Best single-board computers for DIY projects

Discover the top single-board computers (SBCs) perfect for your DIY electronics projects. Our guide explores high-performance and value options, ideal for hobbyists, makers, and developers seeking compact yet powerful solutions. Find the perfect SBC for IoT prototypes, multimedia systems, robotics, or any other DIY creation. Compare key features like performance, power consumption, and compatibility to make the best choice for your next embedded project.

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  1. 1

    NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano

    54 Global Votes
    • Staggering 80X more powerful than previous Nano

      (+4)

    The NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano is specifically designed for AI and machine learning applications, offering powerful GPU acceleration for AI inference. It is the best choice for complex AI workloads at the edge, enabling advanced computer vision and deep learning projects.

  2. 2

    BeagleBone AI-64

    34 Global Votes
    • Powerful open source hardware single board computer

      (+4)

    The BeagleBone AI-64 is engineered for industrial and real-time applications, robotics, and AI projects. Its robust performance and specialized features make it an excellent choice for demanding control systems and advanced automation tasks.

  3. 3

    Arduino UNO Q

    31 Global Votes
    • Has 14 digital input/output pins

      (+4)

    The Arduino UNO Q is a unique 'dual-brain' hybrid, combining a powerful Linux-capable SBC with a traditional microcontroller. This allows for advanced AI models and web servers alongside familiar Arduino shields and libraries, making it highly versatile for complex projects.

  4. 4

    DFRobot UNIHIKER K10

    25 Global Votes
    • Great for beginners and educators

      (+4)

    The DFRobot UNIHIKER K10 is an all-in-one 'AI coding board' aimed at learning AI at the edge. It offers a complete package with a built-in display, microphone, speaker, and sensors, making it perfect for interactive projects without needing an external computer.

  5. 5

    Arduino VENTUNO Q

    17 Global Votes
    • Enables building machines that perceive, decide, and act

      (+4)

    The Arduino VENTUNO Q represents Arduino's deeper move into SBC territory with powerful AI acceleration and robust Linux support. It maintains compatibility with the Arduino ecosystem for real-time control and robotics, making it a versatile choice for advanced projects.

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  7. 6

    Radxa Rock 5B+

    4 Global Votes
    • Powerful RK3588 8-core CPU

      (+4)

    The Radxa Rock 5B+ excels in storage connectivity, featuring three M.2 slots (two for NVMe, one for cellular modems). This makes it the best option for storage-heavy applications that require extensive and fast storage solutions, surpassing many other SBCs in this area.

  8. 7

    ZimaBoard 2

    4 Global Votes
    • Decent connectivity options for connecting drives

      (+4)

    The ZimaBoard 2 is an x86-based SBC that excels in Network-Attached Storage (NAS) projects and can run full Windows and Linux. It offers a powerful alternative to ARM-based SBCs, providing greater software compatibility and robust performance for server-like applications.

  9. 8

    Orange Pi AI Station

    2 Global Votes
    • Offers high AI compute performance up to 176 TOPS

      (+4)

    The Orange Pi AI Station is specifically designed for AI-heavy applications, enabling local execution of large AI models and real-time image analysis. It is ideal for advanced AI development and industrial automation projects requiring significant AI computing power.

  10. 9

    Orange Pi 5 Plus

    1 Global Votes
    • Great value option for RK3588

      (+4)

    The Orange Pi 5 Plus stands out as a top Raspberry Pi alternative, providing superior performance for compute-intensive tasks. Its robust specifications make it excellent for storage-heavy applications like NAS builds and advanced edge AI inference.

  11. 10

    ODROID-H4 Ultra

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers 4 SATA ports

      (+4)

    The ODROID-H4 Ultra is the most powerful x86-based H-series board, providing high performance and rich interfaces. Its full x86 compatibility makes it perfect for demanding applications, home servers, and mini datacenters, capable of running Windows or any x86 Linux distribution.

  12. 11

    ODROID-M2

    0 Global Votes
    • Powerful Rockchip RK3588S2 processor

      (+4)

    The ODROID-M2 is a powerful development board with robust processing and extensive storage options. Its Rockchip RK3588S2 processor and multiple storage interfaces make it suitable for demanding applications and complex DIY projects.

  13. 12

    Radxa X4

    0 Global Votes
    • Intel N100 CPU for better performance

      (+4)

    The Radxa X4 offers better OS compatibility, including Windows 11, and terrific performance with its x86 N100 processor. It's a strong Raspberry Pi alternative for emulation, smart home control, and self-hosting, providing versatility for various DIY needs.