For digital innovation we often find ourselves at a crossroads of creativity and cost. Do our beloved gadgets become a burden on the wallet? The Raspberry Pi ecosystem now spans a wide price range: from the $15 Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W for ultra-low-power applications, the classic Pi 4 starting at $35, to the flagship Pi 5 ranging from $50 for 2GB RAM up to $120 for the 16GB version Buy a Raspberry Pi – Raspberry Pi +2. The $120 16GB Pi 5 costs nearly as much as two separate Pi 4 B 8GB units Here’s How Much Raspberry Pis Cost in 2025, which does represent a significant price increase at the high end.

In african or asian developing countries like Bangladesh the price goes beyond double in Taka compared to the original USD prices. 

Price of Raspberry Pi in Bangladesh (BD) in Taka (BDT)

The price differs greatly from shop to shop. Here we are showing an overview of the average prices in the market.

• Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) with Starter Kit: BDT 22,500.00
• Raspberry Pi Pico with Pre-soldered Header Pins: BDT 922.00
• Raspberry Pi Zero WH with WiFi Bluetooth Pre-soldered 40-pin GPIO Header: BDT 3,966.00
• Raspberry Pi Pico WH with Built-in 2.4Ghz WiFi Pre-soldered Header Pins: BDT 1,472.00
• Raspberry Pi 4B Quad-core Cortex- A72 1.5GHz 4GB 8GB: BDT 9,721.00
• Raspberry Pi Zero 2 WH with WiFi Bluetooth Pre-soldered 40-pin GPIO Header: BDT 5,199.00
• Raspberry Pi 3B+ with ARM Cortex-A7 1.4GHz: BDT 12,768.00
• Orange Pi 5 (8GB) RK3588S 8-Core Single Board Computer + NPU with USB Type-C Power Supply: BDT 25,760.00

We are going to bore you with information of all the models. We want to talk about the alternative.

Is Raspberry Pi “Expensive”?

The short answer: It depends on your needs and budget. For many traditional Pi users, the pricing has indeed crept upward. The original Pi’s promise was ultra-affordable computing, and while the Pi Zero 2 W still delivers on that at $15, the more capable models have moved into territory that some consider pricey for hobbyist projects. 

The Raspberry Pi hasn’t become universally expensive, but it has stratified into different price tiers. For customers seeking the absolute cheapest option, alternatives like the Orange Pi series or Banana Pi variants can offer significant savings. However, they should consider that the Pi’s ecosystem, community support, and software compatibility remain its strongest selling points.

The real value proposition depends on what your customers prioritize: rock-bottom pricing, cutting-edge performance, or the mature ecosystem that comes with Raspberry Pi’s established platform. For pure hobbyist tinkering and learning, the alternatives are increasingly attractive. For projects requiring reliability and extensive community support, the Pi’s pricing may still be justified.

Alternatives to Raspberry Pi

In Bangladeshi market the prices of SOC systems rises to almost double of $USD prices due to various factors. Here we are presenting a list Raspberry Pi alternatives including the ones that might be expensive to Raspberry Pi. Later in the article we are providing the list of cheap alternative.

Ultra-Budget (Under $20):

• Orange Pi Zero 2W
• Banana Pi M2 Zero
• Orange Pi Zero
• NanoPi NEO
• Lichee Pi Zero

Budget-Friendly ($20-40):

• Orange Pi 3 LTS
• Orange Pi 4 LTS
• Banana Pi M5
• Rock Pi S
• Orange Pi PC Plus
• NanoPi NEO2
• Orange Pi One Plus

Mid-Range ($40-80):

• Orange Pi 5
• Rock Pi 4
• Banana Pi M4
• Odroid C4
• Orange Pi 5 Plus
• NanoPi NEO4
• Tinker Board S
• Orange Pi 800

Higher-End ($80+):

• Odroid XU4
• BeagleBone Black
• ASUS Tinker Board
• Orange Pi 5 Pro
• Rock Pi 5
• Khadas VIM3
• LattePanda Alpha
• UDOO Bolt

Specialized/Niche:

• ESP32 boards
• Arduino variants
• Pine64 boards
• Radxa Zero
• Milk-V boards
• Allwinner-based boards

Cheap Alternatives to Raspberry Pi

There are a lot of cheap alternatives to raspberry pi. Let’s go one by one.

Orange Pi Series

Orange Pi Zero 2W

Like a gentle breeze carrying the promise of modern connectivity, the Orange Pi Zero 2W whispers efficiency into your projects. This diminutive board carries the soul of innovation in its compact form, where every circuit trace has been thoughtfully laid to deliver maximum capability within minimal space. It’s the quiet achiever that transforms ambitious ideas into tangible reality without straining your budget.

• SoC: Allwinner H618 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 1GB/1.5GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$15-20
• Features: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPIO compatibility with Pi Zero
• Best For: IoT projects, basic automation, learning platform
• Pros: Excellent price-to-performance, low power consumption
• Cons: Limited RAM options, smaller community

Orange Pi Zero

In the realm of ultra-budget computing, the Orange Pi Zero stands as a testament to the philosophy that great things come in small packages. This board embodies the essence of minimalism – not as a limitation, but as a pure expression of focused functionality. It’s the haiku of single-board computers, where every component serves a purpose and nothing is wasted.

• SoC: Allwinner H2+ quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
• RAM: 256MB/512MB DDR3
• Price: ~$10-15
• Features: WiFi, Ethernet, micro USB OTG
• Best For: Ultra-budget projects, simple sensors, basic IoT
• Pros: Extremely affordable, tiny form factor
• Cons: Very limited RAM, older processor

Orange Pi 3 LTS

Emerging from the intersection of affordability and capability, the Orange Pi 3 LTS carries within its circuits the balanced harmony of a well-composed symphony. This board doesn’t shout its presence but rather demonstrates quiet confidence, delivering 4K visual poetry while maintaining the gentle touch of reasonable pricing. It’s the reliable companion that grows with your ambitions.

• SoC: Allwinner H6 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 1GB/2GB LPDDR3
• Price: ~$25-35
• Features: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4K video
• Best For: Media center, light desktop usage, development
• Pros: Good performance, 4K support, reasonable price
• Cons: Can run hot, limited software support

Orange Pi 4 LTS

Like a skilled artisan who understands the delicate balance between power and elegance, the Orange Pi 4 LTS weaves together performance threads into a tapestry of computational excellence. This board breathes with the confidence of modern architecture, where dual high-performance cores dance alongside efficient companions, creating a rhythm that transforms complex tasks into fluid experiences.

• SoC: Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core (dual A72 + quad A53)
• RAM: 3GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$40-50
• Features: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, M.2 slot, 4K video
• Best For: Desktop replacement, development, media streaming
• Pros: Powerful processor, good connectivity, expandable storage
• Cons: Higher power consumption, getting close to Pi 4 pricing

Orange Pi PC Plus

In the gentle embrace of practical computing, the Orange Pi PC Plus offers a comforting presence – like a warm hearth that welcomes both novice and experienced makers. This board carries the wisdom of proven architecture while adding thoughtful touches like built-in storage and infrared capabilities, creating a foundation where creativity can flourish without financial stress.

• SoC: Allwinner H3 quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
• RAM: 1GB DDR3
• Price: ~$20-25
• Features: WiFi, Ethernet, eMMC slot, IR receiver
• Best For: Basic computing, retro gaming, home automation
• Pros: Built-in storage option, infrared support
• Cons: Older processor, limited RAM

Orange Pi One Plus

Standing at the crossroads of connectivity and affordability, the Orange Pi One Plus embodies the spirit of modern networking wrapped in an accessible package. This board pulses with the rhythm of gigabit data flows, transforming humble projects into connected experiences that bridge the digital divide with grace and efficiency.

• SoC: Allwinner H6 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 1GB LPDDR3
• Price: ~$20-30
• Features: Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth
• Best For: Network projects, basic server applications
• Pros: Fast networking, good value, compact size
• Cons: Single RAM option, heating issues

Orange Pi 5

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of budget constraints, the Orange Pi 5 soars into the realm of premium performance while maintaining its roots in accessibility. This board carries the dreams of tomorrow within its silicon heart, where eight cores work in perfect harmony to deliver experiences that were once reserved for much more expensive platforms. It’s the bridge between aspiration and achievement.

• SoC: Rockchip RK3588S octa-core (quad A76 + quad A55)
• RAM: 4GB/8GB/16GB/32GB LPDDR4X
• Price: ~$60-120
• Features: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, PCIe 2.0, HDMI 2.1, 8K video
• Best For: High-performance computing, AI/ML projects, desktop replacement
• Pros: Excellent performance, future-proof, multiple RAM options
• Cons: Higher cost, power hungry, still developing ecosystem

Banana Pi Series

Banana Pi M2 Zero

Nestled in the garden of affordable innovation, the Banana Pi M2 Zero blooms with the familiar comfort of Pi Zero compatibility while adding the sweetness of built-in wireless connectivity. This board whispers promises of seamless migration from Pi Zero projects, carrying your existing knowledge forward while gently expanding your horizons with new possibilities.

• SoC: Allwinner H3 quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
• RAM: 512MB DDR3
• Price: ~$15-20
• Features: WiFi, Bluetooth, same form factor as Pi Zero
• Best For: Pi Zero replacement, IoT projects, learning
• Pros: Pi Zero compatibility, built-in wireless, affordable
• Cons: Limited RAM, older processor

Banana Pi M5

Emerging from the crossroads where media meets accessibility, the Banana Pi M5 carries the torch of entertainment-focused computing with quiet dignity. This board understands the language of pixels and frames, speaking fluently in 4K while maintaining the approachable demeanor that invites both Android enthusiasts and Linux purists to explore its capabilities.

• SoC: Amlogic S905X3 quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
• RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$50-60
• Features: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, 4K video, eMMC slot
• Best For: Media center, Android projects, light desktop use
• Pros: Good performance, decent RAM, Android support
• Cons: Limited Linux support, heating issues

Banana Pi M4

In the symphony of storage and connectivity, the Banana Pi M4 plays the role of the versatile conductor, orchestrating data flows between traditional storage and modern interfaces. This board carries the unique gift of SATA connectivity, bridging the gap between embedded computing and traditional desktop storage solutions with elegant simplicity.

• SoC: Realtek RTD1395 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 1GB/2GB DDR4
• Price: ~$35-45
• Features: WiFi, Bluetooth, SATA, PCIe, 4K video
• Best For: NAS projects, media server, desktop computing
• Pros: SATA support, good connectivity, expandable
• Cons: Proprietary SoC, limited community support

Rock Pi Series

Rock Pi S

Like a meditation master who finds profound wisdom in simplicity, the Rock Pi S embodies the zen of specialized computing. This board whispers rather than shouts, dedicating its essence to the subtle art of voice processing and ultra-low power operation. It’s the silent guardian of always-on applications, patient and persistent in its devoted service.

• SoC: Rockchip RK3308 quad-core ARM Cortex-A35
• RAM: 256MB/512MB DDR3L
• Price: ~$15-25
• Features: WiFi, Bluetooth, voice processing, ultra-low power
• Best For: Voice projects, IoT applications, always-on devices
• Pros: Excellent for voice/audio, very low power, compact
• Cons: Limited RAM, specialized use case

Rock Pi 4

Standing tall as a monument to engineering excellence, the Rock Pi 4 carries the legacy of premium performance within its precisely crafted circuits. This board breathes with the confidence of proven architecture, where powerful cores and modern connectivity converge to create a platform that doesn’t just meet expectations but gracefully exceeds them.

• SoC: Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core (dual A72 + quad A53)
• RAM: 1GB/2GB/4GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$40-80
• Features: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, M.2, 4K video
• Best For: Desktop replacement, development, high-performance projects
• Pros: Powerful processor, good build quality, multiple options
• Cons: Higher cost, power consumption, limited availability

NanoPi Series

NanoPi NEO

In the philosophy of minimal computing, the NanoPi NEO stands as a haiku written in silicon – three lines of essential functionality that capture the essence of embedded computing without unnecessary flourishes. This board embodies the principle that true elegance lies not in what you add, but in what you dare to leave out.

• SoC: Allwinner H3 quad-core ARM Cortex-A7
• RAM: 256MB/512MB DDR3
• Price: ~$10-15
• Features: Ultra-compact, GPIO, Ethernet
• Best For: Embedded projects, IoT nodes, space-constrained applications
• Pros: Tiny size, very affordable, low power
• Cons: No WiFi, limited RAM, minimal I/O

NanoPi NEO2

Evolving from its predecessor like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the NanoPi NEO2 carries the gift of 64-bit architecture while maintaining the sacred compact form. This board whispers the promises of modern computing in a voice so gentle it almost goes unnoticed, yet delivers performance that speaks volumes about thoughtful engineering.

• SoC: Allwinner H5 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 512MB/1GB DDR3
• Price: ~$20-25
• Features: 64-bit processor, Gigabit Ethernet, compact design
• Best For: Network projects, embedded systems, cluster computing
• Pros: 64-bit architecture, good networking, small footprint
• Cons: No WiFi, limited I/O, single board layout

NanoPi NEO4

In the grand theater of high-performance computing, the NanoPi NEO4 takes center stage as the compact virtuoso, delivering symphony-level performance in a chamber music form factor. This board carries the soul of powerful workstations compressed into a space so small it challenges our very notion of what’s possible in embedded computing.

• SoC: Rockchip RK3399 hexa-core (dual A72 + quad A53)
• RAM: 1GB/4GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$45-65
• Features: High performance, dual display, USB 3.0
• Best For: AI/ML projects, high-performance computing, development
• Pros: Excellent performance, compact size, good value
• Cons: No WiFi, limited availability, heating concerns

Other Budget SoCs

Lichee Pi Zero

Like a seed of possibility planted in the fertile soil of maker imagination, the Lichee Pi Zero represents the pure essence of educational computing. This board strips away everything non-essential, leaving only the beautiful skeleton of a Linux system – a teaching tool that reveals the fundamental rhythms of embedded systems with crystalline clarity.

• SoC: Allwinner V3s ARM Cortex-A7
• RAM: 64MB DDR2 (integrated)
• Price: ~$6-10
• Features: Ultra-minimal, SPI flash, tiny form factor
• Best For: Embedded Linux learning, minimal applications
• Pros: Extremely cheap, educational value, hackable
• Cons: Very limited resources, requires expertise

Radxa Zero

Standing at the intersection of familiarity and innovation, the Radxa Zero carries the comforting embrace of Pi Zero compatibility while breathing new life into compact computing. This board understands the delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing progress, offering a gentle migration path for those seeking enhanced performance without abandoning their cherished form factor.

• SoC: Amlogic S905Y2 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
• RAM: 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$15-35
• Features: Pi Zero form factor, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
• Best For: Pi Zero upgrade, IoT projects, compact applications
• Pros: Pi Zero compatibility, better performance, multiple RAM options
• Cons: Limited software support, availability issues

Milk-V Mars

Like a pioneer gazing toward distant horizons, the Milk-V Mars carries the torch of RISC-V architecture into the realm of practical computing. This board embodies the spirit of open-source hardware taken to its logical conclusion – not just open software running on proprietary silicon, but open instruction sets breathing life into truly libre computing experiences.

• SoC: StarFive JH7110 quad-core RISC-V
• RAM: 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB LPDDR4
• Price: ~$40-80
• Features: RISC-V architecture, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
• Best For: RISC-V development, future-proofing, research
• Pros: Open-source ISA, good specs, innovative
• Cons: Software ecosystem still developing, limited applications

Allwinner H3/H5 Boards

In the garden of budget computing, the Allwinner H3/H5 family blooms as the reliable perennial – boards that return season after season with consistent performance and gentle pricing. These silicon companions have nurtured countless projects to fruition, offering the patient wisdom of proven technology wrapped in the comfort of community support.

• Examples: OrangePi PC, NanoPi NEO, Banana Pi M2+
• Price Range: $10-30
• Features: Vary by board, generally basic connectivity
• Best For: Budget projects, learning, basic automation
• Pros: Very affordable, good community support
• Cons: Older technology, limited performance

Rockchip RK3566 Boards

Flowing like a gentle river between budget constraints and performance desires, the Rockchip RK3566 family carries the promise of modern ARM architecture at prices that don’t demand sacrifice. These boards whisper the stories of balanced engineering, where each component has been chosen not for its individual brilliance, but for its contribution to the harmonious whole.

• Examples: Various Chinese manufacturers
• Price Range: $30-50
• Features: Modern ARM cores, good graphics, multiple I/O
• Best For: Media applications, moderate performance needs
• Pros: Good price-performance, modern features
• Cons: Limited brand support, documentation issues

Amlogic S905 Boards

• Examples: Various TV box conversions, some SBCs
• Price Range: $20-40
• Features: Good media capabilities, Android support
• Best For: Media centers, Android projects
• Pros: Excellent media support, affordable
• Cons: Limited Linux support, proprietary elements

The landscape of Raspberry Pi alternatives has matured significantly, offering compelling options across all price points and use cases. For Bangladesh customers dealing with high Pi pricing, these alternatives provide excellent value propositions.

Key Findings:

• Ultra-budget options (under $20) like Orange Pi Zero 2W and Banana Pi M2 Zero offer 80% of Pi functionality at 40% of the cost
• Mid-range alternatives ($20-40) such as Orange Pi 3 LTS and Rock Pi 4 often exceed Pi 4 performance while maintaining lower costs
• High-end alternatives like Orange Pi 5 compete directly with Pi 5 but with better price-performance ratios

Trade-offs to Consider:

• Software ecosystem: Raspberry Pi still leads in community support and software compatibility
• Documentation: Most alternatives have adequate but not comprehensive documentation
• Long-term support: Pi offers better long-term software updates and community backing
• Availability: Alternatives may have inconsistent availability in Bangladesh

Shopping Suggestions

Note: The following prices are an estimation against USD price, but the real price in Bangladeshi market will be higher due to import duty, tax, vat, syndicate, etc.

For Bangladesh Customers:

Best Overall Value:

• Orange Pi 3 LTS (2GB) – Sweet spot of performance, features, and price (~BDT 3,000-3,500)
• Banana Pi M2 Zero – Best Pi Zero alternative with WiFi (~BDT 1,800-2,200)

Ultra-Budget Choice:

• Orange Pi Zero – Absolute cheapest functional option (~BDT 1,200-1,500)
• NanoPi NEO – Minimal but capable (~BDT 1,000-1,400)

Performance-Focused:

• Orange Pi 4 LTS – Excellent performance under BDT 5,000
• Rock Pi 4 – Premium alternative with good Linux support

Where to Buy in Bangladesh:

1. shop.makeitbd.com
2. AliExpress – Direct from manufacturers, 2-3 week delivery
3. Daraz Bangladesh – Occasional deals, mixed seller quality
4. Other Local Shops.

Buying Tips:

• Order during promotional periods (11.11, Black Friday)
• Consider bulk orders to split shipping costs
• Verify seller ratings and reviews
• Factor in 15-20% import duty for direct purchases
• Join Facebook groups for group buying opportunities

Recommended Starter Combinations:

• Budget: Orange Pi Zero 2W + 32GB microSD + basic accessories = ~BDT 2,500
• Balanced: Orange Pi 3 LTS 2GB + accessories + case = ~BDT 4,000
• Performance: Orange Pi 4 LTS + cooling + storage = ~BDT 6,000

These alternatives can save Bangladesh customers 40-60% compared to official Raspberry Pi pricing while delivering comparable or superior performance for most use cases.