The ESP32 is a powerful, low-cost microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. Whether you’re building an IoT device, a smart home project, or experimenting with edge AI, there’s a microcontroller or development board that fits your needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best ESP32 development boards, compare their features, and help you decide which one you should buy for your next project.
Different Types of ESP32 Microcontrollers
Before diving into development boards, it’s important to understand the different ESP microcontrollers available. Each variant offers specific features useful for different applications.
ESP32-S Series
The S Series is a refined version of the original ESP32 and offers a new processor, a native USB port, Bluetooth support, and additional security features.
There are two variants of the S Series, the ESP32-S2 and the ESP32-S3.
The S2 has a single-core processor and only supports Wi-Fi, but not Bluetooth. On the other hand, the S3 has a dual-core processor and also supports Bluetooth.
ESP32-C Series
Compared to the S Series, the C Series is smaller, cheaper, and offers less memory. To accomplish the smaller design, Espressif decided to base the chips on the RISC-V architecture.
The C Series comes in five different versions:
- The C2 has a single-core processor and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, there’s no native USB support, and the security features come a bit short.
- The C3 also has a single-core processor with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support and includes native USB support and more security features.
- The C6 adds a low-power RISC core along with Wi-Fi 6, Thread, and ZigBee support.
- The C61 is similar to the C6 but offers enhanced security features.
- The C5 incorporates all the benefits of the C6 and C61 and stands out with its dual-band Wi-Fi capability, including 5GHz support.
ESP32-H Series
The H Series only consists of the H2. It uses the same processor as the C Series but with a lower clock speed. Compared to all the other variants, the H2 doesn’t support Wi-Fi. Instead, it only supports Bluetooth, Thread, and Zigbee.
The ESP8266
Also, there’s the ESP8266, which is the ESP32’s predecessor. If you want to learn more about the differences between the ESP32 and the ESP8266, check out this post.
Choosing a Module
Since using the bare ESP chip requires adding external components like flash memory, antennas, and power management circuits, Espressif packages the microcontroller into modules like the ESP32-S3-WROOM or the ESP32-S3-MINI. These modules include the ESP32 SoC along with necessary hardware, making them easier to integrate into development boards and projects.
The modules mainly differ in size, the amount of flash memory, and whether there’s an external antenna connector or only the built-in antenna.
Since there are a ton of different modules, I can’t cover all of them. But usually, the decision automatically falls when choosing a development board. If you are still interested in all the different versions, check out Espressif’s official modules list.
Popular ESP32 Development Boards
Now that you know the different microcontroller chips, let’s explore the most popular ESP32 development boards on the market.
By using my affiliate links, you’re supporting this guide at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
1. ESP32-S DevKit v1
The ESP32 DevKit v1 is a standard board for beginners and general-purpose use. It features the dual-core ESP-WROOM-32 module and provides many GPIO pins and peripheral interfaces for various sensors and modules.
It usually comes in at a price between 6$ and 9$.
Best For: Beginners, general-purpose projects
Buy Now: ELEGOO 3PCS ESP32 DevKit v1 TYPEC on Amazon
2. ESP32-CAM
The ESP32-CAM comes with a built-in camera and microSD card slot, perfect for surveillance and IoT camera projects. Often, this development board is delivered with an additional external antenna and a USB-to-Serial board.
You can get one for about 4$ on AliExpress.
Best For: Camera projects, DIY security systems
Buy Now: ESP32-CAM on AliExpress
3. TTGO T-Display
The TTGO T-Display includes a built-in LCD screen, making it ideal for projects that require visual feedback or display data directly. It costs between 12$ and 16$.
Best For: Display projects, smart gadgets
Buy Now: LILYGO TTGO T-Display on AliExpress
4. Super Mini
The ESP32 Super Mini is one of the smallest development boards, designed for compact projects where there’s not a lot of space. It usually costs between 3$ and 6$.
Best For: Wearables, compact IoT devices
Buy Now: 3PCS Teyleten Robot ESP-C3 SuperMini on Amazon
ESP32 Board Comparison: Key Features & Specs
Here’s a quick ESP32 board comparison to help you make the right choice:
Which ESP32 Should I Buy?
Choosing the right ESP32 board depends on your project needs:
- For Beginners: ESP32 DevKit v1 or NodeMCU-32S are great starting points.
- For Camera Projects: The ESP32-CAM is the best choice.
- For Display Projects: Go with the TTGO T-Display for its built-in screen.
- For Low-Power Applications: The ESP32-C3, as used for the Super Mini, is ideal for battery-powered devices.
- For AI/ML Projects: The ESP32-S3 offers AI acceleration features perfect for edge computing.
Still unsure which ESP32 to buy? Think about your project requirements: do you need more memory, a display, or lower power consumption? The ESP32 board comparison table above can help you decide.
My personal recommendations
If I want a good all-rounder, I would go with the S Series, specifically with the ESP32-S3, as it offers good performance and versatility.
If I were to build a battery-powered project where I don’t have a lot of space, I would go with the ESP32-C3. It is small and has a relatively low power consumption.
If I need enhanced wireless capabilities, like Wi-Fi6, ZigBee, or Thread, I would choose the modern ESP32-C5, as it offers the most in terms of supported wireless protocols, security features, and processing power.
FAQs About ESP32 Boards
1. What’s the difference between ESP32 and ESP8266?
The ESP32 is more powerful, with dual-core processing, Bluetooth support, and more GPIO pins compared to the ESP8266. However, the ESP8266 has a lower power consumption.
Read more on that here.
2. Can I program the ESP32 with the Arduino IDE?
Yes! Most ESP32 boards, like the NodeMCU-32S and ESP32 DevKit v1, are fully compatible with the Arduino IDE.
Find out how to integrate the ESP32 in Arduino IDE here.
3. What’s the best ESP32 for IoT projects?
The ESP32-C3 offers excellent power efficiency, while the ESP32-S3 is great for AI-enhanced IoT devices.
4. How do I connect sensors to ESP32 boards?
Most boards support I2C, SPI, and UART protocols for easy sensor integration.
Final Thoughts
The ESP32 family offers many options to fit any project’s needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced embedded developer, there’s a development board that’s perfect for you. Use this guide to compare your options, find the best ESP32 board, and start building amazing projects today!
Also, check out how the ESP32 compares to the Raspberry Pi Pico 2!
What microcontroller and development board would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
Links marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links which means we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Read more on our Affiliate Disclosure Page.
