If you’re trying to decide which single board computer is right for you, with so many options, it can be difficult to wade through the tech specs and features of each one.

So, to make things easier for you, we’ve put together some information comparing two of the most popular SCBs – the Raspberry Pi and the BeagleBone.

What is the Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi 4 is one of the latest in the popular single-board computer series, developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. With a reasonable price tag of around £50, this device is about as versatile as they come and can be used for a range of projects including gaming, robotics, domestic security systems and photography as well as a whole array of other creatives.

The Raspberry Pi is popular amongst students and children who are wanting to develop coding and programming skills and this SBC offers a usable platform for STEM education.

In terms of spec, the, Raspberry Pi 4 has a performance of 1.5GHz and a choice of memory size – either 4GB or 8GB. Two USB 3.0 ports provide fast connectivity options. This is pretty impressive for a small SCB at this price.

There’s also a range of add-ons and accessories as well as Raspberry Pi complete computer kits available.

What about the BeagleBone?

In terms of price, the BeagleBone is similar to the Raspberry Pi at around £55 for a BeagleBone Black. A quality single board computer, the BeagleBone’s USP is the programmable real-time units. These take instruction from the central unit and allow for real-time control and features.

Operating with Linux and Android compatible, the BeagleBone uses one of the most well-known and secure systems in the world.

With a USB 2.0 Host and a mini USB 2.0 Client, the BeagleBone Black’s connectivity could be slightly slower than the Raspberry Pi. It features one option for storage – 4GB 8-bit eMMC on-board flash.

Whilst the spec might not be as versatile as the Raspberry Pi, the 46-pin header combined with the PRU make for a high-performing computer.

Which is right for you?

The best SBC for you probably depends on what you’ll be using it for. For a good all-rounder, the Raspberry Pi has it all and can be used for multiple projects by all ages.

As the BeagleBone Black is able to manage the complexity of applications, this might be better suited to robotics and other less simple projects or for those of you who are interested in industrial applications.