Raspberry Pi Pico vs. Arduino Nano: Which Is Best for Your Project? [2023]

Did you know that the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano are two of the most popular microcontrollers on the market? These tiny devices pack a punch when it comes to powering your DIY projects. But which one is the better choice for your specific needs? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of microcontrollers and compare the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano in terms of hardware, IoT applications, communication channels, processing power, programming ecosystems, cost, compatibility with other hardware and existing libraries, and more. So, let’s get started and find out which microcontroller reigns supreme!

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Background
• Hardware Comparison
• IoT Applications
• Communication Channels
• Processing Power
• Programming Ecosystems
• Cost
• Compatibility With Other Hardware and Existing Libraries
• Is the Raspberry Pi Pico Better?
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

If you’re looking for a quick answer, here it is: both the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano have their strengths and weaknesses. The Raspberry Pi Pico offers higher processing power and performance with its RP2040 chip, while the Arduino Nano boasts a larger community and a vast collection of shields and code libraries. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your project requirements and trade-offs.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the details and explore each aspect of these microcontrollers.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we jump into the comparison, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

✅ The Raspberry Pi Pico is cheaper, starting at just $4, compared to the base model Arduino Nano, which costs $25.

✅ The Raspberry Pi Pico uses MicroPython and C/C++ for programming, while Arduino relies on the Arduino IDE based on C/C++.

✅ Both microcontrollers offer IoT boards with wireless connectivity options.

✅ The Raspberry Pi Pico has more communication interfaces, including 2 UART, 2 I2C, and 2 SPI, compared to Arduino Nano’s 1 of each.

✅ The Raspberry Pi Pico’s RP2040 chip offers higher clock speed and on-chip RAM compared to the Arduino Nano’s ATmega328P chip.

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s dig deeper into each aspect of these microcontrollers.

Background

Before we jump into the comparison, let’s take a quick look at the background and history of these microcontrollers. Understanding their origins will give us a better perspective on their capabilities and use cases.

1. Hardware Comparison

When it comes to hardware, the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano have some key differences. Let’s compare their specifications side by side:

Specification	Raspberry Pi Pico	Arduino Nano
Microcontroller	RP2040 SoC with Arm Cortex-M0+ dual-core	ATmega328
Clock Speed	133MHz	16MHz
On-chip RAM	264kB	2kB
On-chip Flash Memory	2MB	32kB
GPIO Pins	26	22
I/O Pins Voltage	3.3V	5V
Power Supply Voltage	5V	7-12V
Dimensions	51.3 x 21mm	18 x 45mm

As you can see, the Raspberry Pi Pico boasts a more powerful microcontroller with higher clock speed, more RAM, and more flash memory. It also offers more GPIO pins and operates at a lower voltage. On the other hand, the Arduino Nano is smaller in size and has a wider range of power supply voltage.

2. IoT Applications

Both the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano are capable of powering IoT projects. They offer IoT boards with wireless connectivity options, allowing you to connect your projects to the internet and build smart devices. Whether you’re building a home automation system or a weather station, both microcontrollers have the capabilities to get the job done.

3. Communication Channels

When it comes to communication interfaces, the Raspberry Pi Pico has the upper hand. It offers 2 UART, 2 I2C, and 2 SPI interfaces, providing more flexibility for connecting to other devices. On the other hand, the Arduino Nano offers 1 of each interface, which may be sufficient for many projects but limits the options for more complex setups.

4. Processing Power

One of the key differences between the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano is their processing power. The Raspberry Pi Pico’s RP2040 chip offers a higher clock speed of 133MHz, providing more processing power and performance. This makes it a great choice for projects that require more computational capabilities. On the other hand, the Arduino Nano’s ATmega328P chip operates at a clock speed of 16MHz, which is still sufficient for many projects but may not be as powerful as the Raspberry Pi Pico.

5. Programming Ecosystems

When it comes to programming, both microcontrollers offer different ecosystems. The Raspberry Pi Pico uses MicroPython and C/C++ for programming, which provides a high-level language option and a familiar programming environment for Python enthusiasts. On the other hand, Arduino relies on the Arduino IDE, which is based on C/C++. The Arduino IDE has a large community and a vast collection of code libraries, making it easy to find pre-written code for various applications.

6. Cost

If cost is a major factor for you, then the Raspberry Pi Pico is the clear winner. Starting at just $4, it is significantly cheaper than the base model Arduino Nano, which costs $25. This makes the Raspberry Pi Pico an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects or for those who want to experiment without breaking the bank.

7. Compatibility With Other Hardware and Existing Libraries

One of the advantages of the Arduino Nano is its compatibility with a wide range of shields and code libraries. Arduino has a massive collection of shields, which are add-on boards that provide additional functionality, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or motor control. Additionally, Arduino has a vast community that has developed numerous code libraries, making it easy to find pre-written code for various applications. This compatibility and community support make the Arduino Nano a great choice for beginners or those who want to leverage existing resources.

Is the Raspberry Pi Pico Better?

Now, the big question: is the Raspberry Pi Pico better than the Arduino Nano? The answer is not that simple. It depends on your project requirements and trade-offs. If you need more processing power and performance, the Raspberry Pi Pico’s RP2040 chip is the way to go. However, if you value a larger community, a vast collection of shields, and code libraries, the Arduino Nano is a solid choice. Ultimately, the “better” microcontroller comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ

Which is better Arduino Nano or Raspberry Pi Pico?

Both the Arduino Nano and Raspberry Pi Pico have their strengths and weaknesses. The Arduino Nano is better if you value a larger community, a vast collection of shields, and code libraries. On the other hand, the Raspberry Pi Pico is better if you need more processing power and performance.

Read more about “Why Raspberry Pi Pico is Better than Arduino?”

What is the Arduino equivalent of the Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Arduino equivalent of the Raspberry Pi Pico would be the Arduino Nano. Both microcontrollers are popular choices for DIY projects and offer similar functionalities.

Why Arduino Nano is better than Raspberry Pi?

The Arduino Nano is better than the Raspberry Pi in terms of its compatibility with a wide range of shields and code libraries. Arduino has a massive collection of shields, making it easy to add additional functionality to your projects. Additionally, Arduino has a large community that has developed numerous code libraries, making it easy to find pre-written code for various applications.

Read more about “Why are Raspberry Pi So Expensive? …”

What is the difference between Raspberry Pi Pico and atmega328?

The main difference between the Raspberry Pi Pico and ATmega328 is the microcontroller they use. The Raspberry Pi Pico uses the RP2040 SoC with Arm Cortex-M0+ dual-core, while the ATmega328 is used in the Arduino Nano. The Raspberry Pi Pico offers higher clock speed, more RAM, and more flash memory compared to the ATmega328.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano are excellent microcontrollers with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Raspberry Pi Pico offers higher processing power and performance, making it a great choice for projects that require more computational capabilities. On the other hand, the Arduino Nano boasts a larger community and a vast collection of shields and code libraries, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who want to leverage existing resources. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your specific project requirements and trade-offs.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino Nano. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision and choose the microcontroller that best suits your needs. Happy tinkering!

Recommended Links

• **CHECK PRICE on: ** Raspberry Pi Pico | Arduino Nano
• **Shop Raspberry Pi Pico on: ** Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• **Shop Arduino Nano on: ** Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
• Raspberry Pi Pico vs. Arduino Nano: Which Is Best for Your Project? Why Pi™
• Pi in Mathematics Why Pi™
• Electronics Industry News Why Pi™
• Pi History Why Pi™
• Pi Puzzles and Problems Why Pi™

Reference Links

• Raspberry Pi Pico vs. Arduino Nano: Which Is Best for Your Project?
• Raspberry Pi Pico
• Arduino Nano
• RP2040 Datasheet
• ATmega328 Datasheet
• MicroPython
• Arduino IDE
• Arduino Shields
• Arduino Libraries