Single-Board Computers are a godsend for tinkerers who want a tiny yet capable companion for their DIY projects, and there are tons of SBC models that bring their own unique features to the table. However, the Raspberry Pi family stands out from the rest of the credit-card-sized systems – to the point where these lean, green, mean boards have become synonymous with the word SBC itself.

While the modern Raspberry Pi series has several shortcomings that make it tempting to switch to competitors, the RPi boards still pack plenty of quality-of-life facilities to enhance your projects. So, here are some reasons why the Raspberry Pi remains a superpower in the Single-Board Computer industry.

4 Better value per dollar on low-end models

The Zero 2 W is a steal for $15

One of my biggest complaints about the newer Raspberry Pi models is their terribly outdated hardware. However, the situation is radically different for the Zero series. While it ranks abysmally low on the performance front, it’s easily the most feature-laden SBC in the sub-$20 range.

For instance, you can configure it to run a handful of operating systems, ranging from barebones Debian, DietPi, and Raspberry Pi OS server variants to distros with more niche use cases like RetroPie and LibreELEC. It also has better package compatibility than its rivals, with most apps working right out of the box on the official Raspberry Pi OS. If you’re into hardcore automation projects, you can even solder some GPIO headers on the Zero 2 W to interface sensors, motors, and circuitry modules with the cheap SBC.

3 A lot of first-party documentation

And just as many learning resources

The Raspberry Pi is one of the most accessible devices for beginners, and for good reason. Whereas other SBC manufacturers skimp out on the documentation aspect, the official Raspberry Pi website holds your hand throughout your tinkering journey. You’ve got everything from free PDFs containing fun illustrations and detailed explanations to schematics diagrams and 3D models of each Raspberry Pi model.

Meanwhile, most SBC firms have obscure explanations for the most basic tutorials. That’s before you include the lackluster tutorials that may not even work on the newer models. Having reviewed several SBCs over the last year, the Raspberry Pi has pretty much all of them sorely beat when it comes to learning resources.

2 Plenty of accessories

That extend its capabilities to the next level

The Raspberry Pi Foundation typically releases a handful of first-party peripherals for RPi models, and barring a few (I'm looking at you, Touch Display 2), most of them are fairly useful for the average user. However, it’s the third-party accessories that make the Raspberry Pi a haven for tinkerers (and an absolute nightmare for their wallets).

On the more obvious front, you’ve got cases, cooling systems, and displays (and sometimes, all of them in one product). You’ve also got a multitude of camera modules, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-quality cameras featuring swappable lenses. Then there’s the massive set of Hardware Attached on Top accessories, which you can use to pair different AI kits, sensors, and expansion boards with your Raspberry Pi.

1 Massive support from the community

You'll find new projects practically everyday!

The original Raspberry Pi was designed with the sole purpose of introducing students to the marvels of computers. But over the years, the Raspberry Pi became a meteoric success in the tinkering, coding, and hacking fields. The result? You’ve got a healthy community of DIY enthusiasts that bring cool, practical, and downright unhinged ideas to life on a daily basis.

Whether it’s a simple weather station that can send values to your Home Assistant hub or something as wacky as running a Proxmox server on a Raspberry Pi, you can replicate thousands of intriguing projects on your tiny tinkering companion.

To Pi or not to Pi?

Despite their advantages, the Raspberry Pi SBCs have several drawbacks that need to be highlighted. Barring the Zero lineup, the mainline Raspberry Pi boards tend to pair underpowered hardware with steep price tags. If you’re an experienced tinkerer, you’ll find a deluge of rival boards that offer better specs while charging the same price as their Raspberry Pi counterparts. Back in the day, the RPi series offered the best software compatibility, though x86 boards like the Radxa X4 support even more operating systems and packages. And I don't even need to explain the supply issues plaguing the Raspberry Pi family for generations.

While the Raspberry Pi Foundation is undoubtedly at the apex of the SBC world, I really hope the firm addresses these issues in future models. Otherwise, the uber-popular tinkering boards might lose their standing once other SBC manufacturers start going full throttle on the documentation and accessory support.