You must have heard about the Arduino and Raspberry Pi in your electrical and electronics degree, they both are quite famous among students and hobbyists. But have you ever wondered what are they, how they both are different from each other?
A Raspberry Pi is a mini-general-purpose computer that ordinarily comes up with a Linux-based operating framework, and it can multitask. It can be utilized for doing seriously calculative and scientific operations such as for Bitcoin or encryption technologies.
On the other hand, Arduino is an open-source computer program and hardware company. It is widely used among undergrad students of electrical students because of its simplicity, and ease to use.
An Arduino is primarily a microcontroller motherboard which could be a basic computer dealing with only one program at a time, over and over. Arduino is a microcontroller whereas Raspberry Pi is a microprocessor. Indeed, though Raspberry Pi is more capable, it requires an operating system, and more control and is additionally more costly than an Arduino. Therefore, both have their own functionality. It depends on the project requirements.
Raspberry Pi and Arduino are two exceptionally popular boards, among hardware DIY builders, specialists, and indeed experts. Raspberry Pi and Arduino are very distinctive boards. Whereas Arduino is pointed at speedy programming and circuit prototyping, Raspberry Pi acts as a learning device for Computer Programming.
Everything in the world has its pros and cons, so do both of them. Here are 7 reasons you should know before you go ahead and buy either board.
Table of Contents
7 reasons about Arduino and Raspberry pi (The most important points)

Raspberry Pi and Arduino are two celebrities within the producer’s world, but the unobtrusive differences between the two aren’t self-evident. I used both and will tell the most contrasts between them. I’ll give a recommendation on which you ought to buy.
1. Definition
Raspberry PI is a mini-computer with its own OS that is capable of multitasking. Arduino is a microcontroller that is just a part of a computer.
2. Battery support
- For Raspberry PI, it is quite difficult to power up using a battery pack.
- For Arduino, it is quite easy to power up a battery with a battery pack.
3. Complexity
- Raspberry PI requires complex tasks like the installation of libraries.
- Arduino is a simple interface sensor and other components. It is not as complex as Raspberry pi.
4. Cost
- Raspberry PI is quite expensive. (Cost varies; depends on the specification. Usually $40-$70)
- Arduino is easily available in the local market, and available at a lower cost
5. Onboard storage
- Raspberry PI does not have any onboard storage facility.
- Arduino provides onboard storage.
6. Device Property
- Raspberry PI needs to get a proper shutdown.
- Arduino is just a plug-and-play device.
7. Processor Family
- Raspberry PI’s processor is from ARM’S family.
- Arduino’s processor is from the AVR family
Which board is better: Arduino or Raspberry pi?
- From over-talk, I was able to see that Arduino is nice for tedious tasks such as opening the carport entryway, exchanging the lights on and off, reading from temperature sensors, controlling an engine as the client needs, etc.
- While Pi is nice for performing different tasks, driving complicated robots, playing recordings, interface to the web, interface cameras, etc.
- For illustration, on the off chance that you need to create an application where you need to screen Stickiness and Temperature from DHT11 Sensor and show what comes about on an LCD, at that point Arduino can be utilized to execute this.
- You need to monitor the humidity and temperature from the DHT11 Sensor, send an email with the comes about, check/compare the reading with a climate report from online conjointly show the comes about on an LCD, at that point Raspberry Pi is the proper choice.
In basic, Arduino is used for beginners projects and fast hardware prototyping whereas Raspberry Pi is utilized for a few complicated projects that can be effortlessly dealt with by pi. This can still not be the thumb rule when it comes to choosing the correct board. Know your prerequisites, your requirement.
Comparison chart between Arduino Vs Raspberry pi
Raspberry PI |
Arduino |
A mini-computer with its claimed Raspberry OS competent in taking care of numerous programs at a time. | It is a microcontroller which is fair to a typical portion of the computer. It is used to run a single program code once more and once more. |
A Debian based Linux Conveyance called Raspberry Pi OS is required to boot the Raspberry Pi. | As it may be a Microcontroller, there’s no requirement for a working framework. |
It must get an appropriate shutdown; else, there’s a tireless hazard of program issues and records corruption. | It is just a plug-and-play device. It is basic within the truth that it’ll proceed to run as long as the control is associated and gets detached before long as the control is off. |
All the fundamental components like Processor, Slam, Capacity, Connectors, GPIO Pins, etc. are arranged on the Raspberry Pi Board itself | The Microcontroller on the Arduino Board (like ATmega328P) contains the Processor, Slam, ROM. The board contains supporting equipment (for control and information) and GPIO Pins |
The unique Raspberry Pi SBC is around $35. In this way, all the base variations of Raspberry Pi adaptations are estimated at $35. | The cost of a unique Arduino UNO is $23 |
The suggested language for this board is Python, but C, C++, and ruby are moreover pre-installed. | It makes use of its claimed language Arduino and C or C++. |
Raspberry Pi must be powered with a USB Control Connector because it requires 5V 2A or 5V 3A power | Arduino can be powered from a computer’s USB Harbour (make sure the USB Port’s current limit isn’t exceeded) |
Raspberry Pi SBC can perform different errands at the same time due to its capable processor and Linux-based OS | Arduino is ordinarily utilized for running a single errand (or a little no. of straightforward errands) over and over, over and over once more |
It is based on Broadcom SoC, an ARM Cortex-AArrangement Microprocessor | It is based on Atmel Microcontrollers. Arduino UNO employments ATmega328P Microcontroller |
Both the equipment and firmware of Raspberry Pi are closed-source i.e., it isn’t accessible for common use | Arduino is created as open-source equipment and program from the starting. |
You’ll be able to effortlessly interface to the internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet | For Arduino, you would like extra modules or shields to associate to web |
Technical comparison of Arduino and Raspberry PI
Device |
Arduino |
Raspberry PI |
Memory |
0.002MB (UNO) |
512MB (B) |
Clock speed |
16MHz |
700MHz |
Operating system |
None |
Linux distribution |
i/o pins |
20 |
17 |
USB ports |
None |
4 |
storage |
32KB |
No onboard storage |
GPIO Voltage |
3.3v |
5v |
Which board should I choose as a beginner (Arduino or Raspberry Pi)?
As I said over, Arduino finds its use in comparatively less complex projects where one has to perform repetitive task like exchanging on an engine, moving a basic bot, perusing and detailing temperature, etc.
On the other hand, Raspberry Pi finds its use in complex applications where you’re feeling the need to use a computer. Consider utilizing Raspberry Pi in case you’re making a complicated robot, looking to memorize to hack, managing complicated calculations, requiring more preparation control, etc.
On the off chance that you’re getting started and are still incapable of choosing which one to purchase, go and get an Arduino, it’s made for beginners.
What languages do Arduino and Raspberry PI use?
1. Python
One of the foremost broadly utilized programming languages on the Raspberry Pi is none other than Python. Python has a straightforward, beginner-friendly sentence structure (course of action of words, expressions, in sentences) and a wide appropriation rate among the community, giving access to libraries, systems, and devices to assist clients to get started!
2. C++
Arduino code is composed in C++ with an expansion of extraordinary strategies and capacities, which we’ll say afterward. C++ may be a human-readable programming language. Once you make a ‘sketch’ (the title given to Arduino code records), it is prepared and compiled into machine language.
Different models of a Raspberry pi
Raspberry Pi is the name of a series of single-board computers made by the Raspberry Pi Establishment, a UK charity that aims to teach individuals in computing and make simpler computing education. The Raspberry Pi was launched in 2012, and there have been a few iterations and varieties released since then.
Here I enlist all models of Raspberry PI
- Pi 1 Model B (2012)
- Pi 1 Model A (2013)
- Pi 1 Model B+ (2014)
- Pi 1 Model A+ (2014)
- Pi 2 Model B (2015)
- Pi Zero (2015)
- Pi 3 Model B (2016)
- Pi Zero W (2017)
- Pi 3 Model B+ (2018)
- Pi 3 Model A+ (2019)
- Pi 4 Model A (2019)
- Pi 4 Model B (2020)
- Pi 400 (2021)
Different boards of Arduino
Arduino board is an open-source stage utilized to form hardware projects. It comprises both a microcontroller and a portion of the program or Coordinates Advancement Environment (IDE) that runs on your PC, used to type in & transfer code to the physical board. The stage of an Arduino has gotten to be exceptionally celebrated with originators or understudies fair beginning out with devices, and for an amazing cause.
- Arduino Uno (R3)
- Arduino Nano
- Arduino Micro
- Arduino Due
- LilyPad Arduino Board
- Arduino Bluetooth
- Arduino Diecimila
- RedBoard Arduino Board
- Arduino Mega (R3) Board
- Arduino Leonardo Board
- Arduino Robot
- Arduino Esplora
- Arduino pro-Mic
- Arduino Ethernet
- Arduino Zero
- Fastest Arduino Board
How to decide which board is better (Arduino or Raspberry PI)?
The Arduino Uno and the Raspberry Pi 3 are well-known choices when it comes to DIY, IoT, or just fun building projects. They can be used for prototyping and real-world building arrangements (i-e. Into the Blue utilizing Arduino & Raspberry Pi boards for an underwater camera). In case you’re having trouble finding which one to utilize for your project, let’s see what each board offers.
Both boards look comparable, but they are each in their claim category. The Raspberry Pi 3 could be a Single Board Computer (SBC). This implies that the board may be a completely utilitarian computer with its claimed devoted processor, and memory, and can run a working framework (runs on Linux). The Raspberry Pi 3 incorporates its claimed USB ports, and audio output, and features a realistic driver for HDMI yield, appearing how it can run multiple programs.
You’ll indeed introduce other working frameworks that incorporate Android, Windows 10, or Firefox OS. The Arduino Uno Rev 3 may be a Microcontroller. Microcontrollers are not as effective as SBCs, but they can be extraordinary for fast setups. Microcontrollers exceed expectations when controlling little devices (like LEDs, engines, and a few distinctive sorts of sensors) but cannot run a fully working framework. The Arduino Uno runs one program at a time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, on the off chance that you have got a project that includes a few functionalities at the same time, requires simply getting to the Web, and requires media accessibility, the Raspberry Pi 3 will be your go-to board. If you’ve got a project that needs simple reads from sensors, as it needed to do a number of out based on the sensor information, communicates effectively with other machine parts, and need a fast start-up with nearly no other establishment, at that point the Arduino Uno in the event that the one for you.