Single Board Computers (SBCs) have become essential tools for developers, hobbyists, and businesses looking for compact computing solutions. Among them, open hardware SBCs are one of them, open hardware means transparent design and accessible schematics.
What Is an Open Hardware SBC?
An open hardware SBC is a single-board computer designed with fully available schematics, component details, and often even firmware. This openness allows users to modify, improve, or manufacture their own versions of the board. Unlike proprietary SBCs, open hardware SBCs encourage innovation and customization.
Advantages of Open Hardware SBCs
Disadvantages of Open Hardware SBCs
1.Limited Official Support – Since the community drives most development, official support may not be as robust as commercial alternatives.
2.Higher Learning Curve – Understanding schematics and making modifications requires technical expertise.
3.Possible Quality Variations – Not all manufacturers maintain high production standards, leading to inconsistent board quality.
Examples of Open Hardware SBCs
Several well-known open hardware SBCs have gained popularity due to their flexibility and transparency. Here are some noteworthy examples:
1.BeagleBone Black – Known for its rich set of I/O and strong developer community, great for industrial applications.
2.Olimex A64-OLinuXino – A fully open-source SBC with an ARM Cortex-A53 processor, suitable for embedded projects.
3.Libre Computer Board (AML-S905X-CC) – Often called an alternative to Raspberry Pi, this SBC is widely used in media centers and AI projects.
4.Banana Pi BPI-M64 – Features an Allwinner A64 chip and supports Linux and Android, ideal for IoT applications.
5.Pine64 ROCKPro64 – A powerful SBC that competes with Raspberry Pi 4 but offers better hardware openness.
Open Hardware SBC vs. Open-Source SBC: Key Differences
While open hardware SBCs and open-source SBCs sound similar, they have distinct differences in terms of design, accessibility, and licensing.
What Is an Open-Source SBC?
An open-source SBC refers to a single-board computer that runs open-source software but may not necessarily have open hardware. This means that while the software and firmware can be freely modified, the hardware design might remain proprietary.
Key Differences Between Open Hardware and Open-Source SBCs
| Feature | Open Hardware SBC | Open-Source SBC |
| Hardware Design | Fully available, modifiable | May be partially open or proprietary |
| Software | Typically open-source | Always open-source |
| Customization | Hardware and software can be customized | Only software can be customized |
| Community Support | Strong for hardware & software | Strong for software, limited for hardware |
| Best for | Developers needing full control over hardware & software | Users focused on software flexibility |
For example, Raspberry Pi is an open-source SBC because it runs Linux-based operating systems, but its hardware schematics are not fully open. In contrast, Neardi is an open hardware SBC because both its hardware and software are openly available.
Popular Open Hardware SBCs to Buy in 2025
As demand for open hardware SBCs grows, more options are available in the market. Below is a list of some of the best open hardware SBCs in 2025, along with price comparisons and key specifications.
Top Open Hardware SBCs in 2025
| SBC Model | Processor | RAM | Price (Approx.) | Features |
| BeagleBone Black | AM3358 ARM Cortex-A8 | 512MB | $55 | Compact, industrial-grade |
| Olimex | A64-OLinuXino Allwinner A64 | 1GB / 2GB | $65 | Full open-source, expandable |
| Libre | AML-S905X-CC Amlogic S905X | 2GB | $40 | Budget-friendly, energy-efficient |
| Banana Pi | BPI-M64 Allwinner A64 | 2GB | $70 | IoT-ready, Linux & Android support |
| ROCKPro64 | Rockchip RK3399 | 4GB | $80 | High performance, NVMe support |
Understanding the difference between open hardware SBCs and open-source SBCs is crucial for choosing the right board. If you need full control over both hardware and software, open hardware SBCs are the way to go. However, if your focus is purely on open-source software flexibility, an open-source SBC might be enough.
As 2025 unfolds, more developers and businesses will likely turn to open hardware SBCs for their transparency, flexibility, and long-term viability. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an engineer, or a business looking for a customizable computing solution, there’s an open hardware SBC that fits your needs.