ESP32
A low-cost, powerful chip with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
What is the ESP32?
The ESP32 is a family of low-cost microcontroller chips made by Espressif Systems. Its big appeal is that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, so projects can connect to a network or to a phone without extra parts.
Standout features
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the chip.
- Dual-core options: the original ESP32 has two processor cores, and some other chips in the family have one.
- Low cost: development boards are usually inexpensive.
- Plenty of pins and features for sensors, displays and more.
- Flexible programming: you can use the Arduino IDE with an add-on package, or tools such as MicroPython.
Common uses
- Smart home gadgets and sensors
- Weather stations that send readings over Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth devices that talk to a phone
- Simple web servers on a tiny board
A note on voltage
ESP32 pins work at 3.3 volts. Connecting a 5 volt signal directly to a pin can damage the chip, so check parts and boards before wiring them together.