- The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Extreme Kit is a high-performance option with a 128GB Samsung EVO+ Micro SD card and various accessories, priced at $160.
- The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter MAX Kit is a budget-friendly option with essential components, priced at $125.
- The LABISTS Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Starter Kit is a budget-friendly option for beginners, priced at $93.
Learning the intricate details of how computers work is a skill that promises many benefits for children and adults alike. The Raspberry Pi is a perfect way to uncover some of the mysteries that have perplexed you since you first saw a motherboard. This single board computer (SBC) gives you the opportunity to learn everything you need to know about the basic components that make a computer work. Instead of a boring school lesson, you can put it to good use in many scenarios. In this article, we've rounded up some of the best Raspberry Pi kits you can get your hands on in 2023. Our selection was based on factors like versatility and price, so browse around and find the one that suits you best !
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1. CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Extreme Kit – 160
The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Extreme Kit already looks like a mouthful, but the level of customization and performance in this device makes it a spectacular Raspberry Pi model.
Specifications:
- 1.5GHz ARMv8 64-bit quad-core processor
- Samsung EVO+ 128 GB Micro SD Card
- Four USB ports
- Two micro HDMI ports
- Wireless
- Bluetooth
- LAN
- USB Type-C Power Delivery
Ranked among the best Raspberry Pi kits of 2023, the CanaKit is a great choice for any enthusiasts looking to work on high-performance projects.
The inclusion of a 128GB Samsung EVO+ Micro SD card, preloaded with NOOBS, ensures abundant storage and hassle-free installation. Two six-foot micro HDMI to HDMI cables, a 3.5A Raspberry Pi 4 USB-C power supply with a noise filter, and a well-designed case with a built-in fan mount enhance the kit's appeal.
Although the CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Extreme kit comes with a premium price of $160, the investment ensures quality components and a solid foundation for beginners and advanced users alike.
2. CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter MAX Kit – 125
If you're looking for a budget-friendly kit, the CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter MAX is a device worth looking into. It focuses on the essentials, allowing you to ensure that it performs your specific tasks as scheduled. You might not be able to do extreme projects with just 4GB of RAM, but as a beginner, you won't need much more than that.
Specifications:
- Configuration 4GB RAM
- 64 GB EVO+ Micro SD card
- Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
- Two micro HDMI to HDMI cables
- Raspberry Pi 4 3.5A USB-C power supply
- PiSwitch for convenient power control
- Sleek white housing
This device uses the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, which was originally released in 2019. It is quite modest in terms of specifications, but it is quite efficient in terms of accessibility and ports. It’s ultimately a versatile choice, especially at $125.
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3. LABISTS Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Starter Kit – 93
Stepping back in time, the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Starter Kit from LABISTS introduces the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. While not as powerful as its successors, this kit is still a compelling option, especially for those looking to explore Raspberry Pi technology on a budget.
Specifications:
- Raspberry Pi 3B motherboard
- 4 USB 2.0 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- HDMI port
- Audio output
- Power
- Micro-SD card reader
This kit includes a 32GB SanDisk MicroSD card preloaded with NOOBS, an external USB MicroSD card reader, and a 3V power supply with integrated on/off switch. The inclusion of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a series of ports ensures versatility despite the limitations of the older model. Attractively priced, this kit provides a great entry point for beginners, at a fraction of the cost of newer models – making it one of the best Raspberry Pi kits of 2023.
4. Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero W Basic Starter Kit – 40
For those looking for a smaller footprint, the Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero W Basic Starter Kit is a great option as it is both affordable and compact. At the heart of the kit is the Raspberry Pi Zero W variant, which features Bluetooth 4.1 and 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN capabilities.
Specifications:
- Camera module
- Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable
- Heatsink
- 2×20 pin strip
- Double male header
- Camera module adapter
- Mini HDMI cable
- SanDisk 32GB MicroSD Card
- 2m Mini-HDMI cable
The cost of the kit is a selling point, but buyers expecting a plug-and-play experience should be aware that it doesn't come with an SD card. Still, the Zero W SoC is a useful option for some applications as it comes with a 2.5A power supply, noise filter, micro USB adapter, dual connector, small HDMI adapter, camera module adapter and a heat sink. Priced under $40, this kit is an affordable choice for people with limited finances and size requirements.
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5. LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Complete Starter PRO Kit – 239
The LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Complete PRO Kit is an attractive option for those looking to combine economy and performance. With a variety of connections, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the newer Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB of RAM, this kit provides a solid platform for a wide range of projects.
Specifications:
- 1.5GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor
- 500 MHz speed
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Dual-band wireless LAN 802.11 b/g/n/ac
- 4GB RAM
- 32GB Class 10 MicroSD card preloaded with NOOBS
- Premium black case
- USB-C power adapter
- 3 premium copper heat sinks
A 32GB SanDisk Micro SD card with pre-installed NOOBS, two micro HDMI connectors, a fan-cooled glossy black case, a 5.1V/3A power supply with a built-in on/off switch and other peripherals are included in the package. box. The overall performance and price of the kit make it an interesting alternative for enthusiasts wanting to explore the possibilities of the Raspberry Pi 4 without breaking their budget, even if the build quality of the case is not up to par with more expensive options.
6. Elecrow Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Kit – 340
For users looking for a versatile and advanced kit that goes beyond a single-board computer, the Elecrow Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4GB Kit is a notable choice. Compatible with various Raspberry Pi models, including the Raspberry Pi 4, 3b, 3b+, this kit comes with an impressive set of 19 different sensors.
Specifications:
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- 40-pin GPIO interface
- Fan
- HDMI expansion card
- Compatibility with Raspberry Pi
- Raspberry Pi connection
- Display Connections
Equipped with a Raspberry Pi 4 with 4 GB of RAM, this kit allows users to immerse themselves in programming with Scratch, Python, AI and Minecraft. The ABS shell securely holds the Raspberry Pi and other components, providing a convenient all-in-one solution. With a price tag of $340, the Elecrow Crowpi Raspberry Pi 4 Kit offers a comprehensive set of tools for educational purposes and beyond.
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7. CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit – 135
The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit emerges as the best kit choice for 2023 as the Raspberry Pi lineup grows. This kit offers the Quad-Core Arm Cortex A-76 processor, a major improvement over its predecessors, with a choice of 4 or 8 GB RAM configurations.
Specifications:
- 27W USB-C Power Supply
- 1m White Micro-HDMI to HDMI Cable
- Processor: Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 at 2.4 GHz
- RAM: Up to 8 GB
- Operating system: Linux
- Inputs and outputs: HDMI, USB, Ethernet ports, General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins
A Raspberry Pi 5 Model, a 128GB microSD card, two micro HDMI to HDMI cables, a power supply, and a rugged case are all included in this $135 kit. With this bundle, users can keep up to date with Raspberry Pi developments and have a reliable platform for a wide range of projects and applications.
8. GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Starter Kit – 280
Featuring an impressive 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SD card, the GeeekPi Raspberry Pi 4 8GB Starter Kit is a powerful machine designed for various applications. With a 64-bit quad-core ARM processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, this kit provides ample processing power for multitasking and resource-intensive projects.
Specifications:
- 8 GB of RAM
- 128 GB SD card
- 64-bit quad-core ARM processor clocked at 1.5 GHz
- Price: 280
- Raspberry Pi 4B
- 128GB SD card
- Two 4K HDMI cables
- Four heat sinks
- Power cable
Priced at $280, the kit includes a Raspberry Pi 4B, a rugged case, a 128GB SD card, two 4K HDMI cables, four heatsinks, and a power cable. This comprehensive kit is aimed at users with demanding computing needs, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
9. Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Basic Starter Kit – 39
The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Basic Starter Kit from Vilros is a small, affordable computer ideal for simple projects. It is designed to be flexible and compact, with mini connectors and a 40-pin unpopulated GPIO. This allows you to use only what your project needs.
Specifications:
- Quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 processor clocked at 1 GHz
- VideoCore IV GPU
- 512MB LPDDR2 DRAM
- 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN
- Bluetooth 4.2 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- MicroSD card slot
- Mini HDMI and USB 2.0 OTG ports
- Micro USB power supply
Everything you need for a simple experience is included in the package. The device has a MicroSD card reader and a tiny HDMI port. Photographers can also choose from a variety of camera accessories, including cases. Despite its tiny size and cheap price, the Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Basic Starter Kit is a solid tool for a variety of projects and tasks – which is exactly why it makes our list like the one of the best Raspberry Pi kits of 2023.
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If you're looking for the ElectroCookie Raspberry Pi 4 case pictured, head over to Amazon.com.