The Raspberry Pi ranks as arguably the most popular single-board computer (SBC). Almost as important as selecting the proper operating system (OS) and Raspberry Pi board is snagging the right case for your Pi. Considerations include which Raspberry Pi version you’re using, as well as what you plan to use your Pi for. Check out the 19 best Raspberry Pi cases available!

Best Raspberry Pi Cases: Considerations

Although most Raspberry Pi boards, except for the Zero, are compatible with almost any case, there’s a bit of variety. Most Raspberry Pi 3 cases are compatible with Raspberry Pi B+ and Pi 2 boards as well. The primary element dictating which case is best for your Raspberry Pi is form factor. If you have a newer Pi board, you’re usually fine with any case. Which Raspberry Pi you're using largely dictates if a case will work. The Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W require a different case than the Raspberry Pi 3 B+. Virtually every Pi 2 through Pi 3 B+ case should work for Raspberry Pi 2, 3, and 3 B+ boards. There's also the Raspberry Pi 3 A+ with a smaller footprint. And the introduction of the Raspberry Pi 4 ushered in a hardware refresh that fractured compatibility with Pi 3 B+ cases. But what you plan to use your case for shapes what design and functionality you’ll need. For instance, if you require a hard drive, you’ll want a different case than for a retro gaming console. A Raspberry Pi board array will differ from a single Pi setup.

Considerations:

Number of Raspberry Pi boards used in conjunction

Type of Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi 4 vs. 3 B+ vs. Zero/Zero W)

Storage: Hard drive vs flash drive

Use: Retro gaming, cryptocurrency mining, home theatre PC (HTPC), general use

Among the easiest but most satisfying Raspberry Pi projects is a retro gaming console. There’s no shortage of means to accomplish this feat, from RetroPie to Recalbox or Lakka, and even a roll-your-own method. While Nintendo’s NES Classic Mini is a neat console, a Raspberry Pi offers greater functionality through additional emulators, more ROMs, and the ability to serve other purposes, such as doubling as an HTPC. However, the NES does come in an original Nintendo shell. With the Retroflag NESPi Case, you can transform your Pi into an NES Classic clone. Bonus points for working power and reset buttons. Additionally, the bottom of the console features a microSD card holder. However, note that the reset and power buttons simply cut the power, performing a hard shutdown. Therefore, you may consider properly shutting down your Raspberry Pi. Nevertheless, this is a fantastic case for the Pi that will let you game in style.

Best for: Retro gaming, HTPC use

Just Retroflag makes its Raspberry Pi NES case, so too does it offer a SNES Raspberry Pi case. The RetroFlag SuperPi case comes in two variants: Super Nintendo North America clone, and the PAL version. Like the NESPi, the SuperPi rocks functioning power and reset buttons, SD card and port access, as well as a microSD card storage slot. There's ample ventilation. While you can snag just the cases, you may also buy a case plus controller bundle for the SuperPi JCase and SuperPi UCase. It's more fun running retro gaming OSes like RetroPie with an old school gaming case.



Best for: Retro gaming, HTPC use

While RetroFlag allows you to make a DIY NES Classic Mini or SNES Classic Mini, you may prefer a Sega Mega Drive clone. Enter the Retroflag MegaPi case. As is the norm with Retroflag Raspberry Pi cases, the MegaPi touts functional power and safe shutdown buttons, microSD card storage, and access to all ports. Plus, ventilation keeps your system cool while in use. If you're looking to build the ultimate Raspberry Pi retro gaming console, the MegaPi is a worthy choice. Try pairing this with an operating system such as Recalbox.



Best for: Retro gaming, HTPC use

Similarly, the Super Tinytendo case brings a Super Nintendo (SNES) aesthetic to the Raspberry Pi. As such, this case makes the Pi a true SNES Classic competitor. It’s available in configurations with a cooling fan and without. For those planning to overclock, the cooling fan is recommended. Otherwise, sans cooling fan is fine. The Tinytendo Case allows for full access to USB, power, HDMI, and Ethernet components as well as the microSD card slot. On the front, you’ll find a red LED which lights up when powered on. On top, there are aesthetic power and reset buttons. Unlike on the Retroflag NES case, these don’t work. Still, it’s one of the best-looking cases and a solid choice for gamers. Best used in conjunction with an OS such as Lakka.

Best for: Retro gaming, HTPC use

Similarly, the Rasptendo offers a SNES look. However, the Rasptendo differs from the Super Tinytendo in that its power and reset buttons actually work. You’ll first need to install a Python script, but this is a particularly neat touch. There’s full access to the microSD card, and rear access to power cables, HDMI port, and Ethernet. Further, the front features a pair of USB ports which is perfect for hooking up USB controllers. Since this case uses a Python script, it safely reboots or resets the Raspberry Pi making this an excellent option.

Best for: Retro gaming, HTPC use

Most Raspberry Pi cases lack any room for a standard hard drive. However, the MediaPi+ case provides a hard drive bay, extra USB to power the hard drive, and an integrated infrared (IR) hub for using the included media remote, or most universal remotes. Since it includes a hard drive bay and IR sensor, as well as additional USB ports, the MediaPi+ is a top choice for home theatre PC enthusiasts. Simply install a media centre OS such as Kodi, OSMC, LibreELEC, OpenELEC, or even retro gaming OS like Recalbox and RetroPie, hook up your hard drive with your media, and you’re ready to go.

Best for: HTPC use, retro gaming

The CanaKit Raspberry Pi case in black is a barebones but well-constructed and sleek Raspberry Pi case. You’ll find heat sink openings, an easily-removable lid, and glossy surface that’s mountable. All connections including the microSD card reader are accessible. This is the first case I snagged along with my Raspberry Pi board, and it’s held up well over several years of use. Though it’s not necessarily flashy, it’s simply a durable, pleasant-looking case.

Best for: General use

Like the Canakit Raspberry Pi case, the Raspberry Pi Foundation official case is an affordable, sturdy solution to housing your Raspberry Pi. Onboard, there’s a removable lid and removable side panels for quick GIPO access. The top frame comes off, and it’s engineered for Pi HATs, or hardware attached on top. That makes this the perfect case for do-it-yourself (DIY) makers wishing to utilise HATs.

Best for: General use, DIYers

A neat option for the Raspberry is use of a touchscreen. This touchscreen case for the Raspberry Pi includes a 7-inch touchscreen, wall-mountable stand with adjustable angle, and building block compatible camera case which attaches to the back. Moreover, this touchscreen case is functional with Pi HAT boards for further expansion. Since there’s a touchscreen, it’s easy to convert your Pi into a wall-mounted dashboard or a Mycroft AI unit.

Best for: Touchscreen projects (i.e. Dashing, Smashing, Mycroft AI)

This touchscreen resembles the official Raspberry Pi case, but includes a building block compatible front. There’s a camera case included and on the front a strip which you may connect LEGOs to. It’s compatible with Pi HAT boards, and GIPO connections are accessible. Overall, this is one of the better touchscreen cases for the Pi. This could be a solid choice for a wall-mounted smart home hub such as Hass.io aka Home Assistant.

Best for: Touchscreen projects (i.e. Dashing, Smashing, Mycroft AI)

Kuman makes an incredible TFT touchscreen case for the Raspberry Pi. The screen clocks in at 3.5 inches, with a 320x480 resolution. It houses the Pi board in a transparent protective case. Plus, the Kuman touchscreen case includes a pen and three heatsinks. It’s a really well-designed case complete with a bevvy of accessories. While the screen is smaller than that of the official touchscreen cases, it’s still usable though and ideal for smaller projects that require a touchscreen. Alternatively, use this as a general case which happens to have a touchscreen on top. Because it lacks a stand, this could be neat as a Pi desktop, retro gaming Pi, or low-powered HTPC.

Best for: Touchscreen projects (i.e. Dashing, Smashing, Mycroft AI)

Sometimes, just one Raspberry Pi won’t do. For these instances, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi array. Maybe you’re running a low-powered cloud cluster, or possibly a bit of cryptocurrency mining with your Raspberry Pi. If you have several Raspberry Pi devices running in conjunction, the Raspberry Pi four layer stackable dog bone case is your best bet. With this case, you can fit a whopping four Raspberry Pi boards. Comprised of 3mm laser cut acrylic, it’s durable yet aesthetically pleasing.

Best for: A Raspberry Pi cluster

Featuring removable grey building block-compatible top sections, this Raspberry Pi allows for LEGO construction on the case. Plus, the SmartiPi includes a GoPro compatible mount and wall-hanging eyelets. There’s simple, stress-free GIPO access as well. With its LEGO-compatibility, the SmartiPi lets you build on whether for creativity or function.

Best for: General use, DIYers

Whereas most Raspberry Pi cases are comprised of plastic, the Flirc differs in its premium aluminum construction. The top and bottom are soft-coated plastic, with a metal middle outer section. Plus, there’s a built-in thermal pad, heat sink, and screws. GIPO connections, as well as USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and microSD, are all easily accessible from the case. The vanilla Flirc is great, but the Kodi edition is perfect for home theatre PC buffs. The Kodi edition includes rubber feet so that the Pi hovers under a TV or monitor. On the bottom, you’ll find ventilation slots to maintain a cool operating temperature. Additionally, GIPO pins are accessible through the bottom of the case. Best of all, the top is adorned with Kodi insignia.

Best for: General use, HTPC use

The Pibow Coupe is a sweet looking case available in a variety of colourways. Not only does this case appear gorgeous, but it’s among the thinnest Raspberry Pi cases available. This acrylic case is transparent, showing off the internals of the Pi, and all ports are easily reached. Further solidifying the Pibow as one of the top Raspberry Pi cases available, the price is super affordable at under $10 USD.



Best for: General use

A major limitation of the Raspberry Pi is its lack of a hard drive bay. Sure, there’s a microSD card slot and USB ports. But hard drive storage is often available at a lower cost. If you want to use a hard drive with your Raspberry Pi, check out the MakerFocus Raspberry Pi case. This case includes a cooling fan and a power control switch so that it can power both the Pi and a hard drive. There’s a slot for a 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD. Users report that most any hard drive should function. Armed with a hard drive, this might make an excellent Raspberry Pi-powered server.

Best for: Desktop or server use

The Raspberry Pi, despite its low power draw, is reasonably capable of running a variety of operating systems and software options. As such, it’s a nifty low-powered desktop base. With the DIY Pi Desktop Case, you can morph your Raspberry Pi into a full-fledged desktop. There’s a safe power controller, real-time clock built-in, heatsink, and mSATA connection. Thus, you can add a hard drive and operate your Raspberry Pi as a desktop. Unfortunately, the microSD card is not accessible while in the case. Still, it’s a neat case and ideal for using your Pi as a traditional desktop or server.

Best for: Desktop or server use





If you're going to build a retro gaming arcade with a Raspberry Pi, you've got several options. For a retro aesthetic, simply use an NES, SNES, or Megadrive-inspired case from the likes of Retroflag. Alternately, for an arcade cabinet form factor, you may make your own. But Pimoroni offers the Picade cabinet kit and Picade Console. Its cabinet kit, as the name suggests, is a mini tabletop arcade cabinet complete with joystick, buttons, and screen. The Picade Console, on the other hand, offers a plug-and-play arcade unit with joystick and buttons, similar to classic game connect and play devices.



Best for: Retro gaming



Kintaro offers a high-quality Super Nintendo-inspired Raspberry Pi case. With the Super Kuma 9000, you'll be revisiting "Turtles in Time," and "Yoshi's Island," in style. It's easily one of the best Raspberry Pi cases on the market. With a front LED, functional power and reset buttons, and excellent heat sink, your Pi won't overheat while gaming.



Best for: Retro gaming, HTPC use

Especially if you're running intensive tasks on your Raspberry Pi, you'll want to consider a case with active cooling. While the Raspberry Pi 4 yielded a massive hardware overhaul and improved performance, it also ushered in higher operating temperatures. Although subsequent firmware ultimately fixed this issue, a case with a cooling fan is a solid choice. For both the Raspberry Pi 3+ and Raspberry Pi 4, the Miuzei Raspberry Pi active cooling case is an excellent choice. Fully acrylic and with a built-in fan and heatsink, it's a phenomenal value that promises to keep your Raspberry Pi cool under load.

Best for: General use

There's a reason that the original Raspberry Pi Foundation case tends to see a lot of use. It's simple yet effective, and really eye-catching. My Raspberry Pi 4 remains safely nestled inside a fetching red-and-white color schemed Raspberry Pi Foundation case. I snagged a complete kit, so there's a matching keyboard and mouse. You can pick up a Raspberry Pi Foundation kit for the Raspberry Pi 3 B+, Raspberry Pi 4, and Raspberry Pi Zero.

Best for: General use

If you're gaming at all, RetroFlag easily makes the top Raspberry Pi cases money can buy. Its GPi Case transforms a Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero W into a GameBoy lookalike. While DIY portable gaming devices are pretty prevalent, including the Odroid-GO and ClockworkPi Gameshell, the Raspberry Pi Zero makes a wonderful gaming handheld. Resembling the original GameBoy, you'd be hardpressed to tell the two apart from a cursory glance. I absolutely love the GPi Case as it's a solid device to throw in my bag for trips for a portable gaming machine.

Best for: Retro gaming portable Pi

Best Cases for Your Raspberry Pi: Final Thoughts

A quick search reveals that there’s no shortage of Raspberry Pi cases. For general use, almost any Raspberry Pi case will do. But for more specific tasks, you’ll want an enclosure which yields the functionality required, or simply the aesthetics. I’ve been more than pleased with my CanaKit glossy black Pi case. But the RetroFlag NES case and Rasptendo SNES clone case lend a fun retro sentiment to my dedicated Raspberry Pi game arcade. Cases like the DIY Pi Desktop Case, MakerFocus, and MediaPi+ include a hard drive bay for additional storage. If you require a touchscreen, many cases offer this feature standard. No matter which Raspberry Pi you have, or what project you’re planning, there’s a superb case for you.

Your turn: Which Raspberry Pi cases do you suggest?