The 10 Best Raspberry Pi Kits

Editor's Notes

January 05, 2021:

There have been many developments in the Raspberry Pi universe after it released the 4th generation of its palm-sized computers, and since our last update, we have seen more of these integrated into kits. We left the Vilros Zero W Complete, as the Pi Zero model is still current at the time of writing and it offers exceptional value for those who are just taking their first tentative steps into learning to code.

Notable additions include the Neego Complete, where the computer sits inside a custom screen to create a formidable unit with a 64-bit quad-core CPU. Then there is the Waveshare 400, which utilizes the brand's latest release based on the Pi 4; the Raspberry Pi 400. In this instance, the processor is embedded in the keyboard, and it is paired with a 13.3-inch capacitive touch screen, bringing the humble Pi up to speed with modern devices.

These are just some examples of just how versatile the Raspberry Pi is, and how it can be used in real-world applications, not just as a hands-on learning tool, but also as a truly impressive miniature computer that holds its own among many much larger PCs.

August 15, 2019:

Since our last update, the Raspberry Pi Foundation announced a new iteration of its single-board computer. We've updated our list to include the latest kits that include the Raspberry Pi 4, namely the CanaKit Starter and the Vilros Basic Starter.

The Raspberry Pi 4 is quite a step up from its precursor, the Model 3B+. Apart from having several RAM options, topping out at 4 gigabytes, it also has an improved CPU and supports 4K video. In the connectivity department, the Raspberry Pi 4 uses the new Bluetooth 5 standard, which is more energy-efficient than previous versions.

Because the Raspberry Pi 4 hasn't yet been fully integrated into most kits on the market, our list is still populated by packages that come with the previous generation of this technology, which still has a range of uses, especially for more passive applications, such as home security and network monitoring.