6 Best Alternatives to the Waveshare Gigabit / 2.5G Dual (2026)

How each alternative compares

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit

The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit offers a complete, ready-to-use experience for beginners. Unlike the Waveshare carrier board, which requires you to source and assemble a Compute Module 5, this kit includes the case, fan, and power supply. You get 2GB of RAM, which is less than the CM5's potential, but it simplifies the initial setup. The Waveshare board provides dual Ethernet ports (1Gbps and 2.5Gbps) for specialized networking tasks, whereas this kit focuses on general-purpose computing. If you need a plug-and-play solution without dealing with carrier board wiring, this is a practical choice. You sacrifice the high-speed dual Ethernet capability for convenience and a lower learning curve.

Youyeetoo UP Board 16GB eMMC SBC

The Youyeetoo UP Board 16GB eMMC SBC targets developers needing x86 compatibility with Raspberry Pi HAT support. It differs significantly from the Waveshare board by using an x86 architecture instead of ARM-based Compute Module 5. This board includes 16GB of eMMC storage, whereas the Waveshare option relies on external microSD or M.2 storage. You gain access to a wider range of x86 software and Windows compatibility, which the Waveshare board cannot offer. However, you lose the dedicated 2.5Gbps Ethernet port. The Waveshare board is optimized for specific Pi CM5 networking projects. Choose the UP Board if you need HAT compatibility and x86 power, but accept the trade-off in specialized Ethernet performance.

Waveshare Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite

The Waveshare Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite is a compact industrial component that fits developers needing a small form factor. It uses the older BCM2711 processor and includes WiFi, unlike the Waveshare CM5 carrier board which focuses on wired Ethernet. You get 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for many tasks but less than the CM5's capacity. This module requires you to provide your own storage and case, similar to the carrier board approach. The key difference is the interface generation; the CM4 is an older standard compared to the CM5. If you need WiFi and a proven industrial module, this is a solid alternative. You give up the newer CM5 interface and the dual high-speed Ethernet ports for a smaller, wireless-enabled component.

Libre Computer Le Potato 2GB 2-Pack

The Libre Computer Le Potato 2GB 2-Pack provides a Pi 3 compatible Linux development environment. It is a complete single-board computer, not a carrier board, so it includes the processor and RAM on one board. You get 2GB of RAM, which is less than the CM5's potential, and it lacks the dual Ethernet ports of the Waveshare board. This option is ideal for users building clusters or learning embedded systems who do not need high-speed networking. The Waveshare board is designed for specialized projects requiring 1Gbps and 2.5Gbps connections. If you prioritize Pi 3 compatibility and Linux support over networking speed, the Le Potato is a practical, cost-effective choice for general development tasks.

MiiElAOD Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Wi-Fi

The MiiElAOD Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Wi-Fi is a bare-bones module for builders who need Wi-Fi and eMMC. It is a direct competitor to the CM5 ecosystem but uses the older CM4 standard. You get 1GB of RAM and built-in eMMC, which simplifies storage compared to the Waveshare board's reliance on microSD or M.2. This module requires you to add your own case and power supply. The Waveshare carrier board offers dual Ethernet ports, which this module lacks. If you need wireless connectivity and a compact module with integrated storage, this is a good fit. You sacrifice the newer CM5 interface and the high-speed wired networking capabilities for a simpler, wireless-enabled solution.

WayPonDEV youyeetoo X1 x86 Single Board Computer

The WayPonDEV youyeetoo X1 x86 Single Board Computer features an Intel Celeron N5105 processor and 4GB of RAM. It is an x86 SBC, unlike the ARM-based Waveshare CM5 carrier board. This board supports PoE and GPIO access, making it suitable for industrial users and Windows compatibility. You get a more powerful general-purpose processor, but you lose the specific Pi CM5 interface and dual Ethernet ports. The Waveshare board is optimized for networking hardware projects with flexible Ethernet options. Choose the youyeetoo X1 if you need x86 power, PoE support, and GPIO access. You give up the specialized dual Ethernet connectivity and Pi ecosystem compatibility for broader computing flexibility.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Waveshare Gigabit 2.5G Dual Ethernet Carrier Board

Best for: Dual Ethernet networking projects with Pi CM5

Ethernet

1Gbps + 2.5Gbps

Video Resolution

4K

View on Amazon: Waveshare Gigabit 2.5G Dual Ethernet Carrier Board Affiliate link

This Waveshare board is a carrier for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. It provides dual Ethernet ports, offering one 1Gbps and one 2.5Gbps connection. The design includes a 40-pin GPIO header, USB 3.2 Gen1, and HDMI output supporting 4K video. It also features an M.2 slot for storage and a fan connector. You use this for networking projects that require fast, separate internet links.

Pros

• Dual RJ45 ports with 1Gbps and 2.5Gbps speeds
• Compatible with all Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 versions
• Includes M.2 M-Key slot for PCIe storage
• Supports 4K video output via HDMI

Cons

• Does not include the Compute Module 5 processor
• Requires a separate 5V/5A DC power supply
• Lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Good fit if

• You need dedicated 2.5G networking on a small board
• You are building a router or firewall with Pi CM5
• You want separate gigabit and 2.5G links

Skip if

• You want a complete computer with CPU included
• You need built-in wireless connectivity
• You prefer a pre-assembled desktop unit

Verdict: Waveshare Gigabit 2.5G Dual Ethernet Mini-Computer is a specialized carrier board for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. It fits users who need dual high-speed Ethernet ports for networking hardware projects.

2 Also great

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit

Best for: beginners needing a complete SBC kit

Processor

1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU

RAM Capacity

2GB

Storage

32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card

Video Resolution

up to 4K 60p

Memory

2GB RAM

View on Amazon: CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit Affiliate link

This starter kit includes a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 2GB RAM and a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU. It comes with a 32GB microSD card, a case with a fan, and a 3.5A power supply. The unit supports up to 4K 60p video output. It is a complete package for beginners who need a ready-to-use SBC without sourcing individual components separately.

Pros

• Includes 2GB RAM and 1.5GHz quad-core CPU
• Comes with 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card
• Features a case with a low-noise fan
• Supports up to 4K 60p video resolution
• Includes USB-C power supply and PiSwitch

Cons

• Limited to 2GB RAM capacity
• Uses slower microSD storage instead of eMMC
• Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Good fit if

• You want a complete kit with case and power supply
• You are new to single-board computers
• You need a quiet fan for your project

Skip if

• You require more than 2GB of RAM
• You need built-in wireless connectivity
• You prefer faster internal eMMC storage

Verdict: CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit is a practical entry point for beginners who need a pre-assembled solution with a case and fan. It suits users who prioritize convenience over high performance or wireless features.

3 Also great

Youyeetoo UP Board 16GB eMMC SBC

Best for: Raspberry Pi HAT compatible x86 development

Processor

Quad Core Intel CPU

RAM Capacity

1GB

Storage

16GB eMMC

Operating System Support

Windows 10, Ubuntu, Android OS

Dimensions

3.3 × 2.2 × 0.8 inches

View on Amazon: Youyeetoo UP Board 16GB eMMC SBC Affiliate link

The Youyeetoo UP Board is a compact single-board computer measuring 3.3 by 2.2 inches. It features a quad-core Intel CPU and 1GB of RAM. The 16GB eMMC storage allows for Windows 10 or Ubuntu installation. It supports Raspberry Pi HATs for expanded connectivity. This setup suits developers needing a small footprint with Intel architecture and broad operating system compatibility.

Pros

• Quad-core Intel CPU with HD graphics
• 16GB eMMC internal storage
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi HATs
• Supports Windows 10 and Ubuntu

Cons

• Only 1GB of RAM limits multitasking
• 16GB storage fills up quickly with OS
• No mention of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Good fit if

• You need Raspberry Pi HAT compatibility
• You require Windows 10 on x86 hardware
• You want a small Intel-based board

Skip if

• You need more than 1GB of RAM
• You require built-in wireless connectivity
• You need large local storage capacity

Verdict: The Youyeetoo UP Board 1GB RAM 16GB eMMC fits developers who need a small x86 board with Raspberry Pi HAT support. It is not suitable for users requiring higher memory or wireless features.

4 Also great

Waveshare Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite

Best for: compact industrial embedded projects

Processor

BCM2711, quad-core Cortex-A72

RAM Capacity

2GB

Storage

0GB (Lite) eMMC Flash

Wireless Connectivity

WiFi

Memory

2GB RAM

Dimensions

2.17 × 0.39 × 0.19 inches

View on Amazon: Waveshare Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Lite Affiliate link

This Waveshare module uses the BCM2711 quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM. It includes WiFi connectivity and 0GB of eMMC flash storage. The compact design measures 2.17 by 1.39 inches and weighs 3.53 ounces. You will get faster data rates than older models. This unit suits industrial applications or developers needing a small footprint. It does not include built-in storage for the operating system.

Pros

• BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 processor
• 2GB RAM capacity
• Built-in WiFi connectivity
• Compact 2.17-inch form factor

Cons

• No internal eMMC storage included
• Limited to 2GB of RAM
• Requires external storage for operation

Good fit if

• You need a small industrial controller
• You want WiFi without extra adapters
• You are building a custom embedded system

Skip if

• You need a ready-to-use computer
• You require internal storage
• You want more than 2GB of RAM

Verdict: Waveshare CM4 2GB RAM Module provides a compact BCM2711 processor with WiFi. It fits developers who can supply their own storage and need a small industrial component.

5 Best budget

Libre Computer Le Potato 2GB 2-Pack

Best for: Pi 3 compatible Linux development

Processor

AML-S905X-CC ARM Cortex-A53

RAM Capacity

2GB

RAM Type

DDR3

Video Resolution

4K 60FPS

Operating System Support

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Raspbian 11

Dimensions

8 × 5 × 1.5 inches

View on Amazon: Libre Computer Le Potato 2GB 2-Pack Affiliate link

This single board computer uses an AML-S905X-CC processor with 2GB of DDR3 RAM. It matches the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B form factor and 40-pin header for easy case reuse. The system supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Raspbian 11. It handles 4K 60FPS video with hardware decoding. You get two units in this pack for multi-node projects.

Pros

• Quad-core 1.5GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor
• 2GB DDR3 RAM capacity
• 4K 60FPS hardware video decoding
• Identical 40-pin header to Pi 3

Cons

• Only 2GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
• No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• Requires separate power supply and case

Good fit if

• You need a Pi 3 compatible board
• You want to run Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
• You are building a multi-node cluster

Skip if

• You need built-in wireless connectivity
• You require more than 2GB of RAM
• You want a ready-to-use desktop PC

Verdict: Libre Computer Le Potato 2GB 2-Pack is a solid alternative for developers who need Pi 3 compatibility and Linux support. It fits users building clusters or learning embedded systems without needing wireless features.

6

MiiElAOD Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Wi-Fi

Best for: developers building custom embedded projects

RAM Capacity

1GB

Storage

8GB eMMC

Wireless Connectivity

2.4/5.0GHz Wi-Fi

View on Amazon: MiiElAOD Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 Wi-Fi Affiliate link

This is a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 board with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of eMMC storage. It includes 2.4/5.0GHz Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. You get the core CM4 hardware without a case or peripherals. It suits developers who need a compact, modular foundation for custom projects. You must provide your own enclosure and power supply. This setup is ideal for embedded applications where space is tight.

Pros

• Includes 1GB RAM for basic processing tasks
• Features 8GB eMMC for local storage
• Supports 2.4/5.0GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
• Compact Compute Module 4 form factor

Cons

• Only 1GB RAM limits multitasking
• No case or enclosure included
• Requires separate power supply

Good fit if

• You need a compact base for custom embedded projects
• You want Wi-Fi without extra dongles
• You are building a specialized single-board computer

Skip if

• You need a ready-to-use desktop computer
• You require more than 1GB of RAM
• You want a device with a built-in case

Verdict: MiiElAOD Raspberry Pi CM4 1GB is a bare-bones module for builders. It fits developers who need Wi-Fi and eMMC in a small package. You must add your own case and power.

7 Best premium

WayPonDEV youyeetoo X1 x86 Single Board Computer

Best for: x86 SBC projects with PoE and GPIO needs

Processor

Celeron N5105

RAM Capacity

4GB

RAM Type

LPDDR4

Ethernet

Gigabit

Video Resolution

Dual 4K

Operating System Support

Windows 10/11, Ubuntu, Debian

View on Amazon: WayPonDEV youyeetoo X1 x86 Single Board Computer Affiliate link

The youyeetoo X1 is a compact x86 single board computer powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 processor. It supports up to 2.9GHz speeds and runs Windows 10 or 11. This model includes 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM and offers dual 4K video output. It features a Gigabit Ethernet port and supports PoE power. The board provides extensive expansion options via M.2 slots and GPIO headers, making it suitable for specialized computing tasks.

Pros

• Intel Celeron N5105 processor up to 2.9GHz
• Supports Windows 10/11 and Linux distributions
• Dual 4K video output with HDMI and MIPI options
• Gigabit Ethernet with 24W PoE support
• M.2 slot for NVMe or SATA SSD storage

Cons

• Base model includes 4GB RAM with no internal storage
• Requires separate purchase of RAM and storage variants
• Currently in pre-sale state with potential shipping delays

Good fit if

• You need an x86 single board computer with Windows support
• You require PoE power for industrial or remote deployment
• You want expandable interfaces like GPIO and M.2 slots

Skip if

• You need a ready-to-use system with included storage
• You require immediate availability rather than pre-sale stock
• You need more than 4GB of base RAM without upgrades

Verdict: The youyeetoo X1 Celeron N5105 Mini PC fits developers and industrial users who need a flexible x86 SBC with PoE support. It is ideal for projects requiring GPIO access and Windows compatibility, provided you order the necessary RAM and storage separately.

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