Arduino vs Raspberry Pi: Key Differences & Comparison Table

Any IoT project requires specific hardware for its proper operation. When adopting the Internet of Things, you likely choose between the two most popular options: Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

They are widely used, with over 45 million Raspberry Pi computers and over 10 million Arduino boards sold worldwide. At first sight, they may seem similar as they both comprise resistors, capacitors, and connectors. Nevertheless, these boards differ significantly in architecture and use purposes.

In this article, we’ll compare Arduino and Raspberry Pi to help you choose the most viable option for your IoT project. We’ll outline their technical specs, working principles, and capabilities so you know what works best for your business.

WebbyLab, a professional IoT hardware and software development vendor, has extensive experience with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi. We’ll use our expertise to provide practical insights, sharing our projects 2Smart Cloud, Propuskator, and more.

Before Comparing Arduino vs Raspberry Pi: WebbyLab Experience

As experts in IoT development, we believe that Arduino and Raspberry Pi should be used selectively, as these controllers may not be suitable for constructing typical IoT devices for consumer electronics.

Arduino Use Cases We Highlight

We haven’t used Arduino in production devices, as many alternatives surpass it in terms of capabilities and price. However, we utilize it as a tool for testing other hardware solutions, such as robots or emulators, because Arduino enables the easy development of a test bench to imitate specific behaviors.

Additionally, Arduino is suitable for products that involve user interaction for modification and development. With its accessibility, large community, and sufficient capabilities, Arduino is an excellent choice for IoT beginners. If a product targets this audience, it will perform well due to its low entry threshold.

Currently, Arduino has several versions, with the latest holding the potential to become a microcontroller used in the production of ready-made devices.

Raspberry Pi Use Cases We Highlight

Raspberry Pi differs significantly from Arduino and can tackle a wider variety of tasks. The WebbyLab team sees this tool as a microprocessor capable of running more software, open-source solutions, and even full-fledged operating systems.

Raspberry Pi enables the creation of more than just basic devices for data collection or peripheral control. It allows for the construction of fully functional computer platforms or robots and can handle operations that require significant resources.

Our experts use Raspberry Pi as a host for our automation platform or to run its specific parts. This tool is ideal for home automation, and many modern platforms recommend it as the preferred microprocessor for hosting their software. Additionally, Raspberry Pi is very convenient for running third-party software solutions.

Using Raspberry Pi for Integrations or Computations

We have experience creating a guard robot based on Raspberry Pi (more on that later). Our team also used this tool to develop a solution for analog intercoms, enabling users to answer calls from smartphones and open doors for visitors from any location.

Launching Virtual Devices with Raspberry Pi

A virtual device is a service that can run on most operating systems and perform certain functions within a platform’s framework, such as obtaining a weather forecast. Like Arduino, Raspberry Pi is well-suited for products where users interact with the hardware.

In general, both devices are popular among enthusiasts and tech-savvy IoT platform users. However, businesses can explore many alternatives to build custom IoT solutions for consumer electronics or industrial tasks, depending on their specific requirements.

What Is Arduino?

Starting our comparison of Raspberry Pi vs Arduino, let’s figure out what the latter is.

An Arduino board is an open-source microcontroller device used for interactive electronic projects. It comprises input/output pins, voltage regulators, USB interfaces, crystal oscillators, and other microcontroller components on a single circuit board.

Arduino can be used to read a variety of inputs. For instance, a sensor’s light or a user pressing a button. Then, it produces an output— turning on or off a lamp or starting an engine.

You can program this board for your IoT project using the Arduino integrated development environment (IDE) that allows writing, compiling, and uploading code and C or C++ programming languages.

Key Arduino Board Features

Here are the core features of an Arduino board:

• Open-source hardware and software platform
• Programmable using the Arduino IDE, based on the C/C++ programming languages
• Easy-to-use input/output pins for connecting sensors, actuators, and other peripherals
• Built-in USB connector
• 8-bit microcontroller
• Suitable for prototyping and DIY electronics projects
• Wide range of applications: robotics, home automation, and wearable technology
• Large online community and extensive documentation and resources available

What Is Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi (RPI) is a credit-card-sized single-board computer. It comprises a processor, memory, input/output pins, HDMI, Ethernet, USB ports, and a graphics driver. This device has all characteristics of a regular PC, even its operating system, Raspberry Pi OS (essentially a Linux version). You can connect this board to a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other gadgets.

Key Raspberry Pi Board Features

Here are the primary features of Raspberry Pi:

• Low-cost, credit-card-sized computer
• Various operating systems support, including Linux, Windows, and Chrome OS
• Several input/output options, including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and GPIO
• Programmable using a variety of programming languages, including Python, C++, and Java
• 64-bit quad-core processor
• Supports hardware add-ons, such as cameras, sensors, and displays
• Suitable for DIY electronics projects, such as home automation, media centers, gaming systems, and robotics
• Large online community and comprehensive documentation

Key Difference Between Raspberry Pi and Arduino

As you can see, both Arduino and Raspberry Pi suit IoT projects in robotics, home automation, and more. But which board to choose in the end? And what is the difference between Arduino and Raspberry Pi? Let’s figure this out by studying the following aspects:

Technical Specs

Raspberry Pi is an SBC with a microprocessor, while Arduino is a microcontroller board. The first has more robust CPU and memory capabilities than Arduino. It also offers an Ethernet, HDMI, and USB port, while Arduino only has a USB connector.

For a more precise comparison, let’s look at the latest board versions’ specifications, Arduino UNO vs Raspberry Pi:

Arduino UNO R3

• Clock speed: 16 MHz
• Memory: 2KB SRAM, 32KB FLASH, 1KB EEPROM
• GPIO pins: 14
• Operating voltage: 5V

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

• Clock speed: 1.5 GHz
• Memory: 4 GB embedded multi-media card (eMMC)
• GPIO pins: 40 
• Operating voltage: 3.3V

Only by looking at these boards’ clock speed can you notice the significant superiority of Raspberry Pi, being a hundred times faster than Arduino.

Operating Principles

The Raspberry Pi is a general-purpose computer that runs an operating system like any other computer. On the other hand, Arduino is a microcontroller programmed to perform specific tasks.

For example, the WebbyLab team used Arduino as a robot that emulated raising a card or key fob to a tag reader connected to our access control and management system, Propuskator. Namely, this robot repeatedly and with a set frequency brought the tag to the reader. As a result, with the help of Arduino, we could test our ACS solution under close-to-reality conditions.

Using Arduino microcontrollers in IoT-based electronic door locks.

Operating System

Raspberry Pi can run various operating systems like Linux, Android, and Windows 10, while Arduino doesn’t have a dedicated operating system. Instead, it uses a specialized programming language that runs directly on the microcontroller.

Data Processing Unit

Raspberry Pi is a microprocessor-based mini-computer that offers typical computer functions like memory, storage, and processor. Conversely, Arduino uses a microcontroller, essentially a computer on a chip. The microcontroller on an Arduino board has less memory and processing power than the microprocessor on a Raspberry Pi board.

Clock Speed

In terms of clock speed, Raspberry Pi excels. Raspberry Pi boards typically have a clock speed of 1 GHz or higher, while Arduino boards can offer around 16 MHz. Yet, the clock speed may be higher in more complex Arduino models like Portenta H7.

Power Management

Raspberry Pi requires more power due to its higher processing capacities and extra components. These boards typically need a power supply with a higher wattage and voltage than Arduino. In contrast, Arduino can be powered directly from a USB port.

Use Cases

Arduino is typically used for controlling and monitoring devices like sensors, motors, and lights. It works perfectly for simple and small-scale projects where real-time interaction is required. Businesses can also use Arduino for standalone solutions.

Raspberry Pi suits complex, high-performance projects requiring internet connectivity, multimedia features, and advanced programming languages. For example, based on it, WebbyLab created a Proof of Concept for a home security robot. Our engineers developed the firmware for the Raspberry Pi and connected it to our 2Smart Cloud automation platform.

A Raspberry Pi board inside the home security robot built by WebbyLab.

Costs

Arduino boards are generally cheaper than Raspberry Pi boards, costing $10 to $50. Raspberry Pi boards are slightly more expensive, from $35 to $75.

Raspberry Pi vs Arduino: Key Parameters Comparison

Let’s finalize our comparison of Arduino versus Raspberry Pi by summarizing these boards’ key parameters. Find them in the table below:

Arduino vs Raspberry Pi for Robotics and IoT: Which One to Choose?

Both Arduino and Raspberry Pi work well for robotic and IoT devices. Each board has its strengths and weaknesses, so when choosing the right one for your project, you should consider your specific needs and requirements. Here are some points to pay attention to:

• Computing power. Being a mini-computer and running an operating system, Raspberry Pi has significantly more computing capacity than Arduino. It makes it a better choice for projects that require processing large amounts of data or running complex algorithms.
• Connectivity. Raspberry Pi has built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities, which makes it easier to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. You need to install additional components, like shields, to add connectivity features when using Arduino.
• Analog inputs. Arduino is better suited for projects that require analog inputs, such as reading sensors or controlling motors. Raspberry Pi can handle analog inputs but requires additional components, such as an analog-to-digital converter.
• Cost. Arduino boards are a bit cheaper than Raspberry Pi devices. Thus, Arduino is a good choice for simple projects or projects with a tight budget. Learn more about the cost of an IoT prototype in our latest article.

WebbyLab’s Expert Opinion on the Difference Between Arduino and Raspberry Pi

WebbyLab is an experienced IoT hardware and software vendor. We have successfully delivered numerous Internet of Things solutions using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and other alternatives. Learn more about our work to understand which board will suit your project better.

2Smart Cloud IoT Platform Connected with Arduino and Raspberry Pi

The 2Smart Cloud IoT platform we create supports any microcontroller. To connect Arduino or Raspberry Pi to this software, developers only need to review the 2Smart Cloud documentation and create compatible firmware.

2Smart Cloud mobile application.

When it comes to choosing a suitable board for your project, it depends. A possible problem for developers may be needing a Wi-Fi module in the selected microcontroller, which isn’t included in the basic Arduino versions. That’s why WebbyLab recommends choosing a board that supports Internet connectivity. Otherwise, ensuring the connection in another way will become an additional task during development.

Our team has experience using both Arduino and Raspberry Pi for our projects based on the 2Smart Cloud platform. The Raspberry Pi is our recommended option, as its JavaScript-based SDK makes writing the firmware easier. We can only offer documentation for creating firmware for other MCUs, including Arduino.

Our Raspberry Pi Implementation Examples

As we consider Raspberry Pi a more versatile option for IoT projects, we used it in several cases:

• Test launch of the 2Smart Standalone automation platform on Raspberry Pi to check the possibility of its deployment on this single-board computer.
• Writing virtual bridges to run on the Raspberry Pi, such as a weather station, and monitoring the state of the physical characteristics of this single-board computer with integration into 2Smart Cloud.
• Creating a Proof of Concept of the analog intercom converter for further use in our access control and management platform, Propuskator.

Still, choosing between Arduino and Raspberry Pi is solely up to your project requirements. Both can benefit the IoT solutions and programs if their specifications meet the project needs.

Arduino or Raspberry Pi: What’s Your Final Choice?

Which is better Raspberry Pi or Arduino? In fact, both are great boards to drive your IoT implementation. Your choice will mostly depend on the particular requirements of your project.

Arduino is ideal for simple IoT solutions, while Raspberry Pi suits more complex projects requiring extensive data processing capabilities. Determine your budget, connectivity, computing power, and input needs to come up with a final decision.

Regardless of which board you select for your Internet of Things solution, the WebbyLab team is here to help. We have experience with Arduino and Raspberry Pi and can implement any of those for you. Got interested? Feel free to contact our experts.