The Raspberry Pi has been a game-changer in the world of affordable computers.
The little device may seem like a pipsqueak compared to some of the big-box brands on the market, but it packs a punch in terms of both affordability and function. If you have yet to try out one of these, it’s well worth looking into.
There’s a lot of hype surrounding the Raspberry Pi, and for good reason. However, you do need to purchase a separate monitor to properly take advantage of everything it has to offer.
This guide is going to take a look at the best options for the Raspberry Pi to help you make the most out of this useful computer.
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Who Should Get This
If you already have a Raspberry Pi computer, you need to get a monitor in order to use it. Without one, you’ll still have an affordable computer, you just won’t have a way to control it.
The options listed here are all designed to help you unlock all of the power and potential that’s sitting right inside the little box that has become popular with so many people around the world.
You can technically hook up a Raspberry Pi to a wide range of monitors, but the options you’ll find on this list are specifically designed to be accessible, portable, and powerful.
If you don’t have a Raspberry Pi computer and are simply looking for a monitor for another purpose, you might want to shop around for some other options.
Best Monitor for Raspberry Pi: Our Picks
This section goes over a series of different premium Raspberry Pi monitors and analyzes the traits that push them ahead of similar models.
1. 7-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Durable, accident-resistant screen. 800 x 400 color display. Extremely responsive. Easy to use.
- Connector Type: USB
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Screen Size: 7 inches
This touchscreen display is large, bright, and easy to use. The 800 x 400 color display looks incredible, especially when you consider the different viewing angles, and everything is incredibly responsive. The touchscreen senses all of your fingers for maximum precision.
Another reason this kicks off the list is the sturdiness. Not only does it come fully outfitted with a 7-inch display, but the construction is extremely strong. There’s even a handy adapter board that processes all of the signals from your Pi to the monitor.
This monitor’s screen resolution isn’t the best, but when you consider all of the other traits on top of the wide, sturdy build, it’s more than perfect for all of your Raspberry Pi needs.
2. Elecrow Portable Monitor
- Best For: Portability
- Key Features: Large, colorful display. Amazing full HD resolution. Built-in speakers. Easy to use. HDMI/VGA port options.
- Connector Type: VGA, HDMI
- Weight: 1 pound
- Screen Size: 10.1 inches
Equipped with a large, colorful display and some of the best resolution on the market, this Elecrow Monitor manages to stay portable despite its 10.1, 1920 x 1080 resolution screen. You get a larger package that looks great without the added bulk seen in heavier choices.
It also comes with built-in speakers, which is a wonderful addition to any Raspberry Pi device, as well as both HDMI and VGA ports. Everything is easy to use and connect too, which means any user will be able to get it up and running regardless of their tech experience.
Even with the Despite the name, you should be aware that this is a bulkier item. The monitor itself isn’t terribly big if you need to move it around, but it has a thickness you won’t find in other modern models.
3. SunFounder Display
- Best For: Screen
- Key Features: Full HD display. Great audio. Headphone jack. Dual HDMI ports. Big screen. Strong outer construction.
- Hardware Interface: USB, Micro-HDMI, HDMI
- Weight: 1.24 pounds
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
While all of the monitors on this list come with great screens, the SunFounder has one of the best. Not only is it both large (over 13 inches) and clear, everything shows up in stunning full HD resolution. No matter what you run on this device, it comes through beautifully.
Beyond the display, this larger item has both built-in speakers and a headphone jack. Those dual traits go a long way towards increasing the general usability. In addition, there are 2 HDMI ports, giving you the ability to plug in a range of different devices.
As this is a monitor with a large focus on the screen, it’s definitely on the larger side. If you don’t mind extra bulkiness it won’t bother you, but those that want something smaller might not like the extra weight.
4. Newsoul Touchscreen
- Best For: Audio
- Key Features: Switch between landscape and portrait mode. Frameless, full-screen display. Excellent resolution. 5-point capacitive touchscreen.
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Weight: 0.53 pounds
- Screen Size: 7 inches
The Newsoul Touchscreen is a strong Raspberry Pi monitor that both sounds and looks amazing. The screen, which freely flips between landscape and portrait mode, has amazing resolution alongside a frameless design, while the built-in speakers are as clear as day.
Other amazing features include the 60 Hz refresh rate, as well as the 5-point capacitive touchscreen. This is one of the most responsive Raspberry Pi monitors around, and that’s something you’ll feel anytime you use it. The lighting is excellent as well.
When it comes to drawbacks, this kickstand tends to be on the wobbly side. That can be a bit of a bummer. The touchscreen is not always responsive either. Know that going in.
5. UPerfect Touchscreen Monitor
- Best For: Functionality
- Key Features: 7-inch touchscreen with 10 finger touch support. Type C port. Three sideboard options. Strong audio.
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Screen Size: 7 inches
The UPerfect Touchscreen Monitor is a feature-packed device that comes with whatever you need. It has different port options, a fully functional touchscreen, and three side boards. That inherent versatility, backed by the 10-finger touch, allows you to use it in a myriad of ways.
This is a bright monitor with an excellent display. Other great traits are the all-in-one machine rear housing and premium ABS material. This is a durable device that will last a long time if you put in the work to take care of it. Perfect for DIY projects as well.
Do be aware that this is a noisy device. The features are rock solid, but the fan will run when you’re using it a lot. The SD card can also be a bit tricky to access, if you’re someone who needs one.
6. Miuzei Raspberry Pi Touchscreen
- Best For: Compact
- Key Features: HDMI audio output. Touch function support system. Multi-functional support. Included case and stylus.
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Weight: 1.37 pounds
- Screen Size: 4 inches
With a screen size of only 4 inches, this touchscreen monitor from Miuzei is a great pick for those who put a lot of value on portability. The device is quite light, but still manages to pack a punch through the HDMI audio output, 60 Hz refresh rate, and TouchFunction support system.
That characteristic combination makes this great for a variety of different situations. This also comes with amazing 178-degree viewing angles, as well as a plug-in-play port. There’s even a 100 percent warranty, which is always a nice bonus.
Anytime you’re dealing with a smaller item, you won’t get the best durability. That’s definitely true here, as the Miuzei doesn’t have the strongest shell. This is one monitor you want to be careful with.
How to Choose a Monitor for Raspberry Pi
Taking the following factors into account, your decision-making will be much easier.
Size
A large part of what makes the Raspberry Pi so unique and popular is its highly portable size. If you want to keep those characteristics intact, you want a monitor that’s small as well.
While you can easily pair the computer with a larger monitor that you might already have at home, searching for a smaller option allows you to get a cheap computer that you can take with you virtually anywhere.
The monitors listed here are all between 7 and 13 inches. That’s a good range to look for when getting a Raspberry Pi monitor. Depending on your needs, you can get a monitor on either end of that spectrum.
If you go any larger, it becomes less portable. If you go smaller, you quickly enter smartphone territory. I’d always recommend a smaller, more portable monitor option to match your Raspberry Pi.
Plug-in or Touch Screen
When getting a Raspberry Pi, you can also choose what style of monitor you want to pair with the device. Unlike other computers, you can even get a touchscreen display if you want.
That will provide you with increased portability because you won’t need a keyboard or mouse to use the computer. You can also get a more standard monitor that features inputs to plug in all of your accessories.
Resolution
The screen resolution of your monitor is another important consideration. The higher the resolution, the more vivid your display.
That translates into clear images and crisp colors whether you are doing normal computing tasks, gaming, or watching videos. Resolution does have a correlation to cost, so be aware that higher resolution options will typically be more expensive than lower-res ones.
Useful Tips & Resources
If you already have a Raspberry Pi, you know how cool, fun, and functional the palm-sized computers can be. If you’re just now learning about them, check out this article on all the computer has to offer.
Also, take a look at this video if you’ve just purchased a Pi and are curious about how to set it up. Setup doesn’t take long. That’s another great feature of the Pi and the monitors you can pair it with.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of which model Raspberry Pi you have, you need a monitor to make it work.
The options listed here are some of the best you can find and they all will give you a great interface to unlock all of the potential sitting inside these amazing devices.
If you’re looking for a portable monitor that easily connects to your Pi, the options here can’t be beaten. If you have never tried one of these computers out, I would highly recommend it!
What do you use your Raspberry Pi for most often? Let us know in the comments below.
