What to use a Raspberry Pi for: Top 10 use cases and unique applications

What is a Raspberry Pi?

A Raspberry Pi is a compact, single-board computer that can replicate many (but not all) functions you’d expect from a full desktop computer. Its low cost, minimal power requirements, diverse applications, and small physical footprint have made it a firm favorite of DIY enthusiasts, programmers, and anyone interested in building tech projects.

The original Pi was created to make basic computer science education more accessible without needing a full-sized and expensive desktop computer. Over the years, this single-board computer has evolved, making it suitable for use outside of educational environments.

The Raspberry Pi is available in several models:

• The Flagship series packs several USB ports, high-performance RAM, and processing power into a credit card-sized PC.
• The Zero series emphasizes minimal power draw, low cost, and Linux compatibility for minimalist programming projects.
• The Compute series offers the versatility of the Flagship models in a compact form, which is ideal for industrial applications.
• The Pico series devices are compact, microcontroller boards typically used for various electronics projects.

The latest Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi 5) offers improved features, delivering desktop-like capabilities at a fraction of the size and cost. For its power source, it relies on a micro-USB or USB-C power supply. Between the efficient performance of Raspberry Pi OS and the compact size of its hardware, the Raspberry Pi provides a powerful platform for building practical software development projects with minimal cost and complexity. 

What to use a Raspberry Pi for

Because it essentially functions as a tiny computer, the potential use cases for a Raspberry Pi are limited only by the user’s technical skill. The Raspberry Pi Foundation has dozens of projects to help you explore what the device can do, but these projects only show a fraction of its full capabilities.

Some of our recommended use cases for the Raspberry Pi include:

1. Desktop PC

As a small desktop computer, the Raspberry Pi can handle many of the tasks you’d expect from a full-sized PC. You can play games, browse the internet, and edit documents with it, especially with Raspberry Pi models like the 400 that integrate the motherboard into a keyboard.

However, while a Raspberry Pi can be used as an everyday computer, it still has limitations in computing power and overall power consumption. Ideally, you should use the latest models, like the Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5, if you’re looking for a full-sized desktop PC substitute that can do light to medium computing tasks.

2. VPN server

A Raspberry Pi can also be used as a cost-effective VPN server, thanks to its low power consumption and affordable price point. You can set up a WireGuard VPN or an OpenVPN server on a Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi VPN servers have surged in popularity as personal, budget-friendly cybersecurity solutions because they can often replicate the core functions of commercial hardware. 

3. Media center

If you’re looking to build your own home theater or entertainment system, a Raspberry Pi can offer the same capabilities as a commercial media center for a much lower cost. Due to its small size, a Raspberry Pi can easily fit into any entertainment setup without compromising space or functionality.

Open-source software like Kodi and LibreELEC can be used to access your favorite streaming services and even organize your media library. Combined with the Raspberry Pi’s low power consumption, you’ll be able to satisfy your entertainment needs and create a home media center without the usual concerns about cost.            

4. Retro gaming console

The Raspberry Pi’s computing power (especially in newer models) allows it to handle the demands of gaming. However, its limited capacity means that it's best-suited for retro games and classic titles. You can even plug in controllers via the USB ports to capture the retro gaming experience. 

You can install RetroPie on top of the Raspberry Pi OS, allowing you to emulate classic games from older consoles and arcade games. If you’re looking for a retro gaming machine under $100, the Raspberry Pi works well — just don’t expect it to be able to run the latest games.

5. Game server

Using the Raspberry Pi’s computing power to run a game server is also possible as long as you’re playing simple games with a small player count. With a reliable USB Wi-Fi adapter and SSD storage system, you should be able to run a game server that supports simple games.

Raspberry Pi game servers are commonly used for hosting games like Minecraft, which feature pre-generated worlds with simple graphics. As with most resource-intensive tasks, later versions of the Raspberry Pi are best suited for game servers to minimize game lag and crashes.

6. Robotics controller

Aside from its computing power, the Raspberry Pi’s use of the Linux operating system makes it an ideal fit for robotics applications. Thanks to many open-source libraries and robotics software, the Raspberry Pi has become the go-to “brain” of choice for hobbyists, educators, engineers, and beginners who want to learn programming and experiment with DIY projects. 

7. Network-attached storage (NAS)

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to manage your files over your home network, a Raspberry Pi may be the answer. With its compact physical footprint, low power consumption, and ability to expand both its storage and processing power, you can easily create a NAS that integrates with your network's devices.

A Raspberry Pi NAS’s performance will still depend on your specific Raspberry Pi model. You’ll also need a way to back up your files since a Raspberry Pi NAS doesn’t have the RAID support found in dedicated NAS systems.

8. Home automation hub

The internet of things (IoT) has made smart devices a staple in every home. A Raspberry Pi can function as the central hub to coordinate and control all your connected devices. With open-source platforms like OpenHAB, you can create a unified smart home hub that works across different brands and device types.

You can even create different rules that control the behavior of your smart devices, giving you greater flexibility over your living or working environment. A Raspberry Pi home automation hub is a good fit for those concerned about IoT privacy since it stores your data locally instead of being uploaded to the cloud or third-party servers.

9. Internet radio station

Software like piCorePlayer and Icecast can interface with your Raspberry Pi, allowing you to stream or broadcast audio content with minimal effort. All you need is a sound system or an audio capture device and a stable internet connection. You can even combine the Raspberry Pi’s capabilities with IoT devices to create a seamless, smart entertainment setup.

10. Security camera system

The Raspberry Pi can serve as an excellent core component of a security camera system. Its low cost allows you to invest funds elsewhere, such as additional security accessories.

However, the 24/7 operation of security systems increases demands on computing power and storage. You’ll also have to ensure that your Raspberry Pi’s security software is protected against unauthorized access since DIY security systems can be vulnerable to sabotage.

Where is the Raspberry Pi mostly used in real life? 

Since the Raspberry Pi B release in 2012, the device has become synonymous with DIY computing projects or low-power projects. The Raspberry Pi Foundation stays true to its roots in charity by making the Pi an affordable tool for hardware projects, empowering users to develop their own tech solutions.

Many modern applications of the Raspberry Pi include using it as the “brain” behind hardware and software solutions that would normally demand significant time, cost, or workforce to operate and maintain. 

It’s particularly useful in automation and tasks that require devices to communicate with each other due to its customizable nature, which makes it easy to scale solutions depending on your needs. In fact, according to Raspberry Pi Holdings’ 2024 annual report, 70% of the company’s sales were attributed to industrial and commercial use.

What are the unique ways to use a Raspberry Pi?

The Raspberry Pi’s low cost, adaptability, and overall ease of use make its potential applications virtually limitless, only held back by the user's technical skill or interests. In some cases, its applications stay within its usual scope, like being used as a web server or a print server using CUPS (a common Unix printing system). Meanwhile, in other applications, they form the core of critical services like healthcare emergency response. 

Raspberry Pis are also used as cost-effective VPN servers or for securely accessing files. By setting up a Raspberry Pi VPN, you can protect your online activity. For example, services like NordVPN’s Raspberry Pi support give you peace of mind while browsing online.

Overall, the uniqueness of the Raspberry Pi’s applications comes down to how it can address your specific needs. If you’ve encountered a small problem that could be solved with coding, chances are the Raspberry Pi can bring that solution to life.

What are the advantages of using a Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi devices come with several perks, including:

• Compact size. Raspberry Pi systems take up less space and often require less hardware than full-sized computer systems and setups.
• Cost-efficient. While slightly less powerful than typical desktop computers, Raspberry Pi devices provide sufficient computing power for many tasks at a lower cost.
• Versatile applications. Raspberry Pi devices run Linux, an operating system known for its flexibility and open-source software environment.
• Energy-efficient. Raspberry Pi systems use less power than dedicated hardware like computer servers or traditional desktops.

What are the disadvantages of using a Raspberry Pi?

Although the Raspberry Pi offers many of the same features as a regular computer, it does have some drawbacks:

• Limited CPU, RAM, and storage. The small physical footprint of a Raspberry Pi limits its ability to run more resource-intensive tasks or locally store large amounts of data.
• Overheating. Pushing a Raspberry Pi to its operational limits can overheat the motherboard, which cannot efficiently dissipate heat.
• Limited graphics support. Raspberry Pi units sacrifice graphics support for compact computing power, which means they can’t support high-end video gaming and graphics rendering.
• Security concerns. The open-source nature of most Raspberry Pi applications can increase exposure to cyberattacks if not properly secured.
• Limited hardware/software support. Most commercial tech manufacturers or publishers don’t have dedicated or updated support for Raspberry Pi devices, which limits their potential applications and compatibility.

While the Raspberry Pi has its limitations, it’s still a great option for many projects. Its low cost and flexibility make it popular with beginners and experienced users alike. With some creativity and patience, you can use it to build useful tools or learn new skills.