Choosing between two microcontrollers & dev boards can mean choosing between very different purchases: one lower-priced kit oriented toward a Raspberry Pi setup and one defined PIC development package. The key question is whether your project starts with Raspberry Pi hardware you already own or with a programmer-led microcontroller workflow. That distinction makes this head-to-head fairly straightforward.
Quick verdict
- Choose the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Beginner Starter Kit for a Raspberry Pi-focused, beginner-level setup built around an existing board.
- Choose the Microchip PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Starter Kit when your project calls for a defined PIC programming and prototyping package.
Listed-price and feature comparison
| Product | Listed price | Core choice |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Beginner Starter Kit | USD 23.43 | Raspberry Pi kit-only purchase |
| Microchip PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Starter Kit | USD 69.00 | PICkit 2 package with PIC16F690 |
Where each kit wins
Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Beginner Starter Kit
The Raspberry Pi kit wins on listed price: USD 23.43, or a $45.57 spread below the PICkit 2. It also suits shoppers drawn to the title's "Beginner Level Starter Kit" framing and Raspberry Pi 3 B/B+ focus. The important tradeoff is that the purchase is centered on the kit rather than the Raspberry Pi board itself, so the lower price does not represent a complete board purchase.
Microchip PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Starter Kit
The PICkit 2 wins on included development hardware. Its description names both a programmer and a prototyping board, creating a more clearly defined starting point for PIC-focused work. The tradeoff is specialization: the package is organized around the PICkit 2 and PIC16F690 rather than a Raspberry Pi setup. Choose it for that named programming workflow, not as a substitute for Raspberry Pi accessories.
Product notes
Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Beginner Starter Kit (Kit Only)
This kit makes sense for someone who already has a Raspberry Pi 3 B or B+ and wants the beginner-level route signaled by its title. The listed configuration names a transparent case and regular power adapter, while the description covers compatibility with Raspberry Pi 2, 3 B, and B+ hardware. Those details give it a clear Raspberry Pi setup focus. The limitation is plainly stated in the title: "No Board!" and "Kit ONLY." The Raspberry Pi computer board itself is therefore not part of the purchase, so this is not the right choice for someone seeking a board-inclusive setup. Its emphasis is also different from the PICkit 2's programmer-and-prototyping approach.
Microchip PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Starter Kit
Microchip's PICkit 2 package is the more defined choice for PIC-focused development. Beyond the programmer and prototyping board, its attributes identify the DV164120 model, PIC/DSPIC core, PICkit 2 Starter Kit name, and "C10 - New Factory Sealed" cosmetics. Those identifiers help match the package to a project built around the named PIC family. The limitation is equally specific: the supported device is PIC16F690, so the kit is centered on that device rather than the Raspberry Pi 3 B/B+ ecosystem. Choose it for the included programming and prototyping hardware and its PIC-oriented configuration; choose the Raspberry Pi kit instead when your project is built around Raspberry Pi hardware.
Final choice by use case
- For an existing Raspberry Pi 3 B or B+ setup: Pick the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Beginner Starter Kit. Its beginner-level wording, transparent case, and kit-only format make the intended role clear.
- For PIC16F690 development: Pick the Microchip PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Starter Kit. The programmer, prototyping board, and named PICkit 2 configuration provide the more direct match.
- For a price-first decision: The Raspberry Pi kit is the clear choice at USD 23.43. For a defined PIC development workflow, the higher-priced PICkit 2 earns consideration through its included programming and prototyping hardware.
