The Raspberry Pi is a unique single board computer (SBC) that techies and tinkerers can use for various projects. These little machines can be surprisingly capable, but if you're building a Raspberry Pi setup, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is which case to buy. The best cases for the Raspberry Pi make your build look nice and protect your hardware. They often include extras like cooling fans, heatsinks, and even power supplies.

Whether you're springing for the new Raspberry Pi 5 or looking for one of the best cases for the tried-and-true Raspberry Pi 4, this roundup has you covered. It has the best Raspberry Pi cases for the Pi 4 and Pi 5, with picks to suit just about any project style, from Linux machines (complete with a good Raspberry Pi VPN, just to be safe) to mini retro gaming systems. If you're ready to get building, then read on:

• Editor's choice

  Flirc Raspberry Pi 4 Case

  Made of sturdy aluminum with an attractive brushed finish, the Flirc Raspberry Pi 4 case offers great protection while giving your build a clean and professional look. It offers easy access to all the ports and connections of your Raspberry Pi 4 board and features a built-in heatsink and thermal pad that precludes the need for a cooling fan.

  $16 at Amazon
• Best value

  Raspberry Pi 4 Case

  If all you need is an affordable, no-frills case for your Raspberry Pi project, it doesn't get much better (or much cheaper) than the official case from the folks behind the Raspberry Pi. Along with its attractive red and white styling that keeps with the Raspberry Pi brand aesthetic, this sturdy plastic case offers easy port access and tool-free installation with its snap-on lid. You'll have to buy any cooling components separately, however.

  $5 at Vilros $5 at CanaKit
• Premium pick

  Argon ONE V2 Aluminum Case

  Many techies like the Raspberry Pi because it's a cheap computer, but if you're not concerned with cost, the Argon ONE V2 is a gorgeous, feature-rich case for your project. Its aluminum top is durable and attractive, and the included M.2 SATA Expansion Board lets you use a 2.5-inch SSD with your Raspberry Pi 4 (something you can't do with most cases). With an integrated heatsink and PWM 30mm fan, you'll have everything required for the perfect Pi build.

  $47 at Amazon
• Best for Pi 5

  GeeekPi Metal Case for Raspberry Pi 5

  There aren't a ton of cases available for the Raspberry 5 yet, as it's still somewhat new to the market, but GeeekPi is ahead of the curve with this excellent rigid case. It's made from sturdy metal and includes copper heatsinks and a 40mm fan, giving you everything you need to keep your Pi 5 project running cool. It also looks great.

  $18 at Amazon
• Best look

  ElectroCookie Raspberry Pi 4 Case

  The Raspberry Pi 4 is essentially a mini desktop computer, and this case from ElectroCookie brings that idea to life with its vertical tower design and see-through side panel. It even features a little LED fan and looks like a sized-down gaming PC, adding some style to your build. It doesn't just look good, though; it's durable and well-designed with aluminum components and easy port access.

  $33 at Amazon
• Best Pi 4 starter kit

  CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit

  If you don't have a Raspberry Pi 4 yet and are looking for an all-in-one kit that gives you literally everything you need, this CanaKit starter bundle is just the ticket. Along with a case, power supply, heatsinks, cooling fan, microSD card, and HDMI cable, this starter kit includes a Raspberry Pi 4 computer board (available with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM). This lets you get started with your project right out of the box.

  $110 at Amazon $100 at CanaKit
• Best Pi 5 starter kit

  CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit

  It's a little more expensive, but if you want the latest model, this case bundle includes the Raspberry Pi 5 board along with everything else you need. It features the official case (complete with cooling fan), power supply, two HDMI cables, and 128GB microSD Card pre-loaded with the Raspberry Pi OS.

  $135 at CanaKit
• Great clear case

  GeeekPi Acrylic Case for Raspberry Pi 5

  This clear acrylic case from GeeekPi is a great way to show off your build and see your Raspberry Pi 5 hardware. It also makes for excellent airflow to keep things cool (definitely a concern with the Pi 5), which is helped along by the included copper heatsinks and cooling fan. Sturdy metal pillars and screws also lend weight and durability to your build, so it doesn't just feel like cheap plastic.

  $13 at Amazon
• Best Pi Zero 2 kit

  Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Basic Starter Kit

  The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is an even cheaper alternative to the Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5. It's ideal for super-simple project builds where the standard Raspberry Pi would be too large or expensive. This kit from Vilros includes the Pi Zero 2 W computer board, a case, power supply, and necessary accessories for a great price.

  $39 at Vilros $40 at Amazon

Get your build ready with a standout Raspberry Pi case

Our top pick, the Flirc case, is a great option for most Raspberry Pi 4 builds. It looks great, is well-designed, and is made from sturdy and good-looking aluminum for a clean build. Its built-in thermal components also eliminate the need for a cooling fan. If you just want a basic enclosure, the official Raspberry Pi case does the job cheaply and requires no tools.

Enthusiast builders or those making a themed Raspberry Pi build might want something other than a simple case. If cost is not a concern, the Argon ONE is a gorgeous aluminum case with many extra features, such as the ability to use a 2.5-inch SSD with the included M.2 expansion board. On the other hand, if you don't want to spend much, the official Raspberry Pi case is almost impossible to beat for as cheap as it is.

Finally, while the Raspberry Pi 4 is cheaper and more readily available now than the newly released Pi 5, this list has a couple of good cases for the updated model. Our recommendation is the GeeekPi metal case, which looks great, includes all the extras you need to keep your Pi 5 cool, and is also an excellent value for its quality. The CanaKit for Raspberry Pi 5 is also a great all-in-one bundle that includes the SBC and everything else you need to start your build.