24/09/2024 5:06 am
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I’ve been using the ESP32 for many years now for most of my projects due to its built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and dual-core processor. It has a great balance between performance, features, and price, but with newer boards like the Raspberry Pi Pico W and improved Arduino boards, I’m wondering if the ESP32 is still the best all-around microcontroller for IoT and other general purposes in 2024.
Price-wise no one beats ESP32 and like Arduino, now it too has a large, active community, which means you can find libraries, tutorials, and troubleshooting help easily.
What are your thoughts? Do you still prefer the ESP32, or are there other boards that have taken its place as the go-to for most projects
3 Answers
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27/09/2024 8:18 am
I've been an ESP32 user for a while, and honestly, I think it's still one of the best options out there! The dual-core processor makes multitasking a breeze, and the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are just unbeatable for IoT projects. Plus, the price can't be matched for what you get.
That said, I recently tried the Raspberry Pi Pico W for a low-power project, and I was impressed! It’s small, breadboard friendly, and has Wi-Fi built in just like an ESP board, which makes it a great choice for simpler tasks. If your project doesn't need the extra power of the ESP32, it might be worth considering.
Overall, I still reach for the ESP32 for most of my projects, but I keep an eye on new boards like the Pico W for specific needs!
Amelia Topic starter
28/09/2024 5:25 am
There's a simple fix for that. Just take two half-size breadboards ->snap one power rail from each - > insert the ESP32(one side of pins on breadboard A and the other side on breadboard B)
Sebastian 30/09/2024 7:10 am
Yes, I am aware of this. But still, you gotta sacrifice two breadboards just to use a microcontroller 🙁
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27/09/2024 11:57 am
I am a fan of the ESP32 for its features and price, but I think it’s important to keep an open mind. The Arduino Nano 33 IoT has caught my attention lately. It’s great for beginners and integrates seamlessly with the Arduino platform, which makes it super accessible.
Plus, with the launch of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and the anticipation of the Pico 2W, there are exciting new options coming into play. These boards could potentially outperform the ESP32 for many IoT projects, especially when it comes to ease of use and energy efficiency.
So while the ESP32 is still a solid choice, I think it’s wise to explore the newer alternatives as they become available!
Amelia Topic starter
07/02/2025 5:35 am
@sebastian Yeah, I get what you mean—there are definitely some exciting new boards out there! The Nano 33 IoT is super beginner-friendly, and I can see why it’s gaining attention.
That said, I still feel like the ESP32 wins when it comes to raw performance, cost and built-in features.
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30/09/2024 12:30 pm
Well, it depends. But I believe under $5, the basic version of ESP32 with ESP32-WROOM chip i.e., ESP32 DOIT DEVKIT V1 beats them all!
Amelia Topic starter
07/02/2025 5:32 am
@ankunegi I agree that the ESP32 still offers unbeatable value under $5, especially with its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But considering the newer Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and other microcontrollers, do you think ESP32’s power consumption is a dealbreaker for battery-powered IoT applications? Are there any low-power alternatives that provide similar connectivity options?
Admin 07/02/2025 12:41 pm
You can't directly compare the power consumption of a board with a wireless module to one without it. Naturally, the ESP32 will consume more power when fully active. However, its power usage is far from a dealbreaker. Why? Because in deep sleep mode, it draws as little as 10µA, making it highly efficient for low-power applications.
