1 Global Single Board Computer Market Insight Analysis
The global single board computer market is valued at USD 1,708.48 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 6.01% from 2024 to 2033.
A Single Board Computer is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, integrating essential components such as a microprocessor, memory, input/output functions, and networking capabilities. These devices are designed to be cost-effective, energy-efficient, and highly versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. SBCs are particularly popular in the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing sectors, where their small form factor and robust performance enable seamless integration into various systems.
Figure Global Single Board Computer Market Size (M USD) and CAGR (2024-2033)
2 Single Board Computer Market Growth Drivers and Restraints
Driving factors: First, cost advantages significantly promote market development. Compared with traditional desktop computers, single-board computers do not require separate chassis, power supplies and other peripherals, and have low energy consumption, which greatly reduces their costs. This cost advantage has attracted many developers to engage in research and development, and is also conducive to the large-scale deployment of mature products, laying a solid foundation for market growth.
Second, small size and high flexibility are important driving forces. Single-board computers are small in size, such as the Raspberry Pi, which is only the size of a credit card, but has the basic functions of a complete computer. At the same time, it can be used with a variety of backplanes to facilitate the connection of different systems and achieve compact combination. It is widely used in the fields of embedded Internet of Things and edge computing, meeting the needs of different scenarios and promoting market growth.
Third, the booming Internet of Things and edge computing markets have brought broad opportunities for single-board computers. With the popularization of Internet of Things technology, enterprises have a great demand for real-time data monitoring and processing. As an important part of Internet of Things hardware devices, single-board computers can be used to monitor inventory, optimize supply chains, etc., and market demand continues to rise. In the field of edge computing, its low power consumption, low cost and high performance make it an ideal choice for building edge computing platforms, further promoting market growth.
Limiting factors: On the one hand, the performance shortcomings are more prominent. Compared with industrial computers or servers, single-board computers are limited by size and energy consumption, and it is difficult for them to compete with traditional computers in computing power and graphics processing capabilities. Their processing power, memory and storage are relatively insufficient, and they are limited in dealing with complex tasks. In addition, the choice of expansion hardware components is limited, which to a certain extent restricts their expansion in specific application scenarios.
On the other hand, market competition is extremely fierce. With the development of the industry, more and more companies have poured into the single-board computer market, leading to intensified competition. If companies cannot maintain their advantages in technological innovation, product quality and customer service, they may face the risk of difficulty in expanding new customers, losing existing customers and declining market share. In addition, alternative products such as personal computers, microcontrollers and servers also pose a threat to the single-board computer market, further exacerbating the pressure of market competition.
3 Technological Innovations in the Single Board Computer Market
Technological innovation: At the technological innovation level, enterprises continue to increase their R&D investment to promote the continuous upgrading of single-board computer functions and technologies. The trend of product specialization is becoming more and more obvious. For different application scenarios, such as industrial automation and robotics, enterprises have launched customized single-board computers to meet the personalized needs of specific industries. Many new products are equipped with the latest ARM processors, with significantly improved performance and energy efficiency, and advanced graphics processing capabilities to meet the needs of games and graphics-intensive applications.
Connectivity has also been greatly improved. Many new models have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions, and are also equipped with multiple USB ports for easy connection with various devices and networks. Security performance has also become a focus of innovation. Many new products have built-in encryption and authentication protocols, which provide guarantees for use in application scenarios with high security requirements. The gradual popularization of 5G networks will also have a significant impact on the single-board computer market, which is expected to make single-board computer data processing faster and more accurate, and further expand its application areas.
Mergers and acquisitions: Mergers and acquisitions are an important trend in market development. In 2017, Posiflex Technology acquired Portwell for NT$5.51 billion, which made Portwell an important supplier of global professional computing application platforms, integrated the resources and advantages of both parties, and enhanced its competitiveness in the market. In 2023, Sony’s semiconductor division invested in Raspberry Pi, which not only brought financial support to Raspberry Pi, but also enabled it to use Sony’s AI chips to promote its own development in the field of artificial intelligence and create more visual sensory application possibilities for users and developers.
These mergers and acquisitions and restructuring events help companies achieve resource integration, technology sharing and market expansion, promote the centralized development of the industry, change the market competition landscape, and prompt companies to participate in market competition on a larger scale and at a higher level, and promote the development and innovation of the entire single-board computer market.
4 Global Single Board Computer Market Size by Type
ARM-based SBCs are known for their low power consumption and high performance, making them ideal for applications requiring energy efficiency and portability. In 2024, ARM SBCs are expected to generate a revenue of $1,053.91 million USD, holding a market share of 61.69%. This dominant position is attributed to the widespread use of ARM processors in IoT devices, mobile computing, and embedded systems. ARM’s RISC architecture offers a balance between performance and power efficiency, which is crucial for battery-operated devices and edge computing applications.
x86 SBCs, developed by Intel and AMD, are renowned for their high processing power and compatibility with existing software ecosystems. These SBCs are commonly used in industrial automation, network appliances, and applications requiring robust computing capabilities. In 2024, the revenue generated by x86 SBCs is projected to be $586.02 million USD, representing a market share of 34.30%. The x86 architecture’s ability to handle complex tasks and its extensive software support make it a preferred choice for applications that require high computational power and compatibility with legacy systems.
Power-based SBCs, developed by companies like Freescale, are designed for high-performance computing and are often used in mission-critical applications such as aerospace, defense, and high-performance computing. These SBCs offer robust performance and reliability, making them suitable for applications where failure is not an option. In 2024, Power SBCs are expected to generate a revenue of $68.55 million USD, holding a market share of 4.01%. Although their market share is smaller compared to ARM and x86, Power SBCs play a crucial role in specialized applications where their unique capabilities are essential.
Table Global Single Board Computer Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
ARM | 1053.91 | 61.69% |
x86 | 586.02 | 34.30% |
Power | 68.55 | 4.01% |
5 Global Single Board Computer Market Size by Application
Industrial automation is a major application area for SBCs, leveraging their robust performance and reliability for controlling and monitoring industrial processes. In 2024, the revenue generated from industrial automation applications is expected to be $456.82 million USD, representing a market share of 26.74%. This segment benefits from the high processing capabilities and low power consumption of SBCs, making them ideal for industrial environments.
Security monitoring applications utilize SBCs for their compact size and efficient processing power, enabling real-time surveillance and data analysis. In 2024, the revenue from security monitoring applications is projected to be $148.25 million USD, holding a market share of 8.68%. The growth in this segment is driven by the increasing demand for advanced security solutions and the need for reliable, low-cost computing platforms.
Medical equipment applications benefit from the high reliability and low power consumption of SBCs, which are used in devices ranging from diagnostic equipment to patient monitoring systems. In 2024, the revenue from medical equipment applications is expected to be $135.54 million USD, representing a market share of 7.93%. The healthcare industry’s demand for efficient and reliable computing solutions continues to drive the adoption of SBCs in medical equipment.
Electronics and appliances applications utilize SBCs for their versatility and ability to integrate with various systems. In 2024, the revenue from this segment is projected to be $168.70 million USD, holding a market share of 9.87%. The growth in this segment is driven by the increasing demand for smart home devices and the need for efficient computing solutions in consumer electronics.
Education and development applications leverage SBCs for their cost-effectiveness and versatility, making them ideal for educational tools and development platforms. In 2024, the revenue from education and development applications is expected to be $157.79 million USD, representing a market share of 9.24%. The increasing adoption of SBCs in educational institutions and for hobbyist projects continues to drive the growth in this segment.
Network appliance applications benefit from the high performance and low power consumption of SBCs, which are used in routers, switches, and other networking equipment. In 2024, the revenue from network appliance applications is projected to be $211.67 million USD, holding a market share of 12.39%. The growth in this segment is driven by the increasing demand for efficient and reliable networking solutions.
Military and aerospace applications utilize SBCs for their robust performance and reliability in mission-critical environments. In 2024, the revenue from military and aerospace applications is expected to be $205.62 million USD, representing a market share of 12.04%. The defense industry’s demand for high-performance computing solutions continues to drive the adoption of SBCs in military and aerospace applications.
Table Global Single Board Computer Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size (M USD) 2024 | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|---|
Industrial Automation | 456.82 | 26.74% |
Security Monitoring | 148.25 | 8.68% |
Medical Equipment | 135.54 | 7.93% |
Electronics & Appliances | 168.70 | 9.87% |
Education and Development | 157.79 | 9.24% |
Network Appliance | 211.67 | 12.39% |
Military & Aerospace | 205.62 | 12.04% |
Others | 224.09 | 13.12% |
6 Global Single Board Computer Market Size by Region
The US market revenue will reach approximately $581.59 million. The growth in the region is driven by its strong technological infrastructure, high demand for advanced computing solutions, and solid industrial base.
The growth in the US is also driven by the rise of major SBC manufacturers such as Raspberry Pi, Abaco Systems, and Advantech. These companies are driving innovation and offering a wide range of SBCs customized for various applications, ranging from education and development to industrial and military use. The region’s strong economy and continued R&D investment are expected to sustain market growth.
Europe is another important market for SBCs, focusing on industrial automation and smart city initiatives. Europe is expected to reach $441.46 million in revenue by 2024. European countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are the major contributors to the market in the region, driven by the demand for efficient and reliable computing solutions across industries.
The European market benefits from a strong focus on R&D, with numerous universities and research institutes contributing to technological advancements. Moreover, the EU’s support for digital transformation and smart city projects is expected to drive the demand for single board computers (SBCs) in application areas such as energy management, transportation, and public services.
China is expected to experience rapid growth due to government support for IoT and 5G infrastructure development. In 2024, revenue in China is expected to reach $228.63 million.
Figure Global Single Board Computer Market Size (M USD) by Region in 2024
7 Global Single Board Computer Market Analysis by Major Players
Raspberry Pi
Company Profile: Raspberry Pi, established in 2009 and headquartered in the UK, is a leading player in the SBC market. Known for its low-cost, high-performance single-board computers and microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi has made computing accessible to a wide audience.
Business Overview: Raspberry Pi engages millions of young people worldwide to learn computing and digital making skills through the philanthropic Raspberry Pi Foundation. The company provides teachers with the best curriculum, resources, and training to empower schools to teach students about computing and computer science. Raspberry Pi technology is deployed across tens of thousands of applications globally in various industries.
Product Offered: Raspberry Pi offers a range of single-board computers, including the Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+, known for its 1.4GHz 64-bit quad-core processor, dual-band wireless LAN, and Bluetooth 4.2/BLE capabilities. These products are designed to be compact, cost-effective, and powerful enough for a variety of applications from education to industrial automation.
2023 Summary: In 2023, Raspberry Pi achieved sales of 7,390.5 thousand units and generated revenue of $128.71 million USD. The company’s gross profit was $38.49 million USD, reflecting a gross margin of 29.90%.
Advantech
Company Profile: Advantech, founded in 1989 and headquartered in China, is a global leader in intelligent systems and industrial computing platforms. The company is committed to becoming the most influential leader in the field of smart cities and the Internet of Things.
Business Overview: Advantech focuses on three major markets: automation, embedded computers, and intelligent services. With over 30 years of development, Advantech has accumulated extensive experience in the electronic platform service market, leading industrial development and providing comprehensive solutions including hardware/software, customer service, global backend support, and e-commerce infrastructure.
Product Offered: Advantech offers a variety of 2.5” Pico-ITX (MI/O-Ultra) Single Board Computers known for their rear I/O, fanless operation, small form factor (SFF), compact and ultra-slim design. The MIO-2361 model, for instance, features an Intel® Atom™ E3900 series processor, onboard LPDDR4-2400 up to 4GB, and eMMC up to 64GB (TBC).
2023 Summary: In 2023, Advantech achieved sales of 192.8 thousand units and generated revenue of $68.73 million USD. The company’s gross profit was $27.63 million USD, reflecting a gross margin of 40.20%.
AAEON
Company Profile: AAEON, established in 1992 and headquartered in China, is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of advanced industrial and embedded computing platforms. The company is committed to innovative engineering and produces integrated Industry 4.0 solutions.
Business Overview: AAEON produces integrated Industry 4.0 solutions, cutting-edge AI hardware, and IoT solution platforms that seamlessly consolidate virtual and physical networks. AAEON also develops hardware and intelligent automated services for premier OEM/ODMs and system integrators worldwide.
Product Offered: AAEON offers a range of products including the PICO-V2K4, a Pico-ITX Board with AMD RYZEN™ V2000 embedded Processor Family. This CPU is integrated into a compact (3.94″ x 2.84″) board containing incredibly rich I/O features and expansion options, while also maintaining the power efficiency that AAEON’s PICO-ITX board range is renowned for.
2023 Summary: In 2023, AAEON achieved sales of 185.9 thousand units and generated revenue of $53.23 million USD. The company’s gross profit was $18.42 million USD, reflecting a gross margin of 34.61%.