Single-board computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi have become popular for DIY electronics, programming, media centers, and even industrial applications.
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While Raspberry Pi is the most well-known SBC, Orange Pi offers a competitive, budget-friendly alternative with different hardware configurations.
This article compares Orange Pi vs. Raspberry Pi, covering their performance, hardware, software compatibility, price, and use cases to help you choose the best SBC for your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview: What Are Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi?
Raspberry Pi
- Developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the Raspberry Pi series is known for its stability, software support, and large community.
- Popular models include Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, and Raspberry Pi Zero.
Orange Pi
- Developed by Shenzhen Xunlong Software, Orange Pi boards are designed as affordable Raspberry Pi alternatives with more powerful processors and different hardware options.
- Models include Orange Pi 5, Orange Pi Zero 2, and Orange Pi PC Plus.
Key Differences
| Feature | Raspberry Pi | Orange Pi |
|---|---|---|
| Price 💲 | Check Price 🏷️ | Check Price 🏷️ |
| CPU & Performance | Broadcom SoC (Quad or Hexa-core) | Allwinner/Rockchip SoCs (Quad or Octa-core) |
| RAM | 512MB – 8GB (LPDDR4/LPDDR5) | 512MB – 16GB (LPDDR4/LPDDR5) |
| Storage | microSD, USB, and M.2 (on Pi 5) | microSD, eMMC, USB, SATA |
| Graphics (GPU) | VideoCore VI (Pi 5) | Mali or PowerVR (varies by model) |
| Operating System | Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, Debian | Armbian, Ubuntu, Android |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet | WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet (varies by model) |
| GPIO Support | 40-pin GPIO header (standard) | 26-pin or 40-pin GPIO (varies by model) |
| Software Compatibility | Excellent, large community | Limited support, some Linux issues |
| Power Consumption | Optimized, low power | Higher power usage on some models |
Performance & Hardware Comparison
CPU & Processing Power
- Raspberry Pi uses Broadcom processors, which are well-optimized for low power consumption and stability.
- Orange Pi often features Allwinner or Rockchip processors, which offer more raw performance but may have higher power consumption and less software optimization.
🏆 Winner: Orange Pi for raw performance, Raspberry Pi for better software optimization.
RAM & Storage
- Orange Pi models often support up to 16GB RAM, while Raspberry Pi 5 maxes out at 8GB.
- Orange Pi supports eMMC and SATA storage, whereas Raspberry Pi mainly relies on microSD and USB storage (except Pi 5 with M.2).
🏆 Winner: Orange Pi for higher RAM and storage options.
Connectivity & Expansion
- Raspberry Pi models come with better WiFi and Bluetooth support out-of-the-box.
- Orange Pi models have more varied options, some including SATA for external drives, but WiFi/Bluetooth may require external modules.
🏆 Winner: Raspberry Pi for better built-in connectivity.
Software & OS Compatibility
Raspberry Pi Software Support
✔ Official Raspberry Pi OS (based on Debian)
✔ Supports Ubuntu, Kali Linux, and other distributions
✔ Strong support for Python, GPIO programming, and IoT projects
Orange Pi Software Support
✔ Supports Armbian, Ubuntu, Debian, and Android
✔ Limited support for Raspberry Pi OS
✔ Some models run Android TV for media applications
🏆 Winner: Raspberry Pi for better software compatibility and support.
Price & Value
- Orange Pi boards are often cheaper than Raspberry Pi models with similar or better specs.
- Raspberry Pi boards tend to have better long-term support, making them more reliable for projects that need stability.
🏆 Winner: Orange Pi for budget-conscious users, Raspberry Pi for long-term support.
Pros & Cons: Orange Pi vs. Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi: Pros & Cons
✔ Strong software ecosystem and community support
✔ Stable and optimized performance
✔ Official OS (Raspberry Pi OS) and third-party Linux support
✔ Better documentation and GPIO compatibility
❌ Limited CPU power compared to some Orange Pi models
❌ Can be more expensive than Orange Pi alternatives
Orange Pi: Pros & Cons
✔ Cheaper than Raspberry Pi with better hardware specs
✔ Higher RAM and storage options
✔ Supports Android & Linux distributions
✔ Some models include SATA for external storage
❌ Weaker software support (some Linux distros may have driver issues)
❌ Higher power consumption on some models
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Raspberry Pi If:
✔ You want strong software support and a reliable community.
✔ You need GPIO support for IoT, robotics, or DIY electronics.
✔ You prefer low power consumption and long-term stability.
Choose Orange Pi If:
✔ You need more CPU power and RAM at a lower price.
✔ You want Android TV support or better media performance.
✔ You need SATA or eMMC storage options.
Final Verdict
If you need software stability, community support, and long-term updates, the Raspberry Pi is the better choice. However, if you want more raw power, extra RAM/storage, and a lower price, Orange Pi offers a compelling alternative.
