waveshare 5 in Capacitive Touch Screen 800x480 - Compact HDMI Monitor

In this review the waveshare 5 in Capacitive Touch Screen is evaluated as a compact, driver-free display for Raspberry Pi projects and as a secondary PC monitor. The bottom line: it is best for makers and hobbyists who need a small, responsive touchscreen with a clear 800x480 hardware resolution and robust toughened glass, and the single biggest reason to buy is its broad plug-and-play compatibility across Raspberry Pi models and common desktop operating systems.

Key Features

• 800x480 hardware resolution: delivers a crisp, legible image for status panels, retro gaming frontends, and small GUI projects where full HD is unnecessary.
• Capacitive 5 in touch panel: supports five-points touch on PC and single-touch on Raspberry Pi, enabling intuitive interaction without extra drivers.
• Broad device support: works with Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/Zero/Zero W and other mini PCs as well as general desktop computers via HDMI for flexible deployment.
• Driver-free operation: runs without additional driver installs for supported OSes such as Raspbian, Ubuntu, WIN10 IoT, and Windows desktop versions, speeding setup for prototypes.
• Toughened glass panel: adds durability and a premium feel that resists scratches and light impacts in daily use.
• On-screen OSD controls: multi-language menu for brightness, contrast and power management so the display can be tuned without extra software.

Who It's For

The display is ideal for Raspberry Pi users building kiosks, handheld retro consoles, or compact control panels who want a small, touch-capable screen that connects via HDMI and mostly requires no driver configuration. Makers who value a toughened glass surface and a low-power panel will appreciate its durability and efficiency.

It is less suitable for users who need high pixel density or large-screen desktop work; photographers, video editors, or anyone requiring full HD should look for a larger, higher-resolution panel. Also, advanced multi-touch gestures beyond five points are not a target use case for this compact display.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plug-and-play compatibility with popular Raspberry Pi distributions and Windows desktop versions makes setup straightforward.
• Capacitive touch and five-points touch support on PC offer responsive input for interactive projects.
• Toughened glass and low power consumption provide durability and efficient operation for long-term projects.

Cons

• 800x480 resolution is modest and not suited to tasks that need high detail or large desktop workspaces.
• Touch behavior differs between Raspberry Pi (single touch) and PC (five-points), which may require adjustment in multi-platform projects.

Specifications

Display size	5 in
Resolution	800 x 480 hardware
Touch type	Capacitive touch panel (five-points on PC)
Compatibility	Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B/Zero/Zero W, BB Black, Banana Pi, PC
OS support	Raspbian, Ubuntu, Kali, Retropie, WIN10 IOT; Windows 10/8.1/8/7 on PC
Accessories included	HDMI cable, HDMI to Micro HDMI adapter, USB A to micro B cable, RPi screws pack
Panel protection	Toughened glass

Our Verdict

The waveshare 5 in Capacitive Touch Screen is a practical, good-value choice for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts and hobbyist projects that need a small, reliable touchscreen monitor. Its driver-free operation across common Pi distributions and Windows, combined with a durable glass surface and easy OSD controls, makes it a sensible pick when portability and quick setup matter more than high resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this screen work with a Raspberry Pi without extra drivers?
Yes. For supported Pi OSes such as Raspbian and Ubuntu it functions driver-free for basic display and touch input.

Can it be used as a PC monitor?
Yes. Connected via HDMI it supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7 and offers five-points touch on PC with no additional driver installs in most cases.

What is included in the package?
The package contains the 5in HDMI LCD, an HDMI cable, an HDMI to micro HDMI adapter, a USB A to micro B cable, and a set of Raspberry Pi mounting screws.