Raspberry is increasingly becoming more and more powerful, if only with a range of 1 million – 4 million you own a small PC and install hundreds of things on it. Normally we will use the Raspberry Pi operating system to use, but there are also 22 operating systems you can install on Raspberry to exploit its full features. In this article, I will list 22 Operating Systems that can be installed on Raspberry Pi for your reference.
Best Raspberry Pi powered OS
1. Raspbian
Introduced by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Raspbian will be the first operating system in the Raspberry Pi research process. Raspbian is packed full of tools and features to make the most out of your PCB (printed computer board). It is also a great introduction to Linux.
Raspbian is usually pre-installed in stores with Raspberry Pi devices and is compatible with all versions of computers.
2. Ubuntu MATE
If you like Linux, Ubuntu MATE is a pretty good choice with Raspberry Pi 2 and above. With support for all Pi hardware including GPIO and USB booting, Ubuntu MATE comes pre-installed with the raspi profile. Steam Link and Minecraft: Pi Edition both support well.
Ubuntu MATE is compatible with Raspberry Pi Model B 2, 3 and 3+.
3. DietPi
Claimed to be the lightest Raspberry Pi Distro available today, DietPi runs on a highly optimized version of Debian. The DietPi installation file is only 400MB in size, three times lighter than the Raspbian Lite slimline.
4. Arch Linux ARM
Most Raspberry Pi Distros are based on the original Denbian Raspbian. Arch Linux is a Linux version for people who have an in-depth understanding of the system, if you are new to Linux you may have difficulty using it. However, once you have a good understanding of Raspbian, Arch Linux will be a good choice.
The versions of Arch Linux ARM support all Raspberry Pi B boards (early, Pi 2, 3 and 4).
5. LibreELEC
LibreELEC is easiest to install thanks to the software that creates the operating system using the SD card.
LibreELEC runs on all consumer Raspberry Pi boards including the Raspberry Pi 4.
6. Windows 10 ARM
If you are looking for a challenge and want to install Windows 10 on your Raspberry Pi 3, you can.
This is thanks to WOA Deployer, which installs the ARM release of Windows 10 onto a microSD card. This can then be used to boot your Raspberry Pi with Windows 10!
7. OpenELEC
Developed to turn your Pi (or other PCB) into a Kodi entertainment hub, OpenELEC is an HTPC operating system. The operating system only serves the purpose of listening to music, watching movies, and entertainment.
OpenELEC is compatible with Raspberry Pi models up to Raspberry Pi 3.
8. OSMC
OSMC is compatible with Raspberry Pi 1, 2, 3, and Zero, with regular updates available through a dedicated administration screen. It is also available as an option in NOOBS.
With the better user interface of all the Raspberry Pi Kodi options, OSMC is quite light, suitable for low-end Raspberry.
9. Xbian
Fast and light, Xbian is a little different from Debian’s Linux operating systems. Xbian has many improvements and fixes faster than other operating systems.
Xbian runs on Raspberry Pi up to 3B+.
10. FydeOS: Chromium OS for Raspberry Pi
Based on the same source code as Google’s Chrome OS, Chromium OS can be installed on netbooks, laptops and Raspberry Pi. Once you’ve installed Chromium OS, you’ll have access to the same cloud tools as Chrome OS.
Retro Gaming OS for Raspberry Pi
Gaming operating systems are supported on Raspberry Pi. These tools can all run on Raspbian/Debian allowing you to play ROM emulator games. These are the operating systems that support gaming on the Raspberry Pi quite well, you should refer.
11. RetroPie
Raspberry Pi’s original retro gaming solution, RetroPie offers emulation of a large collection of retro platforms from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
With RetroPie you can play most Classic Games, even those from arcade machines. All are equipped with the user interface of PlayStation.
12. RecalBox
RetroPie’s main competitor is RecalBox. This system tends to release emulators for some later systems earlier than RetroPie. Eg: programher lehp Dreamcast for Raspberry Pi was released for Recalbox before RetroPie.
13. Lakka
Billed as “a lightweight Linux distro that turns a small computer into a full-fledged emulated console”, Lakka is a clever classic gaming platform.
The official Linux distribution of RetroArch and libretro, Lakka is available for many PCBs as well as Windows and macOS.
14. Pi Entertainment System (PES)
PES is a collection of emulators based on Arch Linux. It handles simulations for 22 platforms, tracking achievements across RetroAchievements.org and includes Kodi.
Written in Python, PES is an approach for those with a preference for more classic gaming.
Heh? DiyesuhahchangeHeyndmoundng for Raspberry Pi
Unusual, eclectic and extremely nasty operating systems are all available for the Raspberry Pi.
15. Kali Linux
Kali Linux is for penetration testing and security testing. This means that you use the operating system and installed tools to check the integrity of the connected network.
Different builds are available for Raspberry Pi, Pi Zero and Raspberry Pi 2, 3 and 4.
16. FreeBSD
BSD is not Linux, but it is like Linux and works the same way. Derived from Research Unix through Berkeley Software Distribution (hence “BSD”), FreeBSD is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world.
You’ll find FreeBSD codes in macOS, Nintendo Switch, Sony PS3 and PS44.
Use the command line to launch apps and games. A surprisingly large software collection is available for FreeBSD. Use your Raspberry Pi to test FreeBSD — it’s available for all versions of the Raspberry Pi B board. Access FreeBSD wiki for more information.
17. RISC OS Pi
The RISC operating system developed by Cambridge was the first operating system for ARM microprocessors, developed in the 1980s. It was widely used in the mid-1990s, eventually being superseded by PCs. run Windows.
For compatibility, use a mouse with a clickable scroll wheel to match the RISC Operating System’s three-button mouse-controlled user interface. Once installed, you’ll find free apps in Packman and commercial options in the Store app.
RISC OS is compatible with all Raspberry Pis up to and including 3B+, including Pi Zero and Compute boards.
18. Plan 9
UNIX-like Plan 9 could be the answer. It is a simple open source operating system, designed by the same team behind the original UNIX.
Booting takes you almost immediately into the popular Plan 9 Operating System, a UNIX-like experience you need to control with the command line.
19. motionEyeOS
Looking to set up home security software and a webcam with your Raspberry Pi?
motionEyeOS runs on all Raspberry Pi boards, including Raspberry Pi 4, Zero, and Compute. It supports USB webcams and the Pi’s own camera, and you can even sync captured footage to Google Drive. Simple setup, if you are looking for a do-it-yourself home security OS, try this one out.
20. IchigoJam
IchigoJam BASIC has been ported to Raspberry Pi. This is the operating system originally designed for the low-power Raspberry Pi sub-board IchigoJam computer from Japan. Similarly, the IchigoJam BASIC RPi is designed for entry-level, entry-level computers.
The operating system is designed to make programming in the BASIC language easy and supports digital I/O, PWM, I2C and UART functions.
Develop Internet of Things projects with Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a great Internet of Things (IoT) platform, thanks to its size, connectivity, and power.
21. Windows 10 IoT Core
Different from the Windows 10 you know, Windows 10 IoT Core OS for Raspberry Pi 3 is a command line environment. Its purpose is as an operating system for the development of the Internet of Things. For best results, you’ll need to remotely connect to your Windows 10 IoT Core device from another PC.
From here, you can deploy software from Visual Studio to it. The Raspberry Pi in Windows 10 IoT Core will also run Python applications.
22. Android Things
For more IoT fun, consider Android Things, a version of Android’s IoT development platform. Use it to connect apps through Google services, access hardware like monitors and cameras through the Android framework, develop in Android Studio.
A smart alternative to Windows IoT Core, Android Things is just a Raspberry Pi 3 operating system.