Raspberry Pi has expanded its official accessory lineup with the launch of the 5-inch Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2. Priced at $40, the compact touchscreen is designed for DIY projects and small appliances, offering full Raspberry Pi OS support and simple integration with most Pi boards. Available now from resellers including CanaKit, Vilros, and PiShop, the new display provides an affordable option for hobbyists and developers alike.
Key Features
The 5-inch display is a 720p IPS multi-touch panel capable of detecting up to five touch inputs simultaneously. It connects to Raspberry Pi boards via the DSI port using a ribbon cable, while power is supplied directly from the board’s GPIO header—meaning no separate power adapter is needed. With automatic driver support and no calibration required, it works seamlessly out of the box with Raspberry Pi OS. Users can also access the Squeekboard onscreen keyboard for direct input without additional peripherals.
Comparison With the 7-Inch Model
The 5-inch version is a smaller counterpart to the 7-inch Touch Display 2 introduced in 2024. Both share the same 720p resolution, but the 7-inch model has slightly wider viewing angles (85 degrees vs. 80 degrees). While the 7-inch retails for $60, the 5-inch display offers a more compact and cost-effective solution, particularly for smart home devices or compact control panels. Both models support all Raspberry Pi boards from the Pi 1 B+ onward, with the exception of the Pi Zero.
Use Cases
The 5-inch screen is ideal for embedded projects where space is limited. Applications include smart home controllers, VPN or server dashboards, and other systems that require occasional direct interaction without relying on external monitors or keyboards. With mounting holes on the back, Raspberry Pi boards can be attached directly to the screen, creating a fully integrated mini-computer for streamlined setups.
Other Display Options
In addition to the new 5-inch and the existing 7-inch Touch Display 2, Raspberry Pi also offers a larger 15.6-inch portable display priced at $100. That option is designed for users treating their Pi board—or all-in-one devices like the Raspberry Pi 400 and 500—as everyday desktop computers. Together, these displays provide a range of choices for projects of different scales and needs.
While not a groundbreaking innovation, the Raspberry Pi 5-inch Touch Display 2 provides an affordable and officially supported option for smaller Pi projects. Its ease of integration, compact size, and official compatibility make it a valuable accessory for hobbyists seeking reliable touchscreen functionality without relying on third-party hardware.
