Last updated October 2026. Prices are US list prices as of October 2026. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means RPi4U may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (learn more).
The Raspberry Pi 5 is the faster board, and after the October 2026 price rise it is also the cheaper way in: a 1GB Pi 5 now costs less than a 2GB Pi 4. Here’s how the two compare, and when the Pi 4 still makes sense.
Quick verdict
- Buy the Pi 5 if you want a smooth desktop, run Home Assistant or a media server, or need fast SSD storage.
- Buy the Pi 5 (1GB, $45) if you’re building retro gaming, a TV box, a 3D-printer controller or a simple sign, and want to spend as little as possible. It’s faster than a 2GB Pi 4 and $22.50 cheaper.
- Buy a Pi 4 only for compatibility, such as a case, HAT or headphone jack you need. At $67.50 (2GB), $100 (4GB) and $165 (8GB) it costs about the same as, or more than, a much faster Pi 5.
Side-by-side specs
| Raspberry Pi 5 | Raspberry Pi 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 4-core Cortex-A76, 2.4 GHz | 4-core Cortex-A72, 1.8 GHz |
| Speed | 2–3 times faster (official figure) | Baseline |
| Memory options | 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16GB | 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8GB |
| Price (2GB) | $77.50 | $67.50 |
| Price (4GB) | $110 | $100 |
| Fast SSD support | Yes, through a PCIe connector (needs an adapter board) | USB only |
| Video output | Two 4K screens at 60fps | Up to 4K via two micro-HDMI ports |
| Cameras and displays | Two connectors, each works as camera or display | One camera and one display connector |
| Power supply | 5V/5A USB-C (27W) | 5V/3A USB-C (15W) |
| Extras | Power button, built-in real-time clock | Headphone/composite jack |
Where the Pi 5 is clearly better
Everyday speed. Raspberry Pi says the Pi 5 is two to three times faster than the Pi 4. You notice it most as a desktop: web pages, apps and updates all feel quicker.
Storage. The Pi 5’s PCIe connector lets you add an NVMe SSD with an adapter board. SSDs are much faster and more reliable than microSD cards, which matters for servers that run 24/7, like Home Assistant or a NAS.
Small conveniences. A real power button, a built-in clock that keeps time when unplugged (with an optional battery), and two connectors that can each take a camera or a display.
Where the Pi 4 still wins
Price, not any more. Cost used to be the Pi 4’s big advantage. After two increases in 2026 the 2GB Pi 4 is $67.50, only $10 less than the 2GB Pi 5 and $22.50 more than the 1GB Pi 5. For light jobs, the 1GB Pi 5 is now both cheaper and faster.
Power and heat. The Pi 4 needs a smaller 15W power supply and usually runs fine without a fan for light jobs. The Pi 5 needs a 27W supply, and a small active cooler is recommended.
Maturity. The Pi 4 has been out since 2019, so almost every tutorial, case and add-on board works with it. Raspberry Pi has committed to making it until at least January 2034.
Which one for your project?
| Project | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Retro gaming | Pi 5 (1GB) |
| TV box with Kodi, digital sign | Pi 5 (1GB) |
| 3D-printer controller (OctoPrint) | Pi 5 (1GB) |
| Home Assistant | Pi 5 (2GB) |
| Media server or NAS | Pi 5 (4GB) |
| Desktop computer | Pi 5 (4GB) or Pi 500 |
| Ad blocker or VPN | Neither: a $15 Pi Zero 2 W is enough |
Still deciding? Try our Which Pi do I need? tool, or read the full 2026 buying guide covering every model.
Sources: Raspberry Pi 5 product page, Raspberry Pi 4 specifications, 2026 Raspberry Pi pricing guide (Mehatronika), Raspberry Pi, October 2026.
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