Despite the fact that a Raspberry Pi can be operated successfully without a case, many people prefer a case that can protect the single-board computer while also providing an attractive design, built-in cooling, or even special features. The number of Raspberry Pi cases available is almost as numerous as the number of decimal places in the number Pi, but choosing the right one for your model and use case can be difficult.

There is no single best Raspberry Pi case for all applications because what you would want for a media center is different from what you would need for maker projects. We've compiled a list of our favorite Raspberry Pi cases, which includes options not only for the current-generation Raspberry Pi 4, but also for the Raspberry Pi 3 series and the diminutive Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W.

Do you require GPIO, Camera, or Display access? Many cases restrict or completely prohibit access to the GPIO pins, which are required for connecting the best Raspberry Pi HATs as well as other lights, motors, and sensors. Before you buy, think about whether you intend to use the GPIO pins and whether you will need to mount a HAT directly on top of your Pi or whether you will be comfortable connecting to the pins with a ribbon cable, as some cases only allow for this. In some instances, the CSI camera and DSI display ports may also be inaccessible.

What type of cooling do you want? Some cases have built-in fans, while others rely on passive cooling, in which case the top of the case serves as a heatsink. Others have a space for a fan but do not include one. The cooling capacity of your Raspberry Pi 4 case is critical, especially if you are growing Chia or intend to run Windows 11.

Are you looking for something specific? While there are many generic cases that simply hold the Raspberry Pi, there are others that have a distinctive design or function. Some cases allow you to mount the Pi on the back of a screen, while others come with a screen already attached. Other models are designed to look and operate in the same way as retro game consoles.

Would you be better off if you didn't have a pre-made case? For any project that involves the construction of a robot or other physical device, it may be preferable to use either no case at all or to build your own case that incorporates the wires, buttons, and other devices that you require.

Do you already have a Raspberry Pi? With the release of the Raspberry Pi 400, we get to see a modified Raspberry Pi 4 with 4GB of RAM housed in a keyboard chassis. We have access to the GPIO pins and excellent cooling, but there are no connections for the official Raspberry Pi Camera or touchscreen. If you are just getting started, the Raspberry Pi 400 may be the best all-around choice.

GPi Retroflag GPi Case

If you've ever wished that you could play games on a Raspberry Pi Zero in the same way that you could on a Nintendo Game Boy, the Retroflag GPi case will unquestionably fulfill your dreams. Aside from the Raspberry Pi Zero and microSD card, the GPi Case includes everything you need to create a portable, handheld gaming experience.

You simply connect a Raspberry Pi Zero or Zero W to a small box that resembles an old-school Game Boy cartridge and then plug it into the case, which features a 2.8-inch "ST7789V" IPS screen, a D-pad, four game buttons, and select / start buttons. It also has a headphone jack for easy audio output, as well as an on/off switch that can be used to safely shut down your Raspberry Pi.

The GPi Case is powered by a set of three AA batteries, much like an old-school handheld game system, and we've found that it can last for several hours on a single charge. Despite the fact that you do not have access to the GPIO pins or the video out, you can swap the microSD card when you remove the cartridge section. The GPi Case truly lives up to its potential, but its form factor and the limitations of the Pi Zero mean that you won't be able to play high-end games from other consoles (for example, the Nintendo 64) on it.