Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Raspbian VS Raspberry Pi

Compare Raspbian VS Raspberry Pi and see what are their differences

Raspbian logo Raspbian

Welcome to Raspbian. Raspbian is a free operating system based on Debian optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware. An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your Raspberry Pi run.

Raspberry Pi logo Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a tiny and affordable computer that you can use to learn programming through fun, practical projects. Join the global Raspberry Pi community.
  • Raspbian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29
  • Raspberry Pi Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-28

Raspbian features and specs

  • Optimized for Raspberry Pi
    Raspbian is specifically designed and optimized for Raspberry Pi devices, ensuring maximum performance and compatibility with the hardware.
  • Large Community Support
    With a large user base and community, Raspbian benefits from extensive support and resources, making it easier for users to find help and tutorials.
  • Pre-installed Software
    Raspbian comes with a wide range of pre-installed software, including educational tools, programming languages, and utilities, which are useful for various projects.
  • Free and Open Source
    Raspbian is free to download and use, and being open source, it allows users to inspect, modify, and enhance the source code as per their needs.
  • Lightweight and Efficient
    Designed to run on the limited resources of Raspberry Pi, Raspbian is lightweight and provides a snappy response even with lower hardware configurations.

Possible disadvantages of Raspbian

  • Limited to ARM Architecture
    Raspbian is built specifically for ARM architecture, which means it cannot be used on other common desktop or server hardware without modifications.
  • Basic User Interface
    The default desktop environment on Raspbian, LXDE, is quite basic compared to more modern interfaces, and may not appeal to users accustomed to more advanced GUIs.
  • Hardware Limitations
    Since Raspbian is designed for low-power devices like the Raspberry Pi, it may not support high-end applications and intensive tasks efficiently compared to more powerful systems.
  • Dependency on Raspberry Pi
    Raspbian's features and optimizations are tied closely with Raspberry Pi hardware. Users with other hardware may not benefit similarly from its optimizations.
  • Update Frequency
    The update cycle for Raspbian may not be as rapid as some users would like, potentially leading to outdated software compared to rolling-release distributions.

Raspberry Pi features and specs

  • Affordability
    Raspberry Pi devices are very cost-effective, typically priced between $5 to $75, making them accessible for a wide range of users.
  • Size and Portability
    The compact size of a Raspberry Pi makes it easy to integrate into various projects and conducive to portable applications.
  • Versatility
    Raspberry Pi can be used for a multitude of applications ranging from educational purposes to complex IoT projects, media centers, and more.
  • Community Support
    With a large and active community, extensive documentation, and numerous tutorials available, support is readily accessible for troubleshooting and project ideas.
  • Educational Tool
    Raspberry Pi is widely used in education for teaching programming, electronics, and computer science concepts in a hands-on manner.
  • Energy Efficiency
    The Raspberry Pi consumes relatively low power, which makes it an excellent choice for always-on applications and energy-conscious users.

Possible disadvantages of Raspberry Pi

  • Limited Performance
    Despite improvements in newer models, Raspberry Pi devices still have limitations in processing power compared to full-fledged computers, which can be a bottleneck for intensive applications.
  • Storage Constraints
    The usage of micro SD cards for storage can be a limitation in terms of both speed and capacity, compared to traditional hard drives or SSDs.
  • Peripheral Dependency
    To fully utilize a Raspberry Pi, additional peripherals like keyboards, mice, monitors, and power supplies are needed, which can complicate setups and add to the overall cost.
  • Connectivity Limitations
    Though equipped with various connectivity options, the number of USB ports and network interfaces may be limited, imposing restrictions on connected devices.
  • No Built-in Real-Time Clock
    Raspberry Pi lacks a built-in real-time clock (RTC), requiring an additional RTC module for applications that need to keep track of time when powered off.
  • Software Compatibility
    Certain software and applications are not optimized for the ARM architecture of the Raspberry Pi, potentially limiting the available software and compatibility with x86 applications.

Raspbian videos

Raspberry Pi 4 & Raspbian OS Review

More videos:

  • Review - Raspberry Pi 3B Review - Is Raspbian Linux a real, practial desktop computer?
  • Review - Raspbian OS for the Raspberry Pi 4 8GB 64 Bit OS Full Review

Raspberry Pi videos

Can a Raspberry Pi 4 be used as a Desktop PC - Full test and review

More videos:

  • Review - Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Review: Should you buy it?
  • Review - The Raspberry Pi 4 Is A Gaming Beast

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Raspbian and Raspberry Pi)
Linux
100 100%
0% 0
Electronics
0 0%
100% 100
Operating Systems
57 57%
43% 43
Linux Distribution
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Raspbian and Raspberry Pi

Raspbian Reviews

11 Best Linux Distros For Programming And Developers [2020 Edition]
Distros like Ubuntu and Debian have managed to establish themselves as the top picks when it comes to the best Linux distro for developers. Some of the other great choices are openSUSE, Arch Linux, etc. If you intend to buy a credit-card-sized Raspberry Pi, Linux-based Raspbian is also a perfect way to start.
Source: fossbytes.com

Raspberry Pi Reviews

We have no reviews of Raspberry Pi yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Raspberry Pi should be more popular than Raspbian. It has been mentiond 23 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Raspbian mentions (4)

  • need help with image taking using a usb webcam
    Are you sure as normally folk use Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian comes from here and not the Pi Foundation site here) ? Do you mean Raspberry PI OS and if so 32bit or 64bit and how up to date is it (i.e. Have you recently run apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade)? Source: about 2 years ago
  • Issues loading lightshowpi
    Yeah raspbian.org or something you download PiOS there and they have all the instructions. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Im trying to make a list of how to pronounce MOST Linux distros.
    Raspbian still exists at https://raspbian.org. Source: about 4 years ago
  • EE - Stuff to learn (during Freetime)
    Linux - Sooner or later you may be confronted with Linux. A free operating system, which is not like Windows or this thing with the fruit. It is used so many times, especially in the embedded field. It is not easy to get into it at the beginning, but an easy start is with Raspbian(and a Raspberry Pi, because it's optimised for that) or for Notebooks/PCs Ubuntu. There are plenty of distributions and you... Source: about 4 years ago

Raspberry Pi mentions (23)

  • INFJ wanting to gift an INTP for his birthday
    INTPs are often very good at tinkering and programming so anything from http://raspberrypi.org will be a winner! They’ve got every budget covered from tiny computers for $5 all the way up to the accessories which can be bought on the websites linked on there that’ll turn your pi into a robot or sensor kit or anything really. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Help getting my image working?
    The only thing I can get to boot on any of the 3 boards is the newest pi4 OS image on raspberrypi.org. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Help with 12 year old girl who would like to learn coding.
    Https://raspberrypi.org lots of FOSS tools and fun projects for beginners. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Please report scalpers and price-gougers
    Sure. Do what Adafruit, Sparkfun, Pihut, and the others linked from raspberrypi.org do. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton says that he expects the inventory situation to improve over time and to be completely resolved within 12 months.
    It seems disgusting when you open raspberrypi.org and be presented with slogans like "teach, learn, make" and pictures of kids learning and playing around with the boards when it was obvious what the priority was for the company (spoiler: not those kids in the pictures). Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Raspbian and Raspberry Pi, you can also consider the following products

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Orange Pi - It’s an open-source single-board computer. It can run Android 4.

Windows 10 - Windows 10 unveils new innovations & is better than ever. Shop for Windows 10 laptops, PCs, tablets, apps & more. Learn about new upcoming features.

Odroid - The Odroid is a series of single-board computers and tablet computers created by Hardkernel Co.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

Banana Pi - Banana Pi is a single-board computer made in China. It can run Android, Ubuntu and Debian.