All Raspberry Pi Models and Specifications (Comparison Table)

Even after being immersed in the Raspberry Pi world for years, I still find it hard to get a good overview of all the models available, and more importantly, the exact differences between them. I’m sure I’m not the only one, so I created this page to list all the available models and their exact specifications, so you can refer to it when you need to.

We can divide the Raspberry Pi products into 5 main families: the main models (like the Pi 5), the all-in-one versions embedded in a keyboard (like the Pi 500), the compact models (Zero), the microcontrollers (Pico), and also the compute modules.

On this page, you’ll find a comparison table for each family that lists the most important specifications to know about each model in that family, so you can quickly compare them whether you’re buying a new one, deciding which one to use, or just for information. Use the Table of Contents below to quickly find what you’re looking for.

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Main Models

These are probably the models you think of when talking about Raspberry Pi versions. They are the most popular and are used in all kinds of projects. The higher the model number, the more powerful it is, but there is also a difference between the A and B series that can make it more complicated. So be sure to check the table below for all the details.

If you can afford it, the Raspberry Pi 5 is currently the best model available. It’s suitable for almost any project, even the more greedy ones. If you need something less expensive, check out the other alternatives in the table above to see if one of them might work, or check out the compact models below, as the Pi Zero 2W is often a good alternative for projects where computing power needs are not gigantic.

Still unsure? Check my Raspberry Pi buying guide here for more details.

All-in-One

This series is newer and well-suited for light desktop use. The Raspberry Pi 400 and 500 are the equivalent of the Raspberry Pi 4B and 5, hidden inside a keyboard, so you can use them right out of the box by simply connecting them to a mouse and monitor. It’s a less usable for DIY projects or servers, but it’s fine as a light PC replacement.

If you need to buy one, get the Raspberry Pi 500. The price difference between the two doesn’t justify getting an older version. FYI, they come in two versions: just the keyboard, or a full kit with cables, SD card, etc. Get the kit if it’s your first Raspberry Pi, but you can always buy everything separately if you want the choice or don’t need everything in the kit.

Compact Models

Compact models are much cheaper because they don’t come with all the ports and expansion capabilities the main Raspberry Pi models have (i.e. full-size USB ports, Ethernet, etc). But sometimes you don’t need all that. If you’re looking for the cheapest computer to run Linux or use in small electronics projects, the Pi Zero family might be a good fit.

As long as you don’t have a lot to plug in, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W is a good choice. I use it for home servers, and it can also work in some robot kits. These are typical uses where you don’t want to plug in a monitor or USB accessories and use the Wi-Fi connection. It’s not as powerful as a Pi 5, but it is enough in many cases.

Warning: These models use non-standard ports like micro-USB and mini-HDMI, so you’ll likely need special cables or adapters to use them, which can add to the total price of your setup. Don’t forget to factor this into your overall budget.

Pico

The Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller, not a single-board computer. It’s a much smaller and cheaper product, but it can’t run an operating system. It can be programmed for use in electronic projects, for specific tasks, a bit like an Arduino. It’s pretty new in the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, but a few versions are already available, here’s the list.

Given the low price of this device, I highly recommend getting the latest version with wireless capabilities so you won’t be limited in your projects. Having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on board also makes the development process much easier.

We have a few articles about this series you might find useful:

Compute Modules

banner pi compute module on top of a neon vaporwave pcb

The Compute Module series is a Raspberry Pi in a more flexible form factor intended for industrial use. You probably won’t use them for home projects because they require additional accessories, but I decided to include them anyway to be thorough. In short, you’ll find most of the main Raspberry Pi models listed above available with a compute module equivalent.

Note: Versions 3 and 4 are also available in a “Lite” version with an SD card slot instead of the built-in eMMC storage. Since they have the same specifications, I have voluntarily omitted them from the list.

If you want to try them, the recommendations are the same as for the main models they are linked to. If you can afford it, get the latest and most powerful versions, but if you are more limited or want to build a cheaper product, you can try some more affordable options. Remember that you’ll need the breakout board to make it work, so the price of the compute module is only half the equation.

If you want to learn more about them, here is a good article introducing the compute module for beginners.

Found an error on this page or something that should be clarified? Let me know using the contact form here.

Whenever you’re ready, here are other ways I can help you:

Test Your Raspberry Pi Level (Free): Not sure why everything takes so long on your Raspberry Pi? Take this free 3-minute assessment and see what’s causing the problems.

The RaspberryTips Community: Need help or want to discuss your Raspberry Pi projects with others who actually get it? Join the RaspberryTips Community and get access to private forums, exclusive lessons, and direct help.

Master your Raspberry Pi in 30 days: If you are looking for the best tips to become an expert on Raspberry Pi, this book is for you. Learn useful Linux skills and practice multiple projects with step-by-step guides.

Master Python on Raspberry Pi: Create, understand, and improve any Python script for your Raspberry Pi. Learn the essentials step-by-step without losing time understanding useless concepts.

You can also find all my recommendations for tools and hardware on this page.