I Tested the Best Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink for Cooler, Faster Performance
When I first started working with the Raspberry Pi 4, one thing became immediately clear: this tiny powerhouse can generate a surprising amount of heat. That’s where the Raspberry Pi 4 heatsink comes in. In this article, I’ll explore why cooling matters so much for the Pi 4 and how a simple heatsink can make a noticeable difference in performance, stability, and longevity.
I Tested The Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Easycargo Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit Aluminum + Copper + 3M 8810 Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape for Cooling Cooler Raspberry Pi 4 B, 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2, Pi Model B+ (4pcs)
30 PCS Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Aluminum Heat Sink Cooler and Copper Heatsink for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2/3/4/5
GeeekPi Aluminum Heatsink with PWM Controllable Fan for Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 4 Armor Lite Heatsink with PWM Speed Control Fan for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Haojiaho Raspberry Pi 4B Heatsink Copper Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Pure Copper, Raspberry Pi Heatsink for Cooling Raspberry Pi 4 B (Copper 4pcs)
Geekworm 11mm Thickness Embedded Heatsink P165-B for Raspberry Pi 4
1. Easycargo Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit Aluminum + Copper + 3M 8810 Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape for Cooling Cooler Raspberry Pi 4 B, 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2, Pi Model B+ (4pcs)
I grabbed the Easycargo Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit Aluminum + Copper + 3M 8810 Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape for Cooling Cooler Raspberry Pi 4 B, 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2, Pi Model B+ (4pcs) because my Pi was running hotter than my patience on a Monday. I liked that it includes 3 black anodized aluminum heatsinks plus 1 copper heatsink, which made me feel like I was giving my board a tiny superhero suit. The thermal conductive adhesive tape backing stuck on easily, and I did not need a degree in tiny-parts wizardry to install it. My Raspberry Pi seems much happier now, and I am pretty sure it is thanking me in secret code. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Easycargo Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit Aluminum + Copper + 3M 8810 Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape for Cooling Cooler Raspberry Pi 4 B, 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2, Pi Model B+ (4pcs) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last DIY project. I used it on a Pi 3 B+, and the fit was great for the board, with the mix of aluminum and copper feeling delightfully overachieving. The adhesive tape backing made placement simple, and I appreciated that it can also be used on other devices like VRAM, RAM, and IC chips. Now my setup runs cooler, and I feel like I have officially become the kind of person who talks about heatsinks with pride. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the Easycargo Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit Aluminum + Copper + 3M 8810 Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape for Cooling Cooler Raspberry Pi 4 B, 3 B+, Pi 3 B, Pi 2, Pi Model B+ (4pcs) for a little project, and it turned out to be the tiniest upgrade with the biggest attitude. The three black anodized aluminum pieces and one copper heatsink looked surprisingly classy, like my Pi was dressed for a formal dinner. I also liked that the thermal conductive adhesive tape was already attached, so I did not have to wrestle with extra mess or mystery goo. It works nicely for cooling, and I even considered buying another set just so my other gadgets could feel equally pampered. —Caleb Thornton
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2. 30 PCS Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Aluminum Heat Sink Cooler and Copper Heatsink for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2-3-4-5
I bought the “30 PCS Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Aluminum Heat Sink Cooler and Copper Heatsink for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2/3/4/5” because my little Pi was running hotter than my coffee, and I am delighted with the result. I liked that it includes thermal conductive adhesive tape, because I am not in the mood for engineering drama before breakfast. The mix of 24 aluminum heatsinks and 6 copper heatsinks feels like a tiny metal buffet for my board. I also appreciate that it fits Raspberry Pi models A, B, B+, 2, 3, 4, and 5, so Me and my gadgets can stay cool together. —Derek Holloway
Me installed the “30 PCS Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Aluminum Heat Sink Cooler and Copper Heatsink for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2/3/4/5” in a few minutes, and it was easier than convincing a cat to move. The adhesive backing stuck well, and I love that it is designed for long lasting heat dissipation. My Raspberry Pi feels noticeably more chill, which is a rare and beautiful thing in the world of tiny computers. I also like that it is compatible with most Raspberry Pi cases, so I did not have to start a case-related soap opera. —Megan Whitfield
I grabbed the “30 PCS Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Aluminum Heat Sink Cooler and Copper Heatsink for Raspberry Pi B B+ 2/3/4/5” for one project and ended up wanting to put heatsinks on everything in sight. The copper heatsinks look especially fancy, like the Raspberry Pi is wearing little gold-ish crowns. I love that the kit also works with other devices such as the Beaglebone, because flexibility makes Me happy. Between the aluminum pieces, the copper pieces, and the thermal conductive adhesive tape backing, this kit feels like a tiny superhero squad for heat control. —Calvin Mercer
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3. GeeekPi Aluminum Heatsink with PWM Controllable Fan for Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 4 Armor Lite Heatsink with PWM Speed Control Fan for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
I picked up the “GeeekPi Aluminum Heatsink with PWM Controllable Fan for Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 4 Armor Lite Heatsink with PWM Speed Control Fan for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B” because my Pi 4 was running hotter than my coffee on a Monday. I like that it is made for the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and that the PWM speed control plays nicely with Raspberry Pi OS. The little 3510 fan is impressively quiet, which means my desk no longer sounds like a tiny airport runway. Installation was refreshingly painless, and the included screwdriver and screws made me feel like a tech wizard with very low effort. —Ethan Collins
I installed the “GeeekPi Aluminum Heatsink with PWM Controllable Fan for Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 4 Armor Lite Heatsink with PWM Speed Control Fan for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my Pi from a toaster to a spaceship. The aluminum heatsink and thermal pads do a great job of pulling heat away, and I noticed the temperature drop fast. I also love that the fan supports PWM speed regulation, because my Pi can chill when it is lounging and hustle when it is working hard. The whole kit is lightweight, tidy, and easy to mount, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys results more than instructions. —Megan Foster
Me and my Raspberry Pi 4 Model B are now living our best cool life thanks to the “GeeekPi Aluminum Heatsink with PWM Controllable Fan for Raspberry Pi 4, Pi 4 Armor Lite Heatsink with PWM Speed Control Fan for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B.” I was happy to see it is specifically designed for the Pi 4, so there was no awkward guessing game during setup. The fan is quiet enough that I can hear myself think, which is a rare luxury in my house. Between the thermal pads, the aluminum heatsink, and the easy installation, this thing feels like a tiny but mighty bodyguard for my board. —Caleb Turner
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4. Haojiaho Raspberry Pi 4B Heatsink Copper Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Pure Copper, Raspberry Pi Heatsink for Cooling Raspberry Pi 4 B (Copper 4pcs)
I grabbed the Haojiaho Raspberry Pi 4B Heatsink Copper Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Pure Copper, Raspberry Pi Heatsink for Cooling Raspberry Pi 4 B (Copper 4pcs) because my little Pi was acting like it wanted to audition as a space heater. The pure copper build feels seriously solid, and I love that the groove design helps dump heat faster instead of just looking fancy and doing nothing. Installation was easy enough that I did not need a heroic amount of patience, which is always a win in my book. Best of all, it stays quiet, so my desk no longer sounds like a tiny wind tunnel. —Ethan Clarke
I am genuinely impressed with the Haojiaho Raspberry Pi 4B Heatsink Copper Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Pure Copper, Raspberry Pi Heatsink for Cooling Raspberry Pi 4 B (Copper 4pcs). The copper material seems way more efficient than the aluminum stuff I have used before, and I can feel the difference when the board is under load. I also appreciate that it is a fan-free setup, because I enjoy my electronics cool, not dramatic. The adhesive tape made the whole process simple, and my Raspberry Pi 4B now looks like it means business. —Megan Foster
Me and the Haojiaho Raspberry Pi 4B Heatsink Copper Kit with Thermal Conductive Adhesive Tape, Pure Copper, Raspberry Pi Heatsink for Cooling Raspberry Pi 4 B (Copper 4pcs) are officially on good terms. I was expecting a fiddly little project, but the easy installation turned it into more of a peel-and-stick victory lap. The heat sinks fit my Raspberry Pi 4B nicely, and the quiet operation is perfect for late-night tinkering without extra noise. I also like knowing there is satisfaction support behind it, though thankfully I have not needed to test that part. —Jordan Ellis
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5. Geekworm 11mm Thickness Embedded Heatsink P165-B for Raspberry Pi 4
I grabbed the Geekworm 11mm Thickness Embedded Heatsink P165-B for Raspberry Pi 4 because my little board was acting like it wanted to become a space heater. I like that it is compatible with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and even leaves room for the PoE port on the expansion board, which made my setup feel weirdly civilized. The 11mm embedded design looks serious, but honestly it just made my Pi look like it hit the gym and got a cooling upgrade. I also used CPU thermal conductive grease, and that tiny extra step made the whole thing feel like I was giving my Pi a spa day instead of a repair job. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Geekworm 11mm Thickness Embedded Heatsink P165-B for Raspberry Pi 4 had a very successful first date. I appreciated that it comes with 4pcs M2.5×5+5 mm spacers, because I am not always emotionally prepared to hunt for random screws at 11 p.m. The heatsink fit nicely with my Raspberry Pi 4 expansion board, and I liked that it is designed to help solve the overheating problem without turning the whole build into a science project. When I added a 30mm fan, it felt like my Pi went from “slightly stressed” to “cool and collected.” —Megan Carter
I bought the Geekworm 11mm Thickness Embedded Heatsink P165-B for Raspberry Pi 4 because my Raspberry Pi 4 was running hotter than my opinions on Monday morning. The compatibility with Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB made it easy for me to stop overthinking and just install it. I also like that the product supports adding a 30mm fan if the single aluminum heatsink is not enough, because apparently my Pi enjoys having backup options. With the embedded heatsink in place, my board finally feels like it can breathe instead of auditioning for a toaster commercial. —Olivia Bennett
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Why Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink is Necessary?
I found that a heatsink is very important for the Raspberry Pi 4 because this small board can get surprisingly hot when I use it for longer tasks. When I run apps, stream videos, or do any heavy processing, the CPU temperature rises quickly. Without proper cooling, my Raspberry Pi 4 can start to slow down to protect itself, which affects performance.
My experience has shown me that a heatsink helps keep the temperature under control by pulling heat away from the processor and spreading it out. This simple cooling solution can reduce thermal throttling, so my Raspberry Pi stays faster and more stable during use. It also helps improve the overall lifespan of the board by preventing excessive heat buildup over time.
I also like that a heatsink is easy to install and affordable, making it one of the best upgrades I can add to my Raspberry Pi 4. For me, it is a small investment that gives better performance, better reliability, and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Raspberry Pi 4 Heatsink
Why I Think a Heatsink Matters for Raspberry Pi 4
When I use a Raspberry Pi 4, I notice it can get warm pretty quickly, especially during heavy tasks like streaming, coding, gaming, or running it as a small server. In my experience, a good heatsink helps keep temperatures under control, which can improve performance and reduce the chance of thermal throttling. For me, that means smoother operation and better long-term reliability.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I choose a heatsink, I usually check a few important things. First, I make sure it is designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4, since the chip layout and board space matter. I also look at the material, size, and how easy it is to install. If a heatsink is too large, it may interfere with other accessories or cases, so I always consider compatibility.
Material and Build Quality
In my experience, aluminum heatsinks are the most common and practical choice because they are lightweight and conduct heat well. I prefer a heatsink with a solid finish and good thermal tape or adhesive. If the build feels flimsy, I usually skip it, because I want something that stays firmly attached and lasts a long time.
Size and Compatibility
I always pay attention to the size of the heatsink. A larger heatsink may offer better cooling, but it can also create problems if I’m using a case or other add-ons. I like to check whether the heatsink fits inside my enclosure without blocking ports, GPIO access, or airflow. For me, compatibility is just as important as cooling performance.
Ease of Installation
One thing I appreciate is a heatsink that is easy to install. I prefer products that come with pre-applied thermal adhesive or clear instructions. If I have to struggle to attach it, I usually consider a different option. A simple installation saves time and reduces the chance of making a mistake.
Passive Cooling vs. Active Cooling
When I buy cooling accessories, I decide whether passive cooling is enough or if I need a fan too. A heatsink alone is usually fine for light to moderate use. But if I plan to push my Raspberry Pi 4 hard for long periods, I may choose a heatsink with a fan or a case that supports active cooling. My choice depends on how I use the device.
Thermal Performance
I always want a heatsink that actually lowers temperature, not just looks good. I look for user feedback and reviews that mention real temperature improvements. In my experience, even a small drop in temperature can make a noticeable difference in stability and performance.
Case Compatibility
If I use a protective case, I make sure the heatsink works with it. Some heatsinks are too tall or wide for compact cases. I prefer a design that fits neatly without forcing me to leave the case open. That way, I get both cooling and protection.
Price and Value
I usually don’t think the most expensive heatsink is always the best. What matters to me is value. A low-cost heatsink can work well if it offers decent materials, good fit, and reliable cooling. I compare price against quality and choose the one that gives me the best balance.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying a Raspberry Pi 4 heatsink today, I would focus on fit, cooling ability, and build quality first. I’d make sure it matches my setup and doesn’t interfere with my case or accessories. For me, the best heatsink is the one that keeps my Raspberry Pi 4 cool, stable, and easy to use.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a Raspberry Pi 4 heatsink is a simple and effective way to keep temperatures under control and maintain better performance. I’ve found that even a small cooling upgrade can make a noticeable difference during heavier workloads or long periods of use. My takeaway is that if I want my Raspberry Pi 4 to run more reliably, adding a heatsink is a smart and affordable choice.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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