Raspberry Pi vs Arduino, are you hesitating between choosing microcontroller Arduino or Raspberry Pi? Two widely known electronic boards are the British single-board computer Raspberry Pi and the Italian microcontroller Arduino.
Raspberry Pi vs Arduino, there seems to be a lot of debate about which is the best, but in principle, they operate on completely different structures. Which one to select depends on your aim. This blog can help you make a decision.
Arduino
Arduino was named after an Italian tavern called “Arduino”. The founder is Massimo Banzi.
Arduino is a circuit board, commonly known as a microcontroller. It is based on the ATmega328P microchip, which is also its core. It has more or less everything needed to store, run and execute programs in the chip.
Both the hardware and software of this microcontroller development board are open source, and the design files and source code are available to the public. Everyone can DIY Arduino. This microcontroller can read data from sensors, buttons and convert it into outputs, such as controlling motors, blinking LEDs, opening doors, etc.
Arduino development board programming is done using Arduino IDE. It uses a simplified version of C++. There are also some third-party options that can use Python and Blockly, etc.
Raspberry Pi
The first Arduino board was released in 2005. The first version of the Raspberry Pi was released in early 2012, seven years later than the Arduino. The Raspberry Pi Foundation created the platform at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
The Raspberry Pi motherboard is a microprocessor-based circuit board that has all the characteristics of a normal PC. This even includes its operating system, Raspberry Pi OS, which is essentially a version of Linux. It also supports other operating systems, including Linux (Ubuntu and Fedora), Windows 10 IoT Core, and even some versions of Android.
Unlike the Arduino’s microcontroller, the Raspberry Pi’s microprocessor requires other chips to process the code. You can connect this board to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
The Raspberry Pi is essentially a complete computer and does not require a separate computer to program it. Instead, you program directly on it! Python is the main programming language. The Raspberry Pi is based on the Linux operating system, and other popular languages (such as Java, C, C++, HTML, etc.) can also be used.
Please note that the hardware design and software of this device are not open-source.
Raspberry Pi vs Arduino Comparison
What’s the difference between Arduino and Raspberry Pi?
Here’s a full table comparing major parameters.
| Feature | Raspberry Pi | Arduino |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2012 | 2005 |
| Homepage | raspberrypi.org | arduino.cc |
| Type | Single Board Computer | Microcontroller |
| Program | Python, Scratch, Ruby, C, C++ | C, C++ |
| Logic Voltage Level | 3.3V | 5V |
| USB Connection | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Connection | Yes | No |
| Wireless Connection | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | None on board |
| Software | Optional OS, e.g., Raspbian | Java-based IDE |
| Open/Closed-source | Closed-source | Open-source |
| Price | 35 USD | 16–20 USD |
| Pros | HDMI & network supported; Suitable for simple & complex tasks | Ready-to-run environment; Multiple libraries; Cross-platform |
| Cons | Software not included; Extra parts may be required | Low learning curve for electronics; Upgrading shields can be expensive |
| Task | Multiple tasks possible due to powerful processor | Usually one or a few simple tasks continuously |
| Add Extra Features | Uses Raspberry Pi HATs | Uses Arduino Shields |
Raspberry Pi vs Arduino: Which One to Choose?
Comparing Raspberry Pi vs Arduino is not a wise choice. The key to the right choice lies in the type of project you are working on.
Arduino is good for repetitive tasks. If you only plan to use sensors and other electronic components, Arduino is enough. For example, turning lights on and off, measuring the outdoor temperature and displaying it on a display, reading sensor data, etc. So, if your project includes some repetitive elements and only requires output based on sensor input, then Arduino should be a good fit for this purpose.
Raspberry Pi is good for complex tasks such as adding a webcam, running complex robots, monitoring the weather and deciding whether to start a garden irrigation system, etc. If the project requires complex functions and internet connectivity, Raspberry Pi will be the best choice.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you buy an Arduino development board first. Arduino starter kits are designed for beginners. When you are familiar enough with it, consider Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi is usually more expensive.