi OS, and you have yourself a real home computer.
In fact, there are even full Raspberry Pi 400 kits available that come with a mouse, Raspberry Pi OS on a microSD card, a power adapter, an HDMI cable, and a beginner’s guide for $100.
6. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
Best for Security Cameras
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Small and compact
Cons:
- Limited RAM
If you’re looking to build your own Wi-Fi-enabled home security system, then going with the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is a good place to begin. Starting at $15, this single-board computer system is small enough to place anywhere, while it’s powerful enough to run a camera—thanks to the Linux-based motionEyeOS and the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W’s built-in CSI-2 camera connector.
7. Raspberry Pi Pico
Best for Small Projects
Pros:
- Bitesize
- Easy to use
Cons:
- No built-in wireless
Don’t let its small size fool you. While the Raspberry Pi Pico is tiny at just 21mm by 51mm (about 1 inch by 2 inches), it’s a mighty microcontroller that’s designed to control physical projects—such as creating heat temperature sensors, mini-drones, weather stations, and much more. It’s armed with a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ chip, 264kB of memory, 26 I/O pins, and one USB-C port for input and the power, Pi Pico is versatile for novices and experts alike. It’s also very inexpensive too, starting at just $4.
Upcoming Raspberry Pi Models
The Raspberry Pi 5 released in October 2023, so the likelihood of a new Raspberry Pi model coming out any time soon is slim to none. However, the Raspberry Pi 400 did release around 18 months after the Raspberry Pi 4, so we can’t completely rule out newer models on the horizon. But, there are currently no rumors of a Raspberry Pi 6.
How To Pick the Best Raspberry Pi Model
Choosing the right Raspberry Pi model can be super exciting, but with so many options out there, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Before you start choosing, first off, think about what you want to do with your Raspberry Pi. Are you looking to build a media center, a retro gaming console, a home automation system, or maybe a simple desktop computer? Different projects might require different specs.
If you need more processing power or plan to run multiple applications simultaneously, you might want to opt for a more powerful model like the Raspberry Pi 5, or even the Raspberry Pi 400, which comes integrated into a keyboard. With that in mind, it should prompt you to consider the connectivity options you'll need. Do you require built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or multiple USB ports? The newer models generally offer better and faster connectivity options.
As well as specs, think about the size and form factor that would best suit your project. The standard Raspberry Pi boards are great for most projects, but there are also smaller models like the Raspberry Pi Zero if space is a concern.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best Raspberry Pi model. It all boils down to your specific needs, budget, and the project you have in mind. So take your time, do a bit of research, and have fun experimenting with your new Raspberry Pi!
FAQs
What Is a Raspberry Pi Used For?
A Raspberry Pi can be used to learn programming skills, build projects (like DIY computers, game consoles, etc.), or for home automation.
Why Is Raspberry Pi So Popular?
Raspberry Pi models are inexpensive for the most part. If you’re looking to get into the world of programming at an affordable price, a Raspberry Pi could be your best option.
Can a Raspberry Pi Run Chrome?
Yes! But since Google Chrome is a CPU intensive browser, you should consider running it on a Raspberry Pi 4 or Pi 5 with at least 8GB of RAM.
Rudie Obias is a contributing tech freelance writer and editor who is also interested in cinema, pop culture, music, the NBA, and science fiction.
