Raspberry Pi 500+ buying decision · Updated September 25, 2026
Raspberry Pi 500+:
which box completes your desk?
Both official 500+ options start with the same keyboard computer and its preinstalled SSD. The Desktop Kit adds the mouse, power supply and display cable; neither option supplies a monitor. Tick what you already own below before paying for a bundle you may not need.
Add Muchita Shopping Free · No account · No affiliate links
Price comparison calculator ↗
Enter two offers yourself. Free on phone and computer, with no installation.
In short
The Raspberry Pi 500+ computer-only option includes the 16 GB keyboard computer with a preinstalled 256 GB SSD and Raspberry Pi OS. It is not the older Raspberry Pi 500.
The official 500+ Desktop Kit adds a 27 W USB-C power supply, mouse, micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and Beginner's Guide. Both options include the case-opening and keycap tools; neither includes a monitor.
A seller's custom bundle is a third package. Confirm its exact regional keyboard, plug, contents and condition before comparing the verified item prices of equivalent boxes. Shipping is shown separately.
Published by Muchita with AI-assisted drafting and independent factual checking on September 25, 2026. Package facts come from Raspberry Pi's openly CC BY-SA 4.0 licensed documentation on GitHub, linked below; the text, decision table and tool are Muchita's original work, with no copied manufacturer photos or paragraphs. This is not hands-on testing, a current price comparison or an endorsement by Raspberry Pi. No seller offer was collected for this page. Spotted something outdated? Email privacy@muchita.ai.
The package difference
The SSD comes with either official 500+ option
Raspberry Pi's keyboard-computer documentation identifies the 500+ as a 16 GB model with a 256 GB internal SSD preinstalled with Raspberry Pi OS. The 500+ computer-only and official 500+ Desktop Kit both contain that computer. Do not add an imaginary SSD or mandatory microSD card to the computer-only cost when you plan to use its included SSD.
The official Desktop Kit adds a Raspberry Pi 27 W USB-C power supply, a mouse, a micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and the Official Raspberry Pi Beginner's Guide. The spudger and keycap puller are included with either 500+ option. Check the actual regional box before relying on a seller's shortened contents list.
| Part | 500+ computer-only | Official 500+ Desktop Kit |
|---|---|---|
| 500+ keyboard computer, 16 GB RAM | Included | Included |
| 256 GB SSD with Raspberry Pi OS | Preinstalled | Preinstalled |
| Case and keycap tools | Included | Included |
| 27 W USB-C power supply | Add or use a suitable one you own | Included; check regional plug |
| Mouse | Add or use one you own | Included |
| Micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable | Add or use one you own | Included |
| Beginner's Guide | Not listed for computer-only | Included |
| Monitor | Not included | Not included |
500+ keyboard computer, 16 GB RAMIncluded
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Included
256 GB SSD with Raspberry Pi OSPreinstalled
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Preinstalled
Case and keycap toolsIncluded
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Included
27 W USB-C power supplyAdd or use a suitable one you own
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Included; check regional plug
MouseAdd or use one you own
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Included
Micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cableAdd or use one you own
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Included
Beginner's GuideNot listed for computer-only
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Included
MonitorNot included
Official 500+ Desktop Kit: Not included
This table describes the manufacturer packages, not a checked seller listing. A store-built bundle may include different accessories and must be itemised separately.
Make it usable
What do you still need for a desktop setup?
A 500+ is the keyboard computer, not an all-in-one screen. Raspberry Pi's open setup documentation covers the display, mouse and power connection. Choose a monitor with a usable HDMI input and a suitable power source. Most displays use separate power, while some USB-powered models can draw power from a compatible computer port. The 500+ has micro-HDMI outputs, so check the cable at both ends.
Raspberry Pi's power table recommends 5 V at 5 A for the 500+ and lists its 27 W USB-C unit in the official kit. If you already own a supply, verify its output and local plug rather than assuming any phone charger is equivalent. The included SSD already carries an operating system; a separate microSD card is optional for an alternate setup, not a missing kit component.
The checklist below names missing pieces from your stated starting point. It does not price accessories or validate what an individual seller actually ships.
Check your setup
Which parts do you still need?
Choose the official 500+ package and tick only the working parts you already own. This checks a basic desktop setup, not seller stock, price or accessory compatibility.
Match the label
500+ and 500 are not the same product
The open keyboard-computer documentation distinguishes the 500+ with 16 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD from the older Pi 500 with 8 GB RAM. The older Pi 500 Desktop Kit has different storage and kit details. A listing title that drops the plus sign is unresolved until you confirm the exact model and box.
Regional variants can change keyboard layout, power plug and printed materials. Select your intended country and language first. Check the actual SKU and regional box with the seller, especially when a marketplace combines several variants under one product page. A seller-assembled 'starter kit' is not the manufacturer Desktop Kit merely because it uses the word kit.
Only equivalent offers
Compare the complete package you chose
Computer-only versus Desktop Kit is a decision about included parts, not a same-item price comparison. Once you choose one, compare verified outright item prices for that exact model, regional variant, package and condition. Check the seller, availability, currency, tax basis, membership requirements and the items inside the box at each offer.
List a required extra power supply, mouse or cable as a separate purchase if you do not own one. Do not subtract guessed accessory values from a kit price or call a bundle cheaper without the actual applicable amounts. Show shipping as free, a stated extra amount, or unknown/may be added; shipping does not reorder an item-price ranking. Use Muchita's price-comparison worksheet for your own verified matching offers.
Before checkout
A five-minute package check
Name the exact computer
Confirm Raspberry Pi 500+ with 16 GB RAM and the intended regional keyboard and plug. Reject an ambiguous Pi 500 or reseller-built kit description until clarified.
Choose a complete setup
Mark the monitor, mouse, suitable power supply and display cable you own. Check the official kit against the computer-only box without adding an unnecessary SSD or microSD card.
Verify the seller
Confirm actual included parts, new or used condition, stock, outright item price, currency, tax basis and any membership conditions. Record shipping separately.
Compare and save
Compare only the same eligible complete package across sellers. Keep the listing URLs and check times. A lower observed item price is a narrow result, not a market-wide lowest-price promise.
This guide supplies no current retailer offer. Install Muchita Shopping to examine products as you browse, then verify the exact package and terms before you act on a comparison.
Common mistakes
Stop when the listing hides a material detail
- The plus sign is missing. Treat 'Pi 500' and 'Pi 500+' as different computers. Resolve the model, not just the product photo.
- The kit is not defined. Request the included-parts list. An unofficial bundle can omit the 27 W supply or include a different cable.
- The monitor is assumed. Neither manufacturer package supplies a monitor. Check your display and HDMI connection before ordering.
- The storage is charged twice. The 500+ includes a preinstalled SSD with OS. Do not price an additional SSD or microSD card as a required part of that standard setup.
For a broader method, read how to match models and packages. For a different Pi 5 board purchase, see the US Pi 5 comparison; it is a different product and its recorded offers may no longer be current.
Questions and answers
Fair questions,
plain answers.
Does the 500+ computer-only box include storage?
Yes. Raspberry Pi describes a preinstalled 256 GB SSD with Raspberry Pi OS on the 500+ computer. Do not confuse this with the older Pi 500.
Does the official Desktop Kit include a monitor?
No. You need a separate compatible display with suitable power. Some USB-powered monitors can draw power from a compatible computer port; do not assume a separate mains adapter is always needed.
What does the 500+ Desktop Kit add?
Raspberry Pi lists a 27 W USB-C power supply, mouse, micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and Beginner's Guide in addition to the 500+ computer and its included tools.
Do I need a microSD card to start?
Not if you use the Raspberry Pi OS installation on the 500+'s preinstalled SSD. A microSD card is an alternate setup choice.
Is a Raspberry Pi 500 Desktop Kit the same thing?
No. The Pi 500 without the plus sign is a different computer with different storage and kit contents. Confirm the exact model before comparing offers.
Can I compare the kit price directly with computer-only?
They are different packages. First decide which complete purchase you need, then compare matching verified item prices. Show shipping separately.
What is the cheapest 500+ today?
This page has not checked current retailer prices or stock. Muchita cannot name a cheapest seller from this page; compare eligible exact-package offers when you have verified them.
Sources
Every claim,
traceable.
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: keyboard computersCC BY-SA documentation source for Pi 500/500+ differences, 500+ SSD and official package contents. Checked September 25, 2026.
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: desktop setupDisplay, HDMI cable and recommended 5 V at 5 A power for Pi 500+. Checked September 25, 2026.
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: power suppliesPower adequacy and limitations of unsuitable supplies; no claim that every third-party unit fails. Checked September 25, 2026.
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: monitorSome monitors take USB power; the official monitor can operate from a suitable USB source. Checked September 25, 2026.
- Raspberry Pi open documentation: mouseOfficial mouse setup context; no retailer offer or price. Checked September 25, 2026.
- Raspberry Pi documentation licenceDocumentation source is explicitly CC BY-SA 4.0, including commercial reuse with its conditions. No documentation text or image is reproduced here. Checked September 25, 2026.
Facts were checked against Raspberry Pi's openly licensed documentation source on GitHub on September 25, 2026. Attribution and licence links are above. The package matrix and setup tool are Muchita's original expression; no manufacturer page, product photo, retailer offer or protected prose was copied. Check the actual regional box, accessory compatibility, seller terms and price before buying.
More guides
More product checks
and shopping dates.
Price comparison calculator ↗
Compare offers by unit price, with shipping shown separately. Free on your phone, nothing to install.
-
US and UK buying checklist
AirPods Pro 3 buying checklist: models, box contents and compatibility
Identify the generation, check the case and compare equivalent packages. A practical buying checklist for US and UK shoppers, grounded in Apple documentation.
-
Console buying checklist
PS5 Pro buying checklist: disc drive, stand and bundle cost
The standard console has no disc drive or vertical stand. Check your game library, package contents and missing extras before comparing matching offers.
-
iPhone 18 Pro in Israel
iPhone 18 Pro A-models in Israel: physical SIM or eSIM?
Enter the A-number to check the SIM tray, then confirm the exact storage, carrier plan, seller and warranty. No retailer prices or claims.
-
Console buying checklist
Nintendo Switch 2 holiday bundles 2026: what is in each pack?
US, UK and Spain have different 2026 bundle schedules. Check the game format, membership and complete package before judging an offer.
-
Samsung 990 PRO buying guide
Samsung 990 PRO 2TB: with or without heatsink for PS5 and PC?
PS5, motherboard heatsink or tight laptop space? Choose the right package first, then compare exact-model offers. No live prices or performance tests.
-
Raspberry Pi 5 buying decision
Raspberry Pi 5 power supply: 3A or 5A for USB SSDs?
Enter the supply's 5V output and your USB plans. See the documented 600mA or 1.6A downstream limit, or what still needs checking.
Free · No account · No affiliate links
Check the price
before you pay it.
Add Muchita Shopping
Read the guides on any device. Install the extension in desktop Chrome.