If you want to use a Raspberry computer at your home or workplace, get to know more about the Raspberry Pi 4. It is one of the best Raspberry PCs that comes with the strongest features in the Raspberry Pi stable of single-board computers.
Pi 4 is the strongest one among all Raspberry Pi systems, with the fastest clock speed and the largest amount of RAM. But, even an outstanding single-board computer can be assembled. However, it hits you worse when you install a poor operating system(OS).
In this situation, if you use the Pi 4, you have to select an appropriate OS for your Raspberry Pi.
Let’s have a look at Best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 to proceed.
Best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 – 5 Best Options for You
You need to consider several factors that come into play while selecting the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4. Your Raspberry Pi 4 is able to run different supplies of embedded Android and embedded Linux operating systems. You can also run a Raspberry Pi 4 using a watered-down version of Windows.
Essentially, you have to keep your Raspberry Pi 4 OS lightweight, stable and compatible with the hardware of your Raspberry Pi. Therefore, you have to know about the OS useful for your Raspberry Pi 4 to carry on.
Check out the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 to proceed with:
1. Retropie
You can use Retropie on your Raspberry Pi 4 as it is a well-known distribution. It permits you to convert your Raspberry Pi into a console for a retro-gaming experience.
Made on Raspberry Pi OS, Retropie lets you play old games from classic PC to N64 games. In addition, it gives a user-friendly interface and easy setup to begin and play your favourite games.
You have to download and install ROMs from the web and upload them to your Raspberry Pi 4 before playing. You will see that the ROMs will automatically display in the Retropie menu on your Raspberry Pi 4.
Moreover, you can even add a controller, such as SNES, and enjoy the old games for a better experience. Retropie also permits Raspberry Pi to be explored by many gamers that support it. You can get pre-made images for your Raspberry Pi 4 with Retropie. But, you can also get a pre-built SD card with many games on Amazon.
The games are surprisingly less expensive to buy and also save you time from spending hours searching for games online. These things make Retopie one of the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4.
2. Manjaro
Manjaro is either distribution for your Raspberry Pi 4 that works well for the single-board computer. It is another best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 that will permit you to test and learn new things.
Moreover, Manjaro is created on Arch Linux, which is a rare system on Raspberry Pi 4. The aim of Manjaro is – user-friendly and fast distribution. Users can get this OS for Raspberry Pi in different variants with the most known desktop setup.
You can also begin with a minimal version in which you can put what you require and set up everything yourself. Raspberry Pi is highly recommended so that you get to enjoy the system in graphic mode.
Manjaro is another best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 since it supports desktop environments like Mater, LXDE, Cinnamon, KDE, etc.
3. Ubuntu
Downloading and Installing Ubuntu on a Raspberry Pi 4 system was an adventure a few months ago. Since Ubuntu rapidly became the most popular distribution of Linux across the world, you can use it on your system.
Behind Ubuntu’s more modern interface, you can identify similar basic packages as on the OS of Raspberry Pi 4. Minecraft Pi and LibreOffice are some basic packages you will get with Ubuntu.
Apart from the basic package, Ubuntu will allow you to install additional packages using the app command. It is one of the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 since it offers a more up-to-date and attractive workspace.
However, Ubuntu has a smaller community and less stability on the Raspberry Pi system. But, still, it remains a suitable distribution for you to start your Raspberry Pi 4.
You can get the finest experience with your Raspberry Pi 4 by installing Ubuntu with a desktop setup. Ubuntu gives you a complete desktop experience right from your PC. Moreover, it lets you work, surf the internet and even make apps.
4. Emteria.OS: Readymade Android OS
If you prefer Android over any other OS, then you can use Emteria.OS on your Raspberry Pi. It is a good choice for you among the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4.
As it is an Android-based OS, you can download, install and use customise existing Android apps in it. Therefore, Emteria.OS has the best touch-screen support for you through the familiar Android UI.
The second key factor making Emteria.OS the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 is its easy-to-install feature. All you have to do is simply sign up on Emteria’s website and download the installer.
After download, Emteria.OS will be automatically installed onto an SD card placed on your Raspberry Pi 4. Then, you can start using this OS.
You can deploy your devices, understanding that Emteria’s developers have a great interest in keeping the OS running well. Emteria has many business-level users who sign up for the greater packages to connect thousands of systems. You can register up to 3 devices with the Emteria.OS using the free starter plan.
5. Lineage OS
Lineage is another best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 based on Android, and it is much more popular than Emteria. Since it is an Android-based OS, you can connect the Raspberry Pi to a touch screen. Then, you can use the familiar UI of Android.
Lineage OS for Raspberry Pi was separated from CyanogenMod, an earlier Android distribution, in 2016. Developers of CynagenMod discontinued the OS but protected the rights to the name for which this OS was renamed to Lineage OS.
However, you cannot use the official Lineage OS on your Raspberry Pi 4. But, the Lineage OS that works in Raspberry Pi is an individual version maintained by KonstaKang, a third-party developer.
So, if you are an advanced user, you can use the Lineage OS on your Raspberry Pi. In addition, you need at least 2GB RAM to operate this distribution.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to find out the best OS for Raspberry Pi 4 from this blog. Apart from those OS, you can also try Arch Linux, Chromium OS, Batocera, DietPi, RISC OS and many more.
If you are a beginner, then use the Raspberry Pi OS since other OS are usually selected for a particular purpose. It is the official distribution of Raspberry Pi, and you can get performance and stability from this OS as well. Furthermore, you can use many Debian packages available on this office OS of Raspberry Pi.
