I have recently purchased a $10 arduino uno-compatible microcontroller and am testing how it compares to an official Arduino Uno. I have my doubts, but will post everything I find right here.
Knock-off arduino purchase link:
Doubts about what? In all the years I've used Arduino, I think I've had exactly one official board and over 100 clones.
Thanks for the info, I now have an idea of what might be coming.
There is one known difference, the ch340 vs the 16u2 USB interface. Read this thread to understand those differences: MEGA16U2 vs. CH340G as USB interface for custom Arduino design..? - Using Arduino / Project Guidance - Arduino Forum
There is one potential difference, a counterfeit 328P. There are many threads and pages discussing the differences: ATmega328P: Fake or Real? – Arduino Craft Corner (arduino-craft-corner.de)
If your 328P is counterfeit, the biggest difference that I know of are issues of the counterfeits are low-power mode. Read this article: Deep-Sleep Problems Lead To Forensic Investigation Of Troublesome Chip | Hackaday
Now that all that is covered, just enjoy your Arduino 
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Yeah, my "Arduino" 
Therein is your misconception. Arduino IDE allows users to make projects using many devices that are not made by Arduino. Even if they are made by Arduino, they use uCs made by various other companies. While they make hardware, Arduino is a development platform.
If it bothers you to the point of quotation, you can buy plenty of genuine hardware here: Arduino Official Store | Boards Shields Kits Accessories
I recommend the Nano Every. It's a more modern processor and is quite capable.
Actually most of them are "clones" - Arduino comparable. Ones that are "fakes" which claim to be an Arduino by using the trademarked name on the board are rare.
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I know that, and I'm fine with my arduino clone. 
Plus, I already have an official Arduino UNO to compare it to.
Yeah, I figured that out in my search for cheap microcontrollers.
First test:
LED Turn on-off
Arduino Clone:
Passed with little/no delay and no issues.
Arduino (real):
Passed with little/no delay and no issues.
Round Tie!
Specifications:
Clone:
16.2MHz ATmega328P
32KB RAM - 27KB Usable
Arduino "UNO" Bootloader
CH340g USB interface
14 Pins, 6 with PWM outputs
Real:
16.2MHz ATmega328PU
32KB RAM - 27KB Usable
Arduino "UNO" Bootloader
ATmega16u2 USB interface
14 Pins, 6 with PWM outputs
Round Tie!
Durability:
Clone
No water resistance
Commercial Grade Materials
Real
No water resistance
Commercial Grade Materials
Round Tie!
Conclusion:
There are hardly any differences between the clone and the real Arduino, except the USB interface. They both use the Arduino IDE, they both have the same processors, and they are both made from the same materials. Contrary to popular belief, there are no noticeable quality deficiencies in the clone vs. the real Arduino. The only thing that gives the clone the win is its unbeatable cost. For less than 70% the price of an Arduino Uno R3, the Envistia Uno R3 is just as capable and even has a more robust USB interface. If you don't want to install a USB drive, the official Arduino Uno is the one for you. If you want to take the extra 5 minutes and install a USB drive AND want to save a quick buck, the Envistia Uno is the one for you.
Best,
1noahb1
In the early days there were fake Arduinos. They were so badly constructed and obvious that they actually increased sales of real Arduinos after people were burned by the poor quality.
Now the clones identify as compatible and most have the same quality. I actually prefer them because of the extra I/O connections. If you look at the picture above you can see the extra holes along the I/O connectors. I solder pin headers in these and then can use either pin or socket connectors on the cables. They also have convenient connectors for serial and I2C with the data and power together. (There is no additional I/O, just easier access to the existing signals,)
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When I got here in 2011, the main site docs included making your own boards to use or SELL. Everything to make one: OPEN.
The docs were clear that Arduino is an entire system that the boards are products of. The IDE is a bigger part and the forum is community.
The extra connections make my life easier, too. Having an extra few connectors is a great money-saver when I run out of pin headers, as I don't have to buy a new board.
Save a buck at $10 ea? I paid $5 ea for Nanos!
Either is still cheaper than an FTDI cable! Either can be used to program most DIP AVR chips.
If you give a 328P power, ground, 2 bypass caps and either repurpose the reset pin or wire a resistor and button between power and the reset pin and... besides a program and wiring for it, there is enough to run, A board is not necessary (can build on a socket or nothing as the O'baka Arduino shows) and an end product often doesn't need a USB chip.
Then get an arduino nano clone. I don't understand your frustration. There are plenty of knock-off chips you can "save a buck" on.
I don't have frustration. I have made my own with ATmega1284P chip that has 16K RAM. The chip cost $7 then but closer to $5 now.
$5 for a Nano is good! Unlike the Uno, nano plugs into breadboards.
Please find out that Arduino Boards use common chips, licensed manufacture and quality.. there are no knock-off AVRs!
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Ok, thanks! That's impressive that you made your own! Sorry for misjudging your tone, it's hard to tell online. 
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