The Raspberry Pi is often the star of the show when you need a powerful brain and control hub for your DIY projects, but there are plenty of alternative models to the popular single-board computer, or SBC. Also: Meet the most affordable Raspberry Pi ever: What’s new and why it’s so cheapWhy use an SBC at all? SBCs are computers built on a single circuit board and contain all the essentials: A processor, memory, storage, and more. Some SBCs offer better bang for your buck than a Raspberry Pi or have extra features suitable for specific uses, such as video streaming or artificial intelligence applications. Others offer a fun way to learn programming. The Raspberry Pi is now in its fifth generation, and while these SBCs are very affordable, stocks can become limited, especially during sales events or with a new product launch.We’ve researched to help you find the perfect SBC for your home automation, custom gadget creation, or robot you’ve always wanted to build. The ZDNET team is well-versed in SBC use and combines hands-on testing, research, and a thorough examination of customer feedback to provide the best Raspberry Pi alternatives. What is the best Raspberry Pi alternative right now?We tested and researched the best Raspberry Pi alternatives based on performance, connectivity and storage, ease of use, and price. After examining the market’s most popular options and customer feedback and reviews, the Libre Computer Board More