FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3
Expert rating7 / 10
- SoC:
- Rockchip RK3328
- CPU:
- Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.29GHz
- RAM:
- 1GB to 2GB DDR4
- Networking:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Price:
- From $20
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Manufacturer: FriendlyElec Last updated: September 11, 2026
FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet) Review
The NanoPi NEO3 packs Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 into an extremely compact board, making it a favorite for lightweight network appliance projects like OpenWrt routers, ad-blockers, and VPN endpoints.
Despite its small size, the NEO3 includes full Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0, specs that let it serve as a capable network appliance despite costing a fraction of a full-size router.
Genuinely Tiny, Genuinely Capable Networking
Despite its small size, the NEO3 includes full Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0, specs that let it serve as a capable network appliance despite costing a fraction of a full-size router.
A Popular OpenWrt Target
The NEO3's combination of size, price, and networking hardware has made it a recurring choice in OpenWrt hobbyist projects, similar in spirit to the dedicated router-style SBCs already on this site.
Comparison to Alternatives
Against the Banana Pi BPI-R4 already on this site, the NEO3 is a much smaller, single-Ethernet-port board suited to simple network appliance projects rather than a full multi-port router replacement. Against the Radxa ROCK 3A covered in this batch, the NEO3 trades general compute performance for a smaller size and networking-focused I/O.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | FriendlyElec |
|---|
| Price | 20 USD |
|---|---|
| SoC | Rockchip RK3328 |
| CPU | Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.29GHz |
| RAM | 1GB to 2GB DDR4 |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Expert rating7 / 10
Real Gigabit and USB 3.0 in a tiny, cheap board built for network appliances.
Best for
- Tiny OpenWrt and network-appliance projects that need real Gigabit and USB 3.0 in a small footprint.
Not for
- General-purpose desktop or heavy compute workloads.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet)?
The FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet) is a single board computer from FriendlyElec. Key specs: SoC Rockchip RK3328, CPU Quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.29GHz, RAM 1GB to 2GB DDR4, Networking Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, Price From $20.
Will the FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet) work with my current setup?
The FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet) lists SoC is Rockchip RK3328. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet) best suited to?
It suits tiny openwrt and network-appliance projects that need real gigabit and usb 3.0 in a small footprint..
What are the drawbacks of the FriendlyElec NanoPi NEO3 (Single-Board Computer/Rockchip RK3328/Quad-Core Cortex-A53 1.29GHz/Gigabit Ethernet)?
It is a poor fit for general-purpose desktop or heavy compute workloads..
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