Single board computers (SBCs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their compact size, low cost, and versatility. They can be used for a wide range of applications, from basic computing tasks to DIY projects, home automation, and robotics. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best single board computers under $100.
Raspberry Pi Zero W
The Raspberry Pi Zero W is a tiny SBC that packs a lot of power for its size and price. It features a 1GHz ARM11 CPU, 512MB of RAM, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Pi Zero W also has a microSD card slot for storage, a mini-HDMI port for video output, and a micro-USB port for power.
One of the biggest advantages of the Pi Zero W is its size. It’s only 65mm x 30mm x 5mm, making it one of the smallest SBCs on the market. This makes it ideal for projects where space is limited, such as wearable technology or IoT devices.
Another advantage of the Pi Zero W is its low price. At around $10, it’s one of the cheapest SBCs available. This makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists, students, and anyone on a tight budget.
Orange Pi PC
The Orange Pi PC is another affordable SBC that offers a lot of features for its price. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and Ethernet connectivity. The Orange Pi PC also has a microSD card slot for storage, HDMI and AV ports for video output, and two USB 2.0 ports.
One of the unique features of the Orange Pi PC is its built-in microphone and audio output jack. This makes it ideal for voice recognition or audio-based projects. The Orange Pi PC also supports Linux and Android operating systems, giving users plenty of options for their projects.
At around $20, the Orange Pi PC is a great value for anyone looking for an SBC with Ethernet connectivity and audio capabilities.
Banana Pi M3
The Banana Pi M3 is a more powerful SBC that’s still under $100. It features an octa-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Banana Pi M3 also has a SATA port for storage, HDMI and VGA ports for video output, and three USB 2.0 ports.
One of the advantages of the Banana Pi M3 is its powerful CPU. It’s capable of running more demanding applications, such as video playback or gaming. The SATA port also allows users to connect a hard drive, making it a great choice for media center or NAS projects.
At around $60, the Banana Pi M3 is more expensive than some of the other SBCs on this list, but it’s still a great value for its features and performance.
NanoPi NEO
The NanoPi NEO is another tiny SBC that’s perfect for space-constrained projects. It features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 CPU, 512MB of RAM, and Ethernet connectivity. The NanoPi NEO also has a microSD card slot for storage, a micro-USB port for power, and two USB 2.0 ports.
One of the advantages of the NanoPi NEO is its low power consumption. It only requires 1.3 watts of power, making it ideal for battery-powered projects. The NanoPi NEO also supports Linux and Android operating systems, giving users plenty of options for their projects.
At around $15, the NanoPi NEO is one of the cheapest SBCs available. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone on a tight budget or looking for a small.