Best Python Single-Board Computers for Development in 2025
Python single-board computers have transformed prototyping and IoT development, providing powerful computing in small, affordable packages. In this guide, we'll compare top options like the Kiwi Pi 5, Raspberry Pi, and other boards ideal for Python programming.
Why choose Python for Single Board Computers?
Python has become the common language of single board computing because of its simplicity and wide library support. Here's why it's perfect for SBCs:
Advantages of Python for SBC Development
Easy GPIO Control - Libraries such as RPi.GPIO and GPIO Zero make hardware interaction easier.
AI/ML Readiness - TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch, and OpenCV run efficiently on modern SBCs
Rapid Prototyping - Test ideas quickly without complex compilation
Cross-Platform Compatibility - Code often runs unchanged across different boards
Key Features to Look For
Python 3.9+ Support - Ensure compatibility with modern libraries
Adequate RAM - ≥2GB for machine learning applications
GPIO Pins - For sensor and actuator connectivity
Cooling Solutions - Python can be resource-intensive
Top Python Single Board Computers Reviewed
We've evaluated the most popular SBCs for Python development across different use cases.
Performance Comparison
| Feature | Kiwi Pi 5 | Raspberry Pi 5 | Orange Pi 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python Benchmarks (PyPerformance) | 1.8× faster than Pi 4 | 1.5× faster than Pi 4 | 1.6× faster than Pi 4 |
| AI Acceleration | 6 TOPS NPU | None | 6 TOPS NPU |
| Recommended Python Use | Computer vision, edge AI | Education, IoT | Multimedia processing |
Why Kiwi Pi 5 Excels for Python
The Kiwi Pi 5 series offers exceptional Python support with:
Pre-installed Python 3.11 on default OS images
RKNN toolkit for accelerated machine learning
4GB/32GB RAM options for large datasets
Active cooling for sustained performance
Getting Started with Python on SBCs
Setting Up Your Development Environment
Most modern single-board computers running Linux come with Python pre-installed. For the best setup:
Update to the latest Python version using your package manager
Install virtual environments (
python3 -m venv)Consider Thonny IDE for beginners or VS Code for advanced users
Essential Python Libraries for SBCs
GPIO Control: gpiozero, RPi.GPIO
Computer Vision: OpenCV, SimpleCV
IoT Protocols: Paho-MQTT, Requests
Data Science: NumPy, Pandas (for compatible boards)
Choosing Your Python SBC
When choosing a Python single-board computer:
For AI/ML projects, consider Kiwi Pi 5 with NPU acceleration
Educational purposes often favor Raspberry Pi's extensive community
Budget-conscious developers might prefer Orange Pi
All modern SBCs support Python, but their performance varies greatly. Assess your project's needs for RAM, I/O, and specialized hardware like NPUs before making a decision.
Explore Kiwi Pi 5 for Python
