The Best Khadas Single Board Computers in 2026: 6 Picks

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1 Best overall

Khadas VIM3 Pro Single Board Computer

Best for: AI inference and maker projects

Processor

Amlogic A311D

RAM Type

LPDDR4/X

Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet

Wireless Connectivity

2T2R AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0

Video Resolution

4Kx2K@60fps+1x1080P@60fps

Operating System Support

Khadas OOWOW, Android, LibreELEC, Ubuntu

View on Amazon: Khadas VIM3 Pro Single Board Computer Affiliate link

The Khadas VIM3 Pro is a single board computer built around the Amlogic A311D processor. It features a 12nm SoC with four Cortex-A73 cores running at 2.2GHz. The system includes an NPU capable of 5.0 TOPS for AI tasks. You get 4K video decoding support and dual independent displays. This unit runs Android and supports Khadas OOWOW. It is designed for makers who need a compact, high-performance desktop replacement.

Pros

• Amlogic A311D processor with 2.2GHz Cortex-A73 cores
• 5.0 TOPS NPU for neural network acceleration
• Supports 4Kx2K@60fps video decoding
• Gigabit Ethernet with Wake-on-LAN
• Stackable design with 40-pin GPIO header

Cons

• Only includes 4GB of LPDDR4/X RAM
• No active cooling kit included in this model
• Limited to single USB-C PD power input

Good fit if

• You need hardware acceleration for AI inference tasks
• You want a compact PC for dual display setups
• You are building a maker project with GPIO access

Skip if

• You require more than 4GB of system memory
• You need passive cooling for silent operation
• You prefer a standard x86 Windows environment

Verdict: The Khadas VIM3 Pro Single Board Computer delivers strong AI performance with its 5.0 TOPS NPU. It is a solid choice for developers and makers who need a compact Linux or Android base.

2 Best premium

Khadas VIM4 Active Cooling SBC

Best for: 4K video processing and multi-display setups

Processor

Amlogic A311D2

RAM Capacity

8GB

RAM Type

LPDDR4X

Ethernet

LAN

Wireless Connectivity

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

Video Resolution

4K 50fps

View on Amazon: Khadas VIM4 Active Cooling SBC Affiliate link

The Khadas VIM4 is a single board computer built around the Amlogic A311D2 processor. It includes 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and supports 4K video at 50fps. This unit comes with an active cooling kit to manage heat during sustained loads. It features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity. The board offers four display interfaces, allowing for multi-monitor setups. It is designed for developers and users needing robust media processing.

Pros

• Amlogic A311D2 processor with Mali G52MP8 GPU
• 8GB LPDDR4X RAM for memory-intensive tasks
• Supports 4K UI and H.265 encoding at 50fps
• Includes active cooling kit for thermal management
• Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MIMO connectivity

Cons

• Only one Ethernet LAN port available
• No cellular or WWAN expansion included in this bundle
• Active cooling kit adds to the overall footprint

Good fit if

• You need a powerful SBC for video conferencing or smart displays
• You require 4K output with HDMI input support
• You want Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connections

Skip if

• You need built-in 4G or 5G cellular connectivity
• You prefer a passive cooling design without fans
• You are looking for a bareboard without the cooling kit

Verdict: Khadas VIM4 SBC with Active Cooling is a solid choice for users who need strong video processing and reliable wireless performance. It fits developers and makers who require multi-display support and efficient thermal management for their projects.

3 Also great

Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit

Best for: Edge2 Maker Kit active cooling needs

Dimensions

3.15 × 1.18 × 0.39 inches

View on Amazon: Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit Affiliate link

This is the active cooling accessory for the Khadas Edge2 single board computer. It includes a 3705 cooling fan, thermal pads, and mounting screws. The kit measures 3.15 by 1.18 by 0.39 inches. It helps manage heat during sustained workloads. You need this if you plan to run the Edge2 Maker Kit under heavy load. It is not compatible with the standard Edge SBC due to short wires.

Pros

• Includes 3705 cooling fan for active thermal management
• Comes with off-white thermal pads for heat transfer
• Includes four CM2 x 4.5 screws for secure mounting
• Specifically designed for the Edge2 Maker Kit

Cons

• The cooling fan wire is too short for the standard Edge SBC
• Only includes passive thermal pads, not a full passive heatsink option
• Requires separate purchase of the Edge2 SBC to function

Good fit if

• You own the Khadas Edge2 Maker Kit
• You need active cooling for sustained performance
• You want a complete mounting solution with screws and pads

Skip if

• You have the standard Edge SBC, not the Edge2
• You prefer passive cooling solutions only
• You do not have the Edge2 board to attach it to

Verdict: Khadas Edge2 Active Cooling Kit is a necessary accessory for Edge2 Maker Kit users who need active cooling. It provides the fan and mounting hardware required for thermal management, but it does not work with the standard Edge board.

4 Also great

Khadas VIM3L Single Board Computer

Best for: Low-heat home AI and media projects

Processor

Amlogic S905D3

RAM Type

LPDDR4/X

Storage

16MB SPI Flash

Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet with WOL

Wireless Connectivity

2T2R AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0

Video Resolution

4K at 75fps

View on Amazon: Khadas VIM3L Single Board Computer Affiliate link

The Khadas VIM3L is a single board computer built around the Amlogic S905D3 processor. It uses a 12nm process for efficient performance and includes an NPU delivering 1.2 TOPS for AI tasks. You get 4K video playback and gigabit Ethernet with wake-on-lan. The board features USB-C PD and rich I/O options like MIPI-DSI and CSI. It is designed for home projects requiring low heat and steady operation.

Pros

• Amlogic S905D3 processor with 1.2 TOPS NPU
• 4K video decoding support
• Gigabit Ethernet with WOL
• USB-C PD power input
• Bluetooth 5.0 and AC Wi-Fi

Cons

• Only 16MB SPI Flash storage
• Lower NPU performance at 1.2 TOPS compared to VIM3
• LPDDR4/X RAM type

Good fit if

• You need a low-heat SBC for home use
• You require gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• You are building AI projects with modest NPU needs

Skip if

• You need high-end AI processing power
• You require large onboard storage
• You want the fastest available SBC performance

Verdict: The Khadas VIM3L SBC offers reliable 4K playback and efficient operation for home projects. It suits users who prioritize connectivity and low heat over maximum AI performance.

5 Also great

Khadas VIM3L Single Board Computer

Best for: Low-power home automation and media

Processor

Amlogic S905D3

RAM Type

LPDDR4/X

Storage

16MB SPI Flash

Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet

Wireless Connectivity

2T2R AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0

Video Resolution

4K at 75fps

View on Amazon: Khadas VIM3L Single Board Computer Affiliate link

The Khadas VIM3L is a compact single board computer built around the Amlogic S905D3 processor. It features 1.2 TOPS of AI performance from its NPU and supports 4K video playback at 75fps. You get Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB 3.0 for reliable connectivity. This unit includes 16MB of SPI flash storage and LPDDR4/X RAM. It is designed for home use and projects requiring low heat and high efficiency.

Pros

• Amlogic S905D3 processor with 1.2 TOPS NPU performance
• Supports 4K video playback at 75fps
• Gigabit Ethernet with Wake-on-LAN support
• Bluetooth 5.0 and 2T2R AC Wi-Fi

Cons

• Only 16MB of SPI flash storage
• 1.2 TOPS NPU performance is lower than the VIM3 and VIM4 models
• No mention of included active cooling solution

Good fit if

• You need a compact SBC for home automation
• You require 4K video decoding capabilities
• You want low heat generation for passive setups

Skip if

• You need high-end AI processing power
• You require large internal storage capacity
• You are building a high-performance media server

Verdict: The Khadas VIM3L Single Board Computer offers solid 4K video support and efficient processing for home projects. It suits users who prioritize low heat and reliable networking over maximum AI compute power.

6 Best budget

Khadas M2X WWAN Extension Board

Best for: Adding cellular to compatible Khadas SBCs

View on Amazon: Khadas M2X WWAN Extension Board Affiliate link

This Khadas M2X WWAN Extension Board adds cellular connectivity to your single board computer. It features an M.2 B-Key slot for 4G LTE or 5G NR modules and includes a nano-SIM card slot. The board maintains the standard 81.6 x 56.0 x 5.5 mm form factor. It connects via an 18-pin GPIO header. You should use this if you need mobile data integration for your VIM4, VIM3, VIM3L, or Edge-V without changing your setup's footprint.

Pros

• M.2 B-Key slot for 4G LTE or 5G NR modules
• Includes a nano-SIM card slot for cellular connectivity
• Maintains standard 81.6 x 56.0 x 5.5 mm form factor
• Connects via 18-pin GPIO header

Cons

• Requires separate purchase of the 4G/5G module
• VIM3/3L does not support 5G modules on Android
• Only supports specific Quectel modules

Good fit if

• You need cellular connectivity for a VIM4, VIM3, VIM3L, or Edge-V
• You want to maintain the standard SBC footprint
• You are using a compatible Quectel module

Skip if

• You do not have a compatible Khadas single board computer
• You need built-in cellular without adding an expansion board
• You are using a VIM3/3L with Android and require 5G

Verdict: Khadas M2X WWAN Extension Board adds cellular data to compatible Khadas boards while keeping the same size. It fits users who need mobile internet for their VIM or Edge-V projects without changing the physical setup.

Specifications side by side

Khadas SBC Lineup Overview

The VIM3 Pro and VIM4 lead with strong compute power. The VIM3 Pro includes a 5.0 TOPS NPU for AI tasks. The VIM4 supports 4K video and features WiFi 6 for reliable wireless performance. These models suit users who need robust processing for complex projects or multi-display setups.

For lighter workloads, the VIM3L offers efficient 4K playback with low heat generation. It connects via Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.0. The Edge2 Active Cooling Kit provides necessary thermal management for specific maker boards. The M2X WWAN Extension Board adds cellular connectivity to compatible units. These accessories help you expand functionality without changing your board's physical footprint.

Who Should Choose Khadas SBCs

Khadas suits developers and makers who need compact Linux or Android bases. The range spans small boards like the VIM3L to larger kits with active cooling. You get options for AI inference, 4K video processing, and edge projects. Some models prioritize low heat for home use, while others add cellular connectivity via extension boards. The lineup focuses on specific compute needs rather than general-purpose desktop replacement. If you require standard consumer peripherals or extensive warranty support, this brand may not fit your needs. You are buying specialized hardware for targeted technical tasks.

How to choose the right Khadas SBC

1. Check the AI NPU speed

   If you plan to run machine learning models locally, look for the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) performance. The Khadas VIM3 Pro offers 5.0 TOPS, which handles AI inference tasks efficiently. This makes it a strong choice for developers building smart devices or maker projects that require on-device processing. Lower-end models may lack this dedicated hardware, forcing the main CPU to handle heavy loads. Verify the TOPS rating in the specs to ensure the board meets your computational needs without slowing down other operations.

2. Verify video output capabilities

   For media centers or digital signage, confirm the board supports 4K video playback. The VIM4 and VIM3L models both handle 4K content effectively, ensuring smooth playback for home projects. If you need multiple screens, check for multi-display support in the specifications. The VIM4 is noted for its ability to drive multiple displays, making it suitable for complex setups. Ensure the graphics output matches your monitor requirements to avoid compatibility issues with high-resolution displays or dual-screen configurations.

3. Assess cooling requirements

   Small form factor computers can generate heat during sustained workloads. The VIM4 Active Cooling Kit includes a fan to manage thermal output, which is essential for reliable performance under load. The Edge2 Active Cooling Kit provides similar thermal management for that specific model. If your project runs continuously, passive cooling might not be sufficient. Check if the board includes active cooling or if you need to purchase a separate kit. Proper thermal management prevents throttling and extends the lifespan of your components.

4. Review networking options

   Reliable connectivity is crucial for remote projects or streaming. The VIM4 features WiFi 6 for faster and more stable wireless connections. The VIM3L includes Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.0 for wired and short-range wireless links. If you need cellular data, the M2X WWAN Extension Board adds mobile internet capability to compatible boards. Match the networking specs to your environment. Wired connections offer stability, while WiFi 6 provides speed in congested areas. Bluetooth 5.0 aids in connecting peripherals without extra dongles.

5. Confirm operating system support

   Khadas boards often support Android or Linux, which affects software compatibility. The VIM3 Pro is listed with Android support, making it suitable for apps designed for that ecosystem. Other models may support Linux distributions for more developer flexibility. Check the specific OS support for your chosen board before purchasing. Your software stack must be compatible with the operating system. If you rely on specific Linux tools, ensure the board has good community or official support for your preferred distribution to avoid setup headaches.

Frequently asked questions

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