Single-board computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano have revolutionized edge computing, robotics, AI projects, and IoT applications. While the Raspberry Pi is widely known for its versatility and affordability, NVIDIA’s Jetson Nano is designed for AI and deep learning applications.
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This article compares the Raspberry Pi vs. Jetson Nano in terms of performance, GPU power, price, and best use cases, helping you decide which board is the right fit for your project.
Quick Summary
If you need an affordable, power-efficient board for everyday projects, Raspberry Pi 4 is the better choice. However, if you require AI acceleration and GPU computing, the Jetson Nano is worth the investment.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
| Feature | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B | Jetson Nano (4GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Quad-core Cortex-A72 @ 1.5 GHz | Quad-core Cortex-A57 @ 1.43 GHz |
| Graphics (GPU) | Broadcom VideoCore VI | NVIDIA Maxwell GPU (128 CUDA cores) |
| RAM | 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4 | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | MicroSD + USB 3.0 | MicroSD + USB 3.0 |
| AI & Deep Learning | Limited | Optimized for AI with CUDA and TensorRT |
| USB Ports | 2 × USB 3.0, 2 × USB 2.0 | 4 × USB 3.0 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| WiFi & Bluetooth | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth 5.0 | No built-in WiFi (requires external adapter) |
| Power Consumption | 3W – 7W | 5W – 10W |
| Operating System | Raspberry Pi OS, Linux, Ubuntu | Ubuntu-based NVIDIA JetPack |
| Price 💲 | Check Price 🏷️ | Check Price 🏷️ |
Key Differences
Performance & Processing Power
- Raspberry Pi 4 has a quad-core Cortex-A72 processor, making it great for general computing, IoT, and DIY projects.
- Jetson Nano uses a quad-core Cortex-A57 CPU, which is slightly weaker than the Pi in general processing but excels in AI tasks.
GPU Power & AI Capabilities
- Raspberry Pi 4 has a VideoCore VI GPU, which is fine for basic graphics and media but lacks dedicated AI acceleration.
- Jetson Nano features a Maxwell GPU with 128 CUDA cores, allowing it to run deep learning models, TensorFlow, and AI applications efficiently.
RAM & Storage
- Raspberry Pi 4 comes in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB variants, allowing flexibility for different use cases.
- Jetson Nano has a fixed 4GB RAM, but it’s optimized for AI workloads with better memory management.
Connectivity & Expandability
- Raspberry Pi 4 includes built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it more convenient for wireless applications.
- Jetson Nano lacks built-in WiFi, requiring an external USB adapter. However, it has more USB 3.0 ports for peripherals.
Power Consumption & Efficiency
- Raspberry Pi 4 is more power-efficient, consuming 3W – 7W, making it ideal for battery-powered applications.
- Jetson Nano consumes more power (5W – 10W), especially under AI workloads, requiring a more stable power source.
Price & Value
- Raspberry Pi 4 is significantly cheaper, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Jetson Nano is more expensive, but its AI capabilities justify the price for those needing GPU acceleration.
Pros & Cons
Raspberry Pi – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable
- Available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB RAM versions
- Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth
- Lower power consumption
- Large community support and extensive software compatibility
Cons:
- No dedicated AI acceleration
- Weaker GPU for machine learning tasks
- Not optimized for deep learning or CUDA applications
🍓 Check Raspberry Pi Price and Reviews on Amazon 🏷️
Jetson Nano – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 128 CUDA-core GPU for AI, deep learning, and robotics
- Supports TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenCV
- More USB 3.0 ports for faster peripherals
- Great for computer vision and AI-powered projects
Cons:
- More expensive
- No built-in WiFi (requires an external adapter)
- Higher power consumption than Raspberry Pi
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
👉 Check Jetson Nano Price and Reviews on Amazon 🏷️
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Raspberry Pi if
- You need a budget-friendly, all-purpose SBC
- You want built-in WiFi & Bluetooth
- You are working on IoT, home automation, or general computing projects
- You prefer low power consumption
- Choose Jetson Nano if
- You are working on AI, machine learning, or robotics
- You need a powerful GPU for deep learning tasks
- You want to run TensorFlow, PyTorch, or OpenCV
- You are developing computer vision or autonomous systems
Final Verdict: Raspberry Pi or Jetson Nano?
Both boards are excellent, but they serve different purposes. Raspberry Pi 4 is the best general-purpose SBC, while Jetson Nano is designed for AI and deep learning.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, energy-efficient board for general projects, the Raspberry Pi 4 is the ideal option. However, if your work involves AI acceleration and GPU-intensive computing, the Jetson Nano is a better investment.
