These Raspberry Pi Kits will either get you on the path or give you it all

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to enter the world of DIY electronics, a Raspberry Pi is a great place to start. It's a well-built, small PC board that uses standard input and outputs for audio and video, standard USB ports, a set of simple input/output pins to connect to just about anything, and most importantly, a massive collection of accessories and a vast community of developers. This spells success, whether you're building a hobby project or a prototyping something more complicated.

The New Model

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Basic Kit

Staff pick

The new Raspberry Pi 4 is a significant improvement over the 3 B+, and this kit from CanaKit has what you need to get up and running right away. This kit features 2GB of RAM, along with three aluminum heat sinks, and a USB-C power supply designed specifically for the Pi 4. You'll just need to get a case on your own when the time comes, or even if you want to.

$63 at Amazon

Bare Bones

Raspberry Pi 4 with essentials

This Raspberry Pi 4 kit comes with a 1GB starter board, a quick start guide, and four heat sinks. Plus, once you've got everything built, there is a USB-C to microUSB adapter to go with the HDMI to microUSB adapter that is also included. With these extra adapters, you'll be able to connect your new Pi 4 to almost any HDMI display.

$45 at Amazon

All ages

Kano Computer Kit

A Kano Computer Kit is an excellent way for anyone to get started with a Raspberry Pi no matter their age. Simply plug it in and start having fun. The kit features the Raspberry Pi 3, Bluetooth keyboard with a built-in trackpad, HDMI cable, and a programmable LED light ring. Kano even throws in a basic clear case (to show off the LEDs) and a microSD card to save your new creations.

$77 at Amazon

Test the sensors

Sunfounder Raspberry Modules Sensor Kit V2.0

As you go through and build your Raspberry Pi computer, you may want to experiment with different things, but don't know where to start. With this Modules Sensor Kit from SunFounder, you are provided with 37 different modules, which will help you to attempt to complete 35 different projects. Plus, this kit includes the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ and all of the modules, so you shouldn't need anything else.

$130 at Amazon

Go Retro

Vilros Raspberry Pi 3 Retro Arcade Gaming Kit

There are some tremendous open-source arcade system images built for the Raspberry Pi, and this kit is a fun way to get started with one. Vilros includes a retro-styled Nintendo case, two USB gamepads, and a 32GB Samsung EVO microSD card. This card is pre-loaded with NOOBS and RETROPIE, so you are ready to play some games after assembling everything.

$80 at Amazon

The Kitchen Sink

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Desktop Starter Kit

Made for hobbyists that want to go to the next level, this kit comes with everything needed to connect to the rest of the world and do cool things. Not only do you get the basics, but this Starter kit features a keyboard, mouse, microSD card, and a cooling fan. And to complete the "desktop" ensemble, there's a six-foot micro HDMI to HDMI cable, which will support up to 4K at 60fps.

$130 at Amazon

Game on the go

GeeekPi Retroflag GPi Case Kit

Do you miss having a handheld game console that wasn't your smartphone? What about something that looks and feels like a Game Boy? That's exactly what you'll get with the GeeekPi Retroflag GPi Case Kit, as you will get a Zero W, 32GB microSD card, carrying case, heat sink, and the Game Boy-like case for old school on-the-go gaming.

$96 at Amazon

Zero to hero

Vilros Raspberry Pi Zero W Basic Starter Kit

The Vilros Zero W Raspberry Pi kit includes the Zero W, which is largely based on the original Raspberry Pi while providing onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. Vilros also consists of a basic case, power supply, and a few heat sinks to get you rolling. This kit is really designed for those who aren't sure about the world of Raspberry Pi and don't want to spring for the "full kit."

$96 at Amazon

The true portable computer

NEEGO Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Complete Kit

There's next level Raspberry Pi kits, and then there's the NEEGO Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Kit. In addition to the expected parts, NEEGO also includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, and a mini keyboard with a built-in trackpad. This is really where you want to go if you want to get everything you think you'll need for the most portable computer possible.

$200 at Amazon

Get started in DIY

You can do so much with a Raspberry Pi. Yes, you. This little PC board was designed with education in mind. It's easy to learn, relatively simple to master, and extremely powerful when used to control things like a smart home or robot. Best of all, they're incredibly inexpensive.

You'll find kits for every level of skill and our staff pick — the Kano Computer Kit — is perfect for most people who aren't quite sure where to start. Like the Pi itself, it was designed as a STEM tool for kids that have an interest in building a PC and programming. But it's a complete system for everyone that's super easy to get started with.

You'll also find the perfect way to get started with the new Raspberry Pi 4 with CanaKit's Basic Raspberry Pi 4 kit. You get the board, the new power supply that you'll need to power it, and a set of heatsinks to keep everything running cool. It's an excellent way to transition from an older version to the new model.

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