Hardkernel ODROID: official boards and accessories
ODROID is the single-board computer range from Hardkernel, a South Korean manufacturer based in Anyang, in Gyeonggi province. Hardkernel develops ARM boards (C, N and M families) and x86 mini PCs (H family), and publishes a complete technical wiki as well as a forum that serves as official support.
![]() Hardkernel ODROID-N2L 4GB | ![]() Hardkernel ODROID-N2L 2GB | ![]() 12V 2A power supply for ODROID-N2L | ![]() 16GB Android eMMC module for ODROID-N2L |
ODROID boards stand out for their powerful Amlogic or Rockchip processors, removable eMMC storage and Ubuntu and Android images maintained by the manufacturer. This guide presents the ODROID-N2L board and its official accessories, and answers frequently asked questions about the comparison with the Raspberry Pi.
The ODROID-N2L: six cores in a compact format
The ODROID-N2L is the compact version of the N2 family. It features a six-core Amlogic S922X SoC (four Cortex-A73 at 2.2 GHz and two Cortex-A53 at 2 GHz), a 4K 60 Hz HDMI 2.0 output with HDR, one USB 3.0 port and one USB 2.0 port, a 40-pin GPIO connector and a slot for an eMMC module in addition to the microSD reader. A heatsink with fan is supplied. On the software side, Hardkernel offers Ubuntu 22.04 and Android 9.
- Hardkernel ODROID-N2L 4 GB : 4 GB of LPDDR4 for multitasking, a Linux desktop or a light server.
- Hardkernel ODROID-N2L 2 GB : 2 GB of LPDDR4, for an Android media player or single-task dedicated use.
The official ODROID accessories
- 12 V 2 A power supply for ODROID-N2L : official Hardkernel power adapter, European plug, 5.5 x 2.1 mm center-positive jack, 1.5 m cable. It also suits the ODROID N2, N2+, C4, C5, M1 and M2.
- 16 GB Android eMMC module for ODROID-N2L : eMMC 5.1 with Android preinstalled, over 165 MB/s read and over 125 MB/s write, noticeably faster than a microSD card.
- metal case for ODROID-N2L : steel painted black, made by KKSB, with room for the original heatsink, VESA 75 mounting and DIN rail (clip sold separately).
- Hardkernel WiFi Module 5BK : dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi USB dongle with Bluetooth 4.2 (Realtek RTL8821CU chip). Hardkernel validates it on the ODROID C4, C5, HC4, M1, M1S, M2, N2L, N2+, XU4 and the H4 family.
Which ODROID configuration for which use?
| Use | Card | Essential accessories | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K Android media player | N2L 2 GB | 12 V power supply, Android eMMC, Wi-Fi 5BK | HDMI 2.0 4K60 HDR, instant boot |
| Light Linux desktop, development | N2L 4 GB | 12 V power supply, eMMC or microSD, Wi-Fi 5BK | Six cores, 4 GB for multitasking |
| Display kiosk mounted on the screen | N2L 2 or 4 GB | VESA 75 metal case | Attaches to the back of the monitor |
| Controller or gateway in a cabinet | N2L 4 GB | Metal case, DIN rail clip | DIN rail mounting |
Hardkernel WiFi Module 5BK: dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for ODROID15,50 € INCL. VATIn stockIn stockAdd to cartCompatibility and pitfalls to avoid
- No built-in networking : the ODROID-N2L has neither Ethernet nor Wi-Fi. Add the Wi-Fi 5BK module or a USB Ethernet adapter.
- 12 V power supply : the N2L accepts 7.5 to 16 V on a 5.5 x 2.1 mm jack. Never connect this 12 V adapter to a 5 V board, such as a Raspberry Pi.
- Specific eMMC : the Android eMMC module is reserved for the N2L and does not boot on the N2 or N2+. To reflash it, you need a Hardkernel eMMC reader.
- Dedicated case : the metal case only fits the N2L (69 x 56 mm format), not the N2 or N2+.
- GPIO and HATs : the 40-pin connector is not electrically compatible with all Raspberry Pi HATs; the analog input accepts 1.8 V at most.
- No analog audio output or RTC clock on the N2L.
Frequently asked questions: ODROID or Raspberry Pi?
ODROID or Raspberry Pi: which one to choose?
The official Raspberry Pi offers the largest ecosystem: Raspberry Pi OS, HATs, cases, tutorials, built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The ODROID-N2L appeals for Android multimedia and 4K HDR video thanks to its six-core SoC and eMMC, but requires more technical autonomy and adapters for networking. Our Raspberry Pi comparison table helps place each model.
ODROID-N2L or Raspberry Pi 5?
The Raspberry Pi 5 includes Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, a PCIe link for NVMe SSD (see our selection of M.2 HATs for Raspberry Pi 5) and two 4K outputs. The N2L stands out for its HDR and Android, but has no built-in networking. For a server or a connected project, the Pi 5 is simpler.
What about the ODROID-C4, C5, N2+ or M2 compared with the Raspberry Pi 5?
These are other Hardkernel boards, with their own characteristics. Our article Raspberry Pi 5 vs ODROID-C4 vs OKdo ROCK compares these platforms for DIY projects.
Can you install Home Assistant on an ODROID?
Yes, Home Assistant publishes official images for ODROID and suggests the ODROID-N2+, M1 and C4. The N2L is not on that list. For a documented installation, also see our Home Assistant and home automation section.
Which system should I install on the ODROID-N2L?
Hardkernel offers Ubuntu 22.04 and Android 9. The Android eMMC module lets you boot into Android immediately.
Does the Wi-Fi 5BK work on Raspberry Pi?
Its compatibility is documented by Hardkernel only for ODROID boards. Recent Raspberry Pi boards have built-in Wi-Fi anyway.
Complete your ODROID with the official Hardkernel accessories in the grid above: tested products, shipped within 24/48 hours of receiving payment, pickup point delivery free from €200 of purchases.






