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Whether you just got aRaspberry Pi(oranother single-board computer) or you’ve left one sitting in a drawer somewhere, supplemental gear might be the inspiration you need to kickstart a new project. These Pi accessories range from fun to extremely practical.
UPDATE: 1/23/23
This article was originally published in December 2022. We’ve reviewed our guide and after replacing some out-of-stock items we’re confident these products are still worthy upgrades for your Pi setup.
Related:5 Awesome PC Accessories to Buy in 2023
A Portable Monitor
When you need to interact with your Pi’soperating system, you might just connect it to amonitorfrom your existing workstation or maybe even to an availableTV. That isn’t always convenient, though, especially when it means diving into an absolutejungle of cablesor losing access to the PC you were using for project instructions. That’s where an affordable and portable monitor can be a huge convenience.
You have a lot of options, including a multi-purposetravel monitorand a minimaltouchscreen monitor. If touch is a priority, you’re able to get theofficial Raspberry Pi Touch Display. Combine that with amonitor case, and you’ve got something approximating an all-in-one PC.
ZSCMALLS 15.6 Inch Full HD Portable Monitor
This ultrathin monitor has a folding cover that doubles as a stand, so you can keep it stowed on a bookshelf until the moment you need it, or stick it in a backpack when you’re on the go.
Official Raspberry Pi Touch Display
The touchscreen monitor manufactured by Raspberry Pi is small but great for integrating into projects. It wires into your GPIO board so you don’t need an HDMI cable.
Related:What Is GPIO, and What Can You Use It For?
If you’re like me, you only occasionally need a keyboard or mouse to interact with your Pi. When the time comes, you have to borrow them from another setup or dig a dedicatedkeyboardandmouseout of a back closet. you may cover your peripheral needs in one compact unit with a keyboard and touchpad combination unit.
Generic combos are easy to find, but Virlos makes several units with the Pi in mind, includingwiredandwireless options, plus amini handheld version. They even sell akeyboard hubmeant to give you a single-unit experience like thePi 400, but with bonuses like battery power and cable storage.
15 Inch Keyboard With Touchpad
The wireless version of this keyboard intended for the Raspberry Pi stays compact for easy storage and saves you from needing to bring a mouse along.
Vilros Keyboard+Touchpad Hub
If you prefer to move as a single unit, install your Raspberry Pi in this keyboard hub with a built-in touchpad and cable storage for maximum mobility.
More Storage
Do you plan on any Pi projects that involve storing files? Whether you’re hosting a cloud backup, playing through a hugeROMcollection, or running amedia serverwith your Raspberry Pi, extra storage can only be a good thing.
You probably want your setup to stay compact and low-profile, so a small form factor is ideal. Your options don’t get much smaller than aSamsung Fit PlusUSB drive. Your storage space is limited, though, to not much more than your SD card might already get you.
To go bigger in terms of disk space, a full-blown external drive might be what you need. TheWD Elements Portable HDD, for example, gets you terabytes of storage while maintaining a relatively small form factor. If you prefer to gosolid state, theSanDisk Extremegets even more compact (but at an SSD pricepoint). Or, you could get one or twointernal SSDsand set your Pi up with adrive standas a minimalistNAS build.
Keep in mind that, aside from the 4B, most Pi models only supportUSB 2.0. That means you won’t be able to take advantage of any benefits brought by USB 3.0 or higher (though you can still certainly use drives that support those standards).
Samsung Fit Plus - 256GB
Our favorite USB flash drive, the Fit Plus is ultra-fast with a compact build that doesn’t forget the keyring. It’s also waterproof, shockproof, magnet-proof, and x-ray-proof.
WD Elements Portable HDD - 2TB
Store extra files of all types on a portable hard drive that gets you space without taking up space.
A Handheld Gaming Case
Gaming, especially retro gaming, is a ubiquitous Pi project genre. Couch play is relatively simple to achieve, with a monitor or TV to plug into, plus a gamepad and storage to hold your ROM collection. you’re able to’t forget a sweet retro case of course. But what if you want to go mobile?
TheRetroflag GPi 2Wcase can take aPi Zero(or aCM4with theGPi 2) and turn it into a Gameboy-like handheld mobile unit, complete with battery power and an on/off switch that can be programmed for safe shutdowns. It has built-in speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack, and theIPS screenfeatures adjustable brightness.
Other, larger Pi models are supported byWaveshare’s game HAT handheldthat’s built more like a DIY Gameboy Advance. You do have to remember these devices it’s bring-your-own-battery and bring-your-own-ROMs, so they aren’t completely standalone accessories.
Retroflag GPi Case 2 for Raspberry Pi CM4
This GameBoy-style handheld Pi case doesn’t forget the details, like shoulder buttons and a programmable power switch.
Waveshare Handheld Game HAT
Don’t forget the battery with this DIY handheld case for the Raspberry Pi. Reviewers report it’s fun to play, but you may not like the design.
A Surge Protector
Running a server or smart home monitor with your Pi means plugging in long-term, which puts your device in harm’s way without asurge protector. It’s a smart investment for almost any device, but protecting your Pi is paramount now with how costly replacing them has become.
A low-profile option like theLVETEK Outlet Extendercan offer the protection your Pi needs without draining your wallet. If you have lots of devices to shield, though, you may invest a little more in our favorite surge protector,Tripp Lite TLP1208TELTV. Its twelve outlets will likely cover your whole array, plus its modem and coaxial ports add a ton of versatility and usefulness.
If you want both surge protection and uninterrupted power in the face of blackouts, you’ll want to look into a reliableUPS. They can get pricey, though, and if yours has limited capacity, you’ll likely prioritize other devices like yourrouterand main workstation.
LVETEK 5-Outlet Surge Protector
This outlet extender protects your devices from power surges, and the small size makes it convenient for travel too.
Tripp Lite TLP1208 SAT Surge Protetor
An all-purpose surge suppressor that ticks all the boxes as far as protection, versatility, price, and warranty goes.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
If you’re brand new to the Pi world, your options for decking out your single-board PC can seem overwhelming, but don’t let that distract you from the bare necessities.
For one, you’ve got to start with a high-quality power supply. An old phone charger can result in a subpar experience that results in glitches and reboots that are hard to troubleshoot. And, it’s especially important when you’ve got accessories that add power drain. You can’t go wrong withthe official Raspberry Pi USB-C PSUfor the newer models or a well-ratedMicro USB chargerfor the Pi models that still use Micro USB.
Related:Is an Expensive SD Card Better for a Raspberry Pi?
A goodSD cardis also non-negotiable.Bootingup a Pi is one of the rare exceptions in storage cards when quality can make or break your experience. Cards like theSanDisk UltraandSilicon Power 3D NAND microSDare tried and true choices for Pi users.
You also can’t forget theHDMI cable, thoughyou’re generally fine not spending much money here. you may also save yourself some hassle in setting up your Pi’s internet connection by gettingan Ethernet cablelong enough to reach your router. Take care of those essentials, and you’re ready for any project.
