When it comes to single-board computers (SBCs), the Raspberry Pi has dominated the market for years as the go-to device for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike. However, alternatives like the NanoPi series from FriendlyElec have started gaining serious attention. If you’re trying to decide between these two powerful SBC families, this comprehensive NanoPi vs Raspberry Pi comparison will help you make an informed decision.

We’ll compare their features, performance, price, and best use cases so you can choose the right board for your next project.

Overview: NanoPi vs Raspberry Pi

Feature Raspberry Pi NanoPi
Manufacturer Raspberry Pi Foundation FriendlyElec
Popular Models Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W NanoPi M4V2, NanoPi R6S, NanoPi NEO3
CPU Architecture Broadcom ARM Cortex Rockchip / Allwinner ARM Cortex
Community Support Very strong Smaller but growing
Price Range $10 – $80 $20 – $120
Availability High demand, occasional shortages Varies by model
Software Support Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS), Ubuntu, etc. Armbian, Ubuntu, OpenWRT, Android

Hardware Comparison

1️⃣ Processing Power

  • Raspberry Pi:
    The Raspberry Pi 5 comes with a Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU running at 2.4GHz, offering impressive performance for its size and price.

  • NanoPi:
    Many NanoPi models use Rockchip or Allwinner processors. For example, the NanoPi R6S uses an octa-core Rockchip RK3588S, which can outperform the Raspberry Pi 5 in certain tasks such as AI processing, multimedia decoding, and server applications.

Winner:
For raw processing power in certain models, NanoPi can outpace Raspberry Pi, especially in high-end configurations.

2️⃣ RAM & Storage

  • Raspberry Pi:
    Offers up to 8GB LPDDR4 RAM (Raspberry Pi 4) and supports microSD storage with optional USB 3.0 external drives.

  • NanoPi:
    Some models come with up to 8GB or even 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM (NanoPi R6S) and support eMMC modules, NVMe SSDs, or microSD storage.

Winner:
NanoPi offers more flexible and sometimes faster storage options for advanced users.

3️⃣ Networking & Connectivity

  • Raspberry Pi:
    Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB 3.0, GPIO pins for hardware projects.

  • NanoPi:
    Models like the NanoPi R6S offer dual or triple gigabit Ethernet ports, faster Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6 on some models), USB 3.1, and full GPIO access.

Winner:
For networking-heavy applications, NanoPi leads with multiple Ethernet ports and more advanced connectivity options.

4️⃣ Graphics & Multimedia

  • Raspberry Pi:
    Supports 4K video at 60fps, dual HDMI output, and standard GPU capabilities for media centers and light gaming.

  • NanoPi:
    Some models like NanoPi M4V2 support 4K 60fps HDR, AI-powered image processing, and superior GPU performance for multimedia tasks.

Winner:
NanoPi edges ahead for users needing superior media playback or AI processing capabilities.

Software & OS Support

  • Raspberry Pi:
    Offers Raspberry Pi OS (Debian-based), Ubuntu, and extensive third-party support. Excellent community documentation and tutorials are available.

  • NanoPi:
    Supports Armbian, Ubuntu Core, Android, OpenWRT, and FriendlyElec’s own images. Community support is smaller but technical users find it flexible.

Winner:
For beginners, Raspberry Pi wins due to its massive community, documentation, and out-of-the-box support. NanoPi offers more flexibility for advanced users willing to dive deeper.

Price Comparison

  • Raspberry Pi:
    Affordable models start as low as $10 (Zero series) and go up to $80 (Raspberry Pi 5 8GB). High demand often leads to shortages or inflated prices.

  • NanoPi:
    Prices range from $20 to $120 depending on the model. NanoPi offers a wide range of specialized boards for specific applications.

Winner:
Raspberry Pi is typically cheaper and more widely available for general use. NanoPi offers better value for certain specialized needs.

Use Case Scenarios: NanoPi vs Raspberry Pi

Use Case Best Option Why?
Learning & Education Raspberry Pi Beginner-friendly, excellent community support.
Media Center (Kodi, Plex) NanoPi M4V2 Superior multimedia and 4K HDR support.
Home Automation Raspberry Pi Excellent GPIO support and software ecosystem.
Networking (Router, VPN, NAS) NanoPi R6S Multiple gigabit ports, powerful CPU.
AI & Machine Learning NanoPi R6S Hardware-accelerated AI processing.
Industrial Applications NanoPi Compact form factors, eMMC storage, customizable hardware.

Pros and Cons Summary

Raspberry Pi Pros:

  • Massive community support

  • Excellent for beginners

  • Great educational tools and resources

  • Broad ecosystem of accessories and hats

Raspberry Pi Cons:

  • Hardware shortages

  • Limited Ethernet ports

  • Less powerful for high-end tasks

NanoPi Pros:

  • Superior CPU and GPU options

  • Multiple Ethernet ports for networking projects

  • eMMC and NVMe storage support

  • More choices for advanced users

NanoPi Cons:

  • Smaller community support

  • More technical to set up for beginners

  • Limited official software support

Conclusion: NanoPi vs Raspberry Pi — Which One Should You Pick?

  • If you’re new to single-board computers, or need a reliable and well-documented platform for general projects, Raspberry Pi remains the top choice.

  • If you’re working on advanced networking, AI, multimedia, or industrial applications, and you don’t mind spending extra time setting things up, NanoPi can provide better hardware for the price.

Both are fantastic boards — it all depends on your specific project needs.