The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The Raspberry Pi Zero is a compact, general-purpose single-board computer. The original model, announced in 2015, has a 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and a 65 × 30mm footprint. It is distinct from the wireless Zero W and the faster, quad-core Zero 2 W.
What is a Raspberry Pi Zero?
It is a small computer built on one circuit board, rather than a microcontroller intended only to run a single embedded program. Raspberry Pi introduced the original Zero as a full-fledged member of its computer family. Its board measures 65 × 30 × 5mm and includes a 1GHz ARM11 processor, 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM, and a microSD card slot for storage and the operating system. Raspberry Pi’s 2015 announcement listed a $5 launch price; that is historical pricing, not a current retail price.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
SANOOV Raspberry Pi Zero 2W Kit | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter PRO Kit - 4GB RAM | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Ports and expansion
The original Zero has a mini HDMI port for display output, micro USB connections for data and power, and a 40-pin GPIO footprint for connecting electronics and accessories. The GPIO pins are not pre-soldered on the original board, so using them may require soldering a header or another compatible connection method.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Which Raspberry Pi Zero model is it?
“Raspberry Pi Zero” refers to the original model. The suffixes matter: wireless capability, processor generation, and whether GPIO pins are already fitted differ between models. Raspberry Pi’s product-series guide distinguishes the original Zero from the wireless and header-equipped variants.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W delivers a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor. And built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support enable easy wireless communication and Internet access for your projects, five Times Faster.
- SANOOV Basic Starter Kit for Pi Zero 2 W Include: 1. Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Board 2.Mini HDMI to Standard HDMI adapter 3.Micro-USB to Standard USB OTG Adapter 4.Aluminum Heatsink 5.40 Pin Header.NOTICE: The kit does NOT include , supply power, case, SD card, keyboard, mouse or monitor.
- SANOOV for Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W features: 1GHz quad-core, 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU VideoCore IV GPU 512MB LPDDR2 DRAM 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN Bluetooth 4.2 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) MicroSD card slot Mini HDMI and USB 2.0 OTG ports Micro USB power HAT-compatible 40-pin header Composite video and reset pins via solder test points CSI camera connector.
- Video Output & Efficient Cooling: Supports 1080p30 video output via the mini HDMI port, making it ideal for multimedia applications and streaming.The aluminum heatsink helps dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance even under heavy workloads.
- Compact Size: The tiny size of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W makes it perfect for space-constrained projects and embedded applications.Ideal for a variety of uses, including IoT projects, home automation, media centers, educational tools, and more.
| Model | Processor | Built-in wireless | GPIO header |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | 1GHz single-core ARM11 | No | Footprint; pins not fitted |
| Zero W | Original Zero generation | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Footprint; pins not fitted |
| Zero WH | Original Zero generation | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Pre-soldered |
| Zero 2 W | Quad-core 64-bit | Wireless model | Footprint; pins not fitted |
| Zero 2 WH | Quad-core 64-bit | Wireless model | Pre-soldered |
The Zero 2 W keeps the compact form factor but is a separate, faster generation. Raspberry Pi’s product brief gives a comparison of 40% more single-threaded and five times more multi-threaded performance than the original Zero. In its 2021 launch post, Raspberry Pi founder Eben Upton specified that multi-threaded sysbench was almost exactly five times faster and cautioned that the uplift varies by workload. Those figures are comparisons, not a guarantee for every application. Read the launch announcement.
What can you do with one?
Because it is a general-purpose computer, a Zero can run an operating system and applications, connect to electronics through GPIO, or serve as the computing component in a compact project. The original model’s lack of built-in wireless means a project that depends on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth needs another connectivity solution or a wireless Zero variant. Its single-core processor and 512MB of RAM also make it a different fit from the more capable Zero 2 W; choose based on the software and workload, not just board size.
What do you need to get started?
The board alone is not a complete setup. Raspberry Pi’s product page identifies a microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS and a micro USB power supply as basic requirements. To use a display, connect it through mini HDMI; depending on the display cable, an adapter may be needed.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
- Storage and operating system: a microSD card prepared with Raspberry Pi OS.
- Power: a compatible micro USB power supply.
- Display, if needed: a mini HDMI cable or adapter compatible with the display.
- Camera, if needed: a Zero-compatible camera cable. The Zero’s smaller camera connector is not compatible with the standard cable supplied with Raspberry Pi cameras; Raspberry Pi specifies a special Zero camera cable.
The camera connector is listed for original Zero version 1.3, so confirm the board revision and accessory fit before buying or assembling a camera setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the original Zero still available?
Raspberry Pi’s product page states that the original Zero is planned to remain in production until at least January 2030. That is a manufacturer production horizon, not a guarantee that a particular retailer has stock or a specific price. Check the official product page for product information and its buy path.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
