In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, single board computers (SBCs) have emerged as the backbone of countless innovations—from home automation and educational projects to industrial automation and cutting-edge IoT solutions. What exactly makes SBCs so compelling? It’s their compact design, affordability, versatility, and the sheer potential they unlock for both hobbyists and professionals alike.

If you’ve ever experimented with booting a Linux OS on a tiny device or considered building your own smart home hub, chances are you’ve encountered one of these marvels. But with dozens of models vying for attention, selecting the perfect SBC can feel like navigating a tech jungle. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate single board computer list—a curated guide to help you understand the best options available and make an informed choice for your specific needs.

Let’s start with the most recognizable name in the game: the Raspberry Pi. Since its debut in 2012, the Raspberry Pi has revolutionized the world of SBCs. Its small form factor, low price point, and robust community support make it an ideal starting point for beginners and educators. Whether you’re running a media server, setting up a robotics project, or developing an IoT gateway, the Raspberry Pi offers a model for almost every purpose. For instance, the Raspberry Pi 4 boasts a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and gigabit Ethernet, providing ample computational power for most standard applications.

However, the Raspberry Pi isn’t the only player on the field. For those seeking more horsepower, the Nvidia Jetson Nano combines the SBC form factor with the power of NVIDIA’s GPU architecture—perfect for AI and machine learning applications. With a 128-core Maxwell GPU, it enables users to run neural networks and process visual data efficiently, opening doors to advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and intelligent surveillance.

Meanwhile, hobbyists and developers venturing into custom hardware often explore the Arduino ecosystem. While Arduino boards are more like microcontrollers than traditional SBCs, their simplicity and extensive library support make them excellent for embedded projects, sensor management, and real-time control systems. Combining Arduino with other SBCs can create hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both.

Beyond these giants, many other SBCs cater to niche markets and specialized uses. For instance, the BeagleBone Black is favored for industrial applications due to its real-time capabilities and extensive I/O options. The Odroid series from Hardkernel offers high-performance ARM-based boards suitable for gaming, multimedia, and even desktop computing. For those seeking a lightweight, energy-efficient option, the Raspberry Pi Zero series or the NanoPi boards are perfect for minimalist projects, IoT devices, or portable gadgets.

The diversity of options leads us to an essential consideration: how to choose the right SBC? Factors such as processing power, RAM, I/O options, connectivity interfaces, power consumption, size, and community support all play pivotal roles. An SBC designed for media streaming needs different specs than one intended for robotic control or industrial monitoring.

In essence, a careful analysis of your project’s requirements will guide your selection. For beginners, a Raspberry Pi or NanoPi often provides a balanced mix of performance and ease of use. For advanced AI applications, a Jetson Nano or similar GPU-enabled board is a better investment. For low-power, embedded controls, microcontroller-based solutions like Arduino or ESP32 might be more suitable.

In the upcoming part, we'll delve into detailed comparisons of top SBC models, explore their applications across various industries, and offer practical tips to help you get started with your own SBC project. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious newcomer, understanding this list is your first step toward transforming ideas into reality.