Choosing the right development board depends on what you need. Many beginners choose Arduino for easy projects. Arduino is good for simple hardware control. Raspberry Pi is great for media and network jobs. It is perfect for smart home systems. STM32 is best for people who need strong and steady boards. It is used by professionals. Think about your skills, project needs, and money before you pick. Match the board’s best features to your project. This will help you get good results.
-
Michael T. uses Arduino to teach students.
-
Sarah K. makes smart homes with Raspberry Pi.
-
David R. likes STM32 for business products.
Key Takeaways
-
Arduino is good for people who are just starting. It is easy to code and works well for simple hardware.
-
Raspberry Pi has more power than Arduino. It is great for making media projects or smart homes.
-
STM32 is for people who know more about electronics. It is very strong and used in jobs by experts.
-
Think about what you need and how much you can spend. Pick a board that has the things you need for your project.
-
You can get help from online groups. Arduino and Raspberry Pi have big groups that help you learn and fix problems.
Board Overview
Arduino
Arduino boards are simple to use for many projects. The arduino nano is small and fits in tight places. Many students and hobbyists start with arduino nano. It is easy and works well. The arduino nano esp32 has more power and wireless features. You can use the esp32 microcontroller for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The arduino nano esp32 lets you use MicroPython. This helps you write code faster. If you want to connect your project to the cloud, arduino nano esp32 makes it simple. The arduino giga r1 wifi has more processing power and lots of pins for sensors. Some arduino boards, like arduino uno r4 wifi, have special things like a 12x8 LED matrix and a real-time clock. The table below lists some popular arduino boards and their features:
| Arduino Board | Microcontroller | Connectivity Options | Memory Capacity | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino UNO R4 WiFi | Renesas RA4M1 (Arm Cortex-M4) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (ESP32 module) | 32 kB SRAM, 256 kB Flash | 12x8 LED matrix, RTC, DAC, CAN bus, HID support via USB |
| Arduino Nano ESP32 | ESP32 | USB-C, MicroPython support | 16 MB Flash | Compact design, Arduino Cloud-enabled, USB HID emulation |
| Arduino GIGA R1 WiFi | STM32H747XI | USB-C, USB-A, camera/display connectors | N/A | Dual-core processing, 76 GPIOs, audio jack, radio module, crypto chip |
| Arduino Nano 33 IoT | ARM Cortex M0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (u-blox module) | N/A | 6-axis IMU, compatible with various IoT cloud services |
| Arduino MKR FOX 1200 | SAMD21 | Sigfox connectivity | N/A | Cost-effective solution for continuous data collection |
| Arduino MKR WAN 1300/1310 | SAMD21 | LoRa connectivity | N/A | ECC508 Crypto chip, low-power processor |
You can use arduino nano for easy jobs. Pick arduino nano esp32 for wireless projects. The esp32 microcontroller gives you more choices for smart devices.
Raspberry Pi
Raspberry pi is good for projects that need more computing power. The raspberry pi pico is small but can run many programs. You can use raspberry pi pico to learn coding, build robots, or make smart home devices. Raspberry pi pico is different from other raspberry boards. It uses a microcontroller, not a full computer. The table below shows the main features of two classic raspberry pi models:
| Specification | Raspberry Pi Model A | Raspberry Pi Model B |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 256 MB SDRAM | 512 MB SDRAM |
| CPU | 700 MHz ARM1176JZF-S | 700 MHz ARM1176JZF-S |
| GPU | Broadcom Video Core IV | Broadcom Video Core IV |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB 2.0 | 1 x USB 2.0 |
| HDMI | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Port | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 8.6cm x 5.4cm x 1.5cm | 8.6cm x 5.4cm x 1.7cm |
You can use raspberry pi pico for fast and low-power projects. Many people use raspberry pi pico for sensors and small robots. Raspberry pi pico is a good way to learn about microcontrollers.
STM32
STM32 boards are used for advanced projects. Many engineers pick stm32 microcontrollers for their speed and features. STM32 microcontrollers use ARM Cortex-M cores like Cortex-M0, Cortex-M3, Cortex-M4, and Cortex-M7. You can power stm32 boards with USB, batteries, or other power supplies. STM32 boards let you connect many devices. You can use UART, I2C, SPI, or CAN to talk to other devices. The built-in ST-LINK/V2-1 makes programming and debugging simple. You can use many different IDEs with stm32. If you need more connections, stm32 boards work with Arduino Uno R3 headers and ST Morpho connectors. You can save energy with low-power modes like Sleep, Stop, and Standby.
-
ARM Cortex-M cores for fast processing
-
Many power supply options, including USB and battery
-
Communication interfaces: UART, I2C, SPI, CAN
-
Built-in programmer and debugger
-
Expansion with Arduino Uno R3 headers and ST Morpho connectors
-
Advanced low-power modes
STM32 is good for projects that need strong performance and lots of features. STM32 microcontrollers help you build reliable and professional systems.
Development Board Comparison
Performance
When you compare performance, you look at speed and power. Arduino boards like arduino nano are good for easy jobs. They use microcontrollers for simple things like reading sensors. You can also use them to turn on lights or move motors. The esp32 chip in arduino nano esp32 is faster. It has more memory too. This helps if you want wireless features or more code.
Raspberry pi boards give you more power. You can use them for harder projects. They can show pictures, play videos, or run many programs. Raspberry pi pico uses a microcontroller. Bigger raspberry pi boards use full CPUs. This makes them good for smart home hubs or media centers.
STM32 boards are strong for real-time control. You can use them for robots or factory machines. They handle fast data and keep things working well. STM32 boards also save energy with low power modes. The table below shows how much power they use at different speeds:
| HCLK Frequency | Current (A) | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|
| 84 MHz | 0.05 | 0.29 |
| 42 MHz | 0.04 | 0.25 |
| RUN mode (84 MHz) | 0.0202 | N/A |
| RUN mode (42 MHz) | 0.01103 | N/A |
If you want good speed for easy projects, pick arduino nano or arduino nano esp32. For harder jobs, raspberry pi or stm32 boards are better.
Ease of Use
You want a board that is easy to start with. Arduino boards, like arduino nano, are great for beginners. The Arduino IDE is simple and friendly. You do not need to know about operating systems. The arduino nano esp32 lets you use MicroPython. This makes coding even easier.
Raspberry pi boards need more setup. You must put in an operating system and learn some Linux commands. Raspberry pi pico is easier than other raspberry pi boards. It uses a microcontroller, but you still need to know some programming.
STM32 boards are powerful but harder to use. You need to learn about toolchains and set up your project with STM32CubeMX. This can be hard if you are new. Here is a table that shows how hard each platform is to learn:
| Platform | Learning Curve Description |
|---|---|
| Arduino | Beginner-friendly with a simplified programming environment. |
| Raspberry Pi | Requires knowledge of operating systems and programming languages. |
| STM32 | Steeper learning curve due to complexity and need for a professional toolchain. |
Tip: If you want the easiest start, pick arduino nano or arduino nano esp32. If you want to learn more about computers, try raspberry pi pico. For advanced users, stm32 gives you more control.
Connectivity
Connectivity means how your board talks to other things. You may want Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other ways to connect. Arduino nano esp32 gives you Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can use it for smart devices or IoT projects. The arduino nano 33 BLE Sense adds Bluetooth 5.0 for better range.
Raspberry pi boards have many ways to connect. You get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, and HDMI. Raspberry pi pico is smaller, but you can still use GPIO pins for sensors.
STM32 boards also connect to many things. Some, like STM32 Photon 2, have Wi-Fi and USB. Others, like STM32MP157, add Bluetooth and Ethernet. You can use many pins for sensors and screens. Here is a table with some examples:
| Board | Connectivity Options |
|---|---|
| STM32 Photon 2 | Wi-Fi, USB, GPIO |
| STM32MP157 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, GPIO |
| Arduino Portenta H7 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, Ethernet |
| Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense | Bluetooth 5.0 |
-
Arduino boards give you digital and analog pins, UART, I2C, and SPI for sensors.
-
Raspberry pi boards add HDMI and camera support for media projects.
-
STM32 boards let you use many communication types for advanced control.
Price
Price is important when picking a board. If you want something cheap, arduino nano and raspberry pi pico are good. You can get arduino nano for just a few dollars. Raspberry pi pico costs about $3.95. If you need more power, the price goes up. Raspberry pi 4 Model B starts at $35.00 and can cost up to $75.00.
Here is a table with some popular raspberry pi prices:
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Pico (Non-Wireless) | $3.95 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B/1GB | $35.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B/2GB | $45.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B/4GB | $55.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B/8GB | $75.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Plus (B+) | $40.00 |
| Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+ (PLUS) - 512MB | $25.00 |
STM32 boards have many prices. Some are cheap, but others cost more for extra features. Always check the price before you buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Here is a table that shows the main specs and strengths of each board:
| Feature | Arduino Nano / Nano ESP32 | Raspberry Pi Pico / Pi 4 | STM32 Nucleo / STM32MP157 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Good for simple tasks, esp32 adds more power | Pico: microcontroller, Pi 4: high computing | Real-time control, high speed |
| Ease of Use | Very easy, best for beginners | Medium, needs OS knowledge | Harder, best for advanced users |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (esp32), GPIO, I2C, SPI | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, GPIO | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, GPIO |
| Price | $3–$15 | $3.95–$75 | $10–$60+ |
| Expansion | Many shields, easy sensor add-ons | USB, HDMI, camera, GPIO | Many pins, Arduino headers |
| Best For | Beginners, simple IoT, learning | Media, smart home, coding, robotics | Advanced, industrial, robotics |
Which Board Is Best For You?
-
Arduino nano and arduino nano esp32 are best for beginners and simple projects.
-
Raspberry pi and raspberry pi pico are best for users who want more computing power or media features.
-
STM32 boards are best for advanced users and professional or industrial projects.
Note: The STM32 Nucleo boards work well for beginners because they support Arduino shields. You can also use them for advanced and professional projects.
What Should You Consider?
When you pick a board, think about what your project needs:
-
Processing needs: Do you need simple control or complex computing?
-
Memory: How much data will you store or process?
-
I/O: How many sensors or devices will you connect?
-
Power: Will your project run on batteries?
-
Size: Do you have space limits?
-
Connectivity: Do you need Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet?
-
Real-time: Does your project need precise timing?
-
Multimedia: Will you use displays or cameras?
-
Operating system: Do you need Linux or just a microcontroller?
-
Development environment: What tools do you like?
-
Budget: What is your total cost?
-
Timeline: How much time do you have to learn and build?
-
Support: Can you find help and tutorials?
-
Future-proofing: Will you expand your project later?
-
Availability: Can you get parts easily?
You should match your project needs to what each board does best. This will help you get the best results.
Ecosystem and Support
Community
The ecosystem for each board affects how you learn. Arduino and Raspberry Pi have big groups of users. These groups help you fix problems and share ideas. STM32 has a smaller group, but it is more for professionals. The table below shows how the communities are different:
| Platform | Community Size | Activity Level | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino | Large | Very Active | Massive community support, many tutorials |
| Raspberry Pi | Large | Very Active | Full Linux support, thousands of tutorials |
| STM32 | Moderate | Active | Professional tools, advanced debugging |
You can join forums or read blogs for help. Many people post their projects and answer questions online. This makes it easy for beginners and experts to get help.
Resources
It is easy to find learning tools for Arduino and Raspberry Pi. You can use guides, videos, and online simulators. STM32 has learning tools too, but you may need more skill to use them.
-
Arduino Tutorials: These guides help you start with easy projects and move to harder ones.
-
Raspberry Pi Documentation: This site gives you step-by-step help for many projects.
The table below shows how easy it is to find and use learning tools for each board:
| Platform | Quality of Learning Resources | Accessibility of Learning Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino | High - Extensive community support and documentation | High - Tools like Tinkercad enhance accessibility for beginners |
| Raspberry Pi | High - User-friendly with vast resources available | High - Similar to Arduino, with strong community support |
| STM32 | Moderate - Lacks official support but has community backing | Moderate - Practical applications in remote labs, but less accessible than Arduino and Raspberry Pi |
Tip: If you want to learn quickly, pick a board with a big community and lots of guides. This will help you solve problems and finish your projects.
Use Cases
DIY Projects
You can make many DIY projects with these boards. Each board is good for different things. Arduino is great for simple electronics, like blinking lights or checking temperature. Raspberry Pi lets you build small computers or smart mirrors. STM32 boards help you make advanced gadgets, like special keyboards or motor controllers. For DIY work, you need the right tools. You often use Arduino IDE or CubeIDE for STM32. You may also need breadboards, sensors, and wires. The best tools depend on your project. You can read manuals and use test boards to learn more.
Tip: Pick a board that fits your skills and project needs.
Robotics
Robotics projects need boards that give control and speed. Arduino Uno is good for easy robot cars or line followers. ESP32 has more power and wireless features. Raspberry Pi can run robots with cameras or AI. The table below shows why people pick each board for robots:
| Development Board | Key Features | Reasons for Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno | User-friendly interface | Widely embraced for ease of use in projects |
| ESP32 | Powerful, multiple connectivity options (BLE, Wi-Fi) | Versatile for various applications |
| Raspberry Pi | Affordable, versatile, runs full OS (Linux) | Popular among hobbyists for its capabilities |
You can build robots that follow lines or avoid things. Some robots can even see faces. Each board is good for different robot projects.
IoT Projects
You can use these boards for many iot projects. Arduino helps you make simple sensor networks or smart home devices. STM32 boards are good for factory machines and motor control. Raspberry Pi Pico is great for small iot ideas. Here is a table that compares common iot uses for each board:
| Microcontroller | Common Applications | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino | Educational projects, basic sensor/actuator systems, DIY electronics learning | Simple programming, huge library support, extensive shield ecosystem | No built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (exceptions: MKR, Nano 33 IoT), limited processing power |
| STM32 | Industrial automation, motor control, robotics, iot devices requiring precision and reliability | High-speed processing, precise peripherals, scalable family | No built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; steeper learning curve than Arduino or ESP32 |
| Raspberry Pi Pico | Lightweight embedded tasks, iot prototypes, MicroPython projects | Cheap, MicroPython support, beginner-friendly, dual-core performance | Limited peripherals, Wi-Fi only on Pico W, no Bluetooth |
Pick a board that matches your iot project needs. Some boards are better for security and big projects. STM32 gives strong security and can grow with your project. Raspberry Pi has more security choices and can handle bigger jobs. Arduino is simple and best for easy projects.
Media & Computing
You can use Raspberry Pi for streaming videos and as a small computer. Some boards have up to 32GB RAM and two HDMI ports. They can show 8K video and have fast internet ports. These features make them good for media servers and desktop use. The SeeedStudio NPi i.MX6ULL Dev Board can play HD video and 3D movies. This makes it great for streaming. Arduino cannot do much with media or computing. It has little RAM and no operating system. Raspberry Pi costs more and uses more power, but it can run hard programs. STM32 is not used for streaming, but it is good for real-time control.
Note: Always check the board’s features before starting media or computer projects.
Choosing a Development Board
Decision Guide
You want to pick the right development board for your project. Start by thinking about what you want to build. Each board has strengths. Some are a beginner-friendly choice, while others work better for advanced users.
Here is a simple checklist to help you decide:
-
What is your experience level?
-
If you are new, look for a beginner-friendly choice.
-
If you have built projects before, you can try more advanced boards.
-
-
What type of project do you want to make?
-
For simple tasks like blinking LEDs or reading sensors, Arduino is a beginner-friendly choice.
-
For projects that need a screen, sound, or internet, Raspberry Pi is often the best.
-
For real-time control or industrial use, STM32 is the best option.
-
-
What is your budget?
-
Arduino Nano and Raspberry Pi Pico cost less. These are good if you want a beginner-friendly choice.
-
Raspberry Pi 4 and STM32 boards cost more but give you extra features.
-
-
What support do you need?
-
If you want lots of guides and help, Arduino and Raspberry Pi have big communities.
-
STM32 has support too, but it is more for professionals.
-
Tip: Write down your answers to these questions. This will help you see which development board matches your needs.
You can also use this flowchart to guide your choice:
Do you want to learn basic electronics or coding?
|
|-- Yes --> Choose Arduino (beginner-friendly choice)
|
|-- No --> Do you need to run a full operating system?
|
|-- Yes --> Choose Raspberry Pi (best for media and computing)
|
|-- No --> Do you need real-time control or industrial features?
|
|-- Yes --> Choose STM32 (best for advanced projects)
|
|-- No --> Raspberry Pi Pico or Arduino Nano (beginner-friendly choice)
Common Mistakes
Many people make mistakes when picking a development board. You can avoid these problems if you know what to watch for.
-
Choosing a board that is too complex
If you are new, do not pick a board with too many features. Start with a beginner-friendly choice. This helps you learn faster. -
Ignoring project needs
Some boards are not the best for every job. For example, Arduino cannot play videos. Raspberry Pi is not the best for real-time control. Always match the board to your project. -
Forgetting about support and resources
You may get stuck if you pick a board with little help online. Arduino and Raspberry Pi have lots of guides. STM32 has fewer beginner guides. -
Not checking the budget
Some boards cost more than you expect. Always check the price before you buy. -
Overlooking future needs
You might want to add more features later. Pick a development board that lets you expand your project.
Note: The best way to learn is to start simple. Pick a beginner-friendly choice, finish a small project, and then try harder boards as you grow.
Key Factors Table
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| User Experience | Makes learning easier | Beginner-friendly choice, simple setup |
| Project Type | Matches board strengths to your goal | Media, IoT, robotics, real-time control |
| Budget | Keeps your project affordable | Low-cost options for beginners |
| Support | Helps you solve problems | Big community, lots of tutorials |
Remember: The best development board is the one that fits your skills, your project, and your budget.
You need to pick a board that fits your project and skills. If you are just starting, Arduino is a good choice for easy jobs. Raspberry Pi works well if you want to do harder computer or media projects. STM32 is best if you need fast control and to save power. The table below shows what each board is best at:
| Board | Best For |
|---|---|
| Arduino | Beginners, simple electronics |
| Raspberry Pi | Media, coding, advanced projects |
| STM32 | Industrial, real-time, IoT |
Try out easy projects or join online groups to learn more and make sure you picked the right board.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
Empowered by AI, Linked to the Future. Get started on AIChipLink.com and submit your RFQ online today!
