For anyone looking to create their own electronic devices, Arduino and Raspberry Pi (RPi) are two fantastic DIY platforms to consider. From home automation to robots, these boards power all kinds of maker projects worldwide.
But when embarking on our next creation, how do we decide between using the Italian Arduino microcontroller or the British Raspberry Pi single-board computer? They have similarities upfront, but differ in meaningful ways under the hood.
To help us determine which board matches our skill level and project needs, let’s dive deeper into what sets Arduino and Raspberry Pi apart. In this guide, we’ll compare them across a range of factors like:
- Background and history
- Intended use cases
- Technical hardware specifications
- Software and programming
- Community support
- Pricing and key advantages
We’ll also showcase example projects suited for each, so we can select the ideal board for our upcoming build!
History and Purpose
Arduino emerged in 2005 from a team at Ivrea Design Institute wishing to make microcontroller boards more accessible to non-engineers. Based on Atmel’s 8-bit AVR chips, the open-source Arduino Uno kickstarted a maker movement. Officially over 4 million boards now exist, with clones expanding global reach.
Raspberry Pi arrived in 2012 out of Cambridge University. Their goal was creating an ultra-low-cost computer to teach basic programming skills globally. Yet the Raspberry Pi quickly found an audience with hobbyists because of its flexibility. As of 2022, over 45 million Pi‘s have sold, making it the best selling British computer ever.
The popular Arduino Uno microcontroller (left) and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B single-board computer (right). Sources: Arduino, Raspberry Pi
Intended Use Cases
Because Arduino utilizes simpler microcontrollers while Raspberry Pi packs substantially more computing power, each excels at different applications:
Arduino boards work extremely well when we need:
- Basic sensing and control – temperature, motion, Buttons
- Simple outputs – LEDs, motors, monitors
- Low-cost Internet of Things devices
- Robotics early prototyping
Raspberry Pi is the superior choice whenever our project requires:
- Real computer capabilities – running Linux, Windows
- Graphics, media centers and video processing
- Wireless networking – WiFi, Bluetooth
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision computation
- Being a web server or networked gateway
Hardware Specification Comparison
The table below shows key hardware specs side-by-side on two popular boards – the Arduino Uno Rev3 and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B:
| Specification | Arduino Uno Rev3 | Raspberry Pi 4 Model B |
|---|---|---|
| Microprocessor | 16 MHz 8-bit AVR ATmega328P | 1.5GHz 64-bit Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A72 |
| RAM | 2 KB SRAM | 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 32 KB Flash (for program) | MicroSD card (for OS & data) |
| Networking | None | Gigabit Ethernet, Dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth |
| GPIO pins | 14 (6 ADC, 6 PWM) | 40-pin with multiple buses |
| Power | 5V via USB | 5V via USB-C (3A+ adapter needed) |
| Physical Size | 2.7" x 2.1" | 3.4” x 2.2” |
Reviewing the table makes very clear that Raspberry Pi provides far faster processing capabilities and abundant memory compared to Arduino boards. Multiple CPU cores and clock speeds over 25 times faster power through tasks quicker.
Raspberry Pi also includes built-in wireless networking and Bluetooth. And Pi‘s 40 flexible GPIO pins enable connecting sensors, drivers and displays over common serial buses like I2C and SPI.
However, Arduino wins out on simplicity regarding getting projects running quickly. The straight-forward programming environment, abundance of compatible shields to augment functionality, and smaller form factor gives Arduino advantages for simpler use cases.
Software Programming Environments
Arduino utilizes the open-source Arduino IDE for programming based on the wiring framework and languages like C and C++. Many libraries provided by both official and community sources simplify interfacing with hundreds of sensors, LEDs, motors and more during our projects. After writing and uploading our code via USB, it gets compiled and loaded directly onto the controller.
Raspberry Pi first requires an operating system like Raspberry Pi OS/Debian or Ubuntu Server to run on the board. This gives us the flexibility to directly access Linux capabilities or install additional software like web servers, databases and compilers to unlock vast programming options. Common languages used include Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. Coding can happen remotely via SSH once connected to WiFi, or directly via keyboard and monitor over HDMI.
So while Arduino provides a simpler starting point, Raspberry Pi‘s Linux OS enables leverage the power of numerous traditional programming languages for increased possibilities.
Open Source Communities and Compatible Accessories
Importantly, both Raspberry Pi and Arduino publish their hardware designs and software under open-source licenses. This fosters extremely active communities of users contributing code, tutorials, accessories and more around the platforms.
For Arduino, open-sourcing has led to Arduino clones which replicate the original boards at very low cost due to third-party manufacturing. A gigantic array of "shields", sensors, driver boards and displays work seamlessly with Arduino via the unified headers. Distributors like SparkFun, Adafruit and Seeed Studio are go-to sources for these project components.
While Raspberry Pi manufacturing stays within licensed partners, no shortage of accessories called "Hats" exist to augment capability – from audio cards to IoT interfaces to touchscreens. And the Pi remains mass market accessible through Amazon and electronics chains like Micro Center.
The takeaway is that both Raspberry Pi and Arduino benefit from open source roots and enormous ecosystems. For those new to hardware hacking, this community support will prove invaluable.
Budget Considerations
One area where Arduino pulls ahead of Raspberry Pi is on pure cost and accessibility for those on extreme budgets:
- Arduino Uno Rev3 – $20-25 USD. Clones can drop as low as $3 USD
- Raspberry Pi 4 B – $35 USD base price, but realistically $75+ once accessories purchased
- Components – Arduino shields/sensors in a few bucks range, HATs can run over $50+
Obviously capabilities matter more than price alone. But for students, budget-conscious individuals or schools on tight resources, Arduino offers virtually no barriers to entry. Extra dollars stretch further too.
Raspberry Pi does ultimately provide far more computing potential per dollar. Yet we must factor in added costs – a proper power adapter, heatsinks, SD card for storage, various cables or hats to connect devices. These extras do add up!
Choosing Which Board to Use for Our Project
While either board can achieve a lot given enough effort, these guidelines help narrow which suits different project categories:
Use Arduino boards for:
- Basic home automation – sensors, lighting control
- Simple robotics – line followers, robotic arms
- Basic Internet of Things devices
- Learning electronics and coding basics
Use Raspberry Pi for:
- Home servers – web, media, file storage
- Machine learning and computer vision
- Robots needing cameras, planning algorithms
- Environmental monitoring station
- Children learning Linux, Python and databases
Either will work for:
- LED art and lighting displays
- Digital game and instrument creations
- Basic drones
- Student engineering projects
Examining our requirements and capabilities will determine if simple yet affordable Arduino or versatile heavy-duty Raspberry Pi makes the most sense.
Often even larger complex projects cleverly incorporate both an Arduino handling sensing along with Raspberry Pi providing the computing brawn!
Final Recommendation
While Raspberry Pi provides substantially more computing muscle, Arduino beats it on simplicity and affordability for electronics newbies.
For basic control, automation and simpler student science experiments, we recommend trying Arduino first. Code stays easy with the drag-and-drop IDE requiring no Linux expertise.
However anyone desiring real computer functionality like running a media center, building robots needing AI, or leveraging machine learning should grab a Raspberry Pi. The flexibility can‘t be overstated.
The good news is that getting started with either platform doesn‘t require soldering or advanced coding skills anymore. Beginners can now access these incredible maker technologies to unlock ideas.
We suggest giving both Arduino and Raspberry Pi a try to discover which methodology clicks better with our goals. Building a few starter projects on each serves as the perfect introduction to guide our decision before committing for that next big build!
