Best Operating System for Raspberry Pi[2025 Edition]
Whether you’re a beginner just unboxing your first Raspberry Pi Board or an IoT developer aiming to build a smart automation system, choosing the best operating system for Raspberry Pi is crucial for project success. With so many Raspberry Pi OS options available in 2025 — from lightweight IoT-focused builds to full-fledged desktops — it’s important to choose one that fits your specific use case.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- The evolution of the Raspberry Pi OS
- A detailed list of the best OS for Raspberry Pi boards
- Use cases, pros, and cons for each option
- What’s new in Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye and Legacy
- Download links and compatibility info
Raspberry Pi Operating System: Background
The Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) is a Debian-based OS developed specifically for Raspberry Pi boards. It falls under the UNIX-like family and is tailor-made to work efficiently with the hardware specifications of Raspberry Pi devices.
Key Facts:
- First released: July 15, 2012
- Based on: Debian Linux
- Packages available: 35,000+
- Compatible with: All Raspberry Pi models (except Raspberry Pi Pico)
The easiest way to install Raspberry Pi OS is through the Raspberry Pi Imager, a free tool provided by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
Latest Versions of Raspberry Pi OS (2025)
Over the years, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has refined and diversified its operating systems. These versions cater to various user needs — from headless setups to desktop environments:
| Version Name | Architecture | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi OS Lite (32-bit / 64-bit) | Headless | Minimal CLI interface |
| Raspberry Pi OS (32-bit / 64-bit) | Standard | Desktop environment |
| Raspberry Pi OS Full | 32-bit | Desktop + pre-installed apps |
| Raspberry Pi OS (Legacy) | 32-bit | Debian Buster-based fallback |
| Debian with Raspberry Pi Desktop | 32-bit | For PC & Mac use |
You can download them from the official Raspberry Pi OS download page.
Improvements in the Latest Raspberry Pi OS: Bullseye
The most recent major release is Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye (based on Debian 11). Here’s what’s new:
- GTK+3 Support – Modernized desktop experience
- New Notification System
- Switch to Mutter (from Openbox) for better window management
- Chromium Browser v92
- PiCamera driver update
- General UI Speed Boost
Note: Some users reported compatibility issues, especially with older software. To address this, Raspberry Pi released the Legacy OS version, still based on Debian Buster.
Best OS for Raspberry Pi (2025 Edition)
Choosing the right OS for Raspberry Pi depends on your project goal — media streaming, robotics, classroom setups, IoT development, etc. Below are top-rated options:
1. Raspberry Pi OS (Official) 🥇
✅ Optimized for Pi hardware
✅ Beginner-friendly
✅ Comes with Python, Scratch, Java, and more
✅ Community support & tutorials
⚠️ Limited if you need specialized features
Best For: General use, learning, IoT beginners
Compatibility: All models
2. Ubuntu MATE
✅ Full-featured Linux desktop
✅ Familiar UI (great for PC users)
✅ Regular security updates
⚠️ Heavier on resources (needs 2GB+ RAM)
Best For: Desktop computing on Pi
Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 2, 3, 4, 400
3. Ubuntu Core
- ✅ Minimal, containerized architecture
- ✅ Perfect for IoT and secure apps
- ✅ Snap package management
- ⚠️ No GUI (CLI only)
Best For: Embedded systems, IoT projects
Compatibility: Pi 2 and above
4. Windows 10 IoT Core
- ✅ Microsoft-backed OS
- ✅ Supports UWP apps and device control
- ⚠️ No traditional desktop
Best For: Smart devices, sensors, dashboards
Compatibility: Pi 2 and Pi 3
5. OSMC (Open Source Media Center)
- ✅ Lightweight media center OS
- ✅ Kodi integration
- ✅ Easy to configure
Best For: Home theaters, streaming media
Compatibility: Pi 2, 3, 4
6. LibreELEC
- ✅ Just enough OS for Kodi
- ✅ Optimized for media playback
- ✅ Boots quickly
Best For: Streaming from NAS, Netflix, local files
Compatibility: Pi 2, 3, 4
7. PiNet
- ✅ Classroom-focused OS manager
- ✅ Centralized control for all Pi clients
- ✅ Diskless booting
Best For: Schools, Labs
Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 2 and above
8. RISC OS
- ✅ Fast, unique OS designed for ARM
- ✅ Lightweight and clean interface
- ⚠️ Learning curve for beginners
Best For: Enthusiasts & ARM lovers
Compatibility: Pi 1, 2, 3, 4
9. Raspberry Weather OS
- ✅ Custom OS for weather station projects
- ✅ Optimized sensor support
- ✅ Real-time data display and storage
Best For: Environmental IoT projects
Compatibility: Raspberry Pi Zero, 3, 4
Comparison Infographic
Use Case-Based Recommendation Chart
| Project Type | Recommended OS |
|---|---|
| IoT Automation | Ubuntu Core, Pi OS Lite |
| Media Center | OSMC, LibreELEC |
| Classroom / Education | Raspberry Pi OS, PiNet |
| Environmental Monitor | Raspberry Weather |
| Full Desktop Usage | Ubuntu MATE, Pi OS Full |
| Programming Projects | Raspberry Pi OS |
See also: Smart Home automation with Raspberry Pi and Arduino
How to Install an Operating System on Raspberry Pi
- Download the OS image from the official website.
- Use Raspberry Pi Imager to flash the image to an SD card.
- Insert the card into your Pi.
- Power on the device and follow the setup wizard.
Download Links
- Raspberry Pi OS (All Versions)
- Ubuntu for Raspberry Pi
- Windows 10 IoT Core
- LibreELEC
- OSMC
- PiNet
- RISC OS
- Raspberry Weather GitHub
What’s Next for Raspberry Pi OS?
Looking ahead, we expect:
- Better support for AI/ML applications
- Integration with containerized platforms (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Real-time kernel support
- Expanded cloud sync and edge computing capabilities
See also: Raspberry Pi Zero and Pi Zero W: Pi 3 vs Pi Zero vs Pi Zero W
Frequently Asked Questions: Best OS for Raspberry Pi
Q1. What is the best OS for Raspberry Pi in 2025?
Answer:
The best OS for Raspberry Pi in 2025 depends on your project. For general use and learning, the official Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) is best. For IoT development, Ubuntu Core is a lightweight, secure option. For media centers, OSMC or LibreELEC are ideal.
Q2. Can I install Windows on Raspberry Pi?
Answer:
Yes, Windows 10 IoT Core can be installed on Raspberry Pi 2 and 3 models. It is designed for IoT applications and supports Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, but it does not offer a full desktop experience like Windows 10 on PCs.
Q3. Which Raspberry Pi OS is best for IoT projects?
Answer:
For IoT projects, Ubuntu Core and Raspberry Pi OS Lite are top choices. Ubuntu Core offers containerized applications using Snap packages, making it secure and efficient for embedded systems.
Q4. What is the difference between Raspberry Pi OS and Raspberry Pi OS Lite?
Answer:
Raspberry Pi OS comes with a full desktop environment, development tools, and a GUI, while Raspberry Pi OS Lite is a minimal version with a command-line interface, suitable for headless setups or remote IoT applications.
Q5. Can I run multiple OSes on Raspberry Pi?
Answer:
You can’t run multiple operating systems simultaneously, but you can use multi-boot managers like BerryBoot or install different OSes on separate SD cards and switch as needed.
Q6. What is Raspberry Pi OS (Legacy)?
Answer:
Raspberry Pi OS Legacy is based on the older Debian Buster release. It’s designed for users who require compatibility with older software or hardware not yet supported in the latest Bullseye version.
Q7. How do I choose the best operating system for my Raspberry Pi?
Answer:
Base your decision on your project needs:
- For programming and learning: Raspberry Pi OS
- For desktop usage: Ubuntu MATE
- For IoT/embedded: Ubuntu Core
- For media center: LibreELEC or OSMC
- For education: PiNet
Q8. How can I install an OS on my Raspberry Pi?
Answer:
Use the official Raspberry Pi Imager tool. Download the tool, select your preferred OS, insert an SD card, and flash the OS. Once done, insert the SD card into your Pi and boot it up.
Q9. Is Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit better than 32-bit?
Answer:
Yes, the 64-bit version supports applications that require more memory and better performance. However, for most basic and educational projects, the 32-bit version is sufficient and more widely compatible.
Q10. Where can I download the best OS for Raspberry Pi?
Answer:
You can download all Raspberry Pi-compatible operating systems from the official Raspberry Pi OS download page, as well as from official websites like Ubuntu, OSMC, and LibreELEC.
See also: Top 15 free IoT Operating System used for development
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