Hello readers, welcome to the new post. In this post, we will learn about the ESP32 vs. the ESP8266—Which One to Choose? Both the ESP32 and ESP8266 are low-cost, Wi-Fi-based SOCS best for DIY projects in IoT. These come with 32-bit processors: the the ESP32 is a dual-core 80Mhz to 240MHz CPU, and the ESP8266 is an 80MHz single-core processor. In this post, we will compare the ESP32 and ESP8266, which will help you to choose the right one for your projects. Let’s get started with ESP32 vs. ESP8266.
Introduction to ESP8266
- The ESP module on the development board comes with an ESP8266 chip, ensilica Xtensa 32-bit LX106 RISC microprocessor that is compatible with RTOS and operates at a 0 to 160 MHz adjustable clock frequency.
- It is low-cost for connecting IoT projects with the internet.
- Nodemcu ESP8266 comes with an 802.11b/g/n HT40 Wi-Fi transceiver used to connect to the Wi-Fi network and interact with the internet, and it can work for both access points and stations. It gets data and shares on intent, making easy use of IoT.
- It comes with on-board processing and storage features that help to integrate with sensors and other applications-based devices with the use of GPIOs with less development up front and loading at runtime.
- 128KB RAM and 4MB of Flash memory are enough to handle high strings that create web pages.
- The ESP8266 NodeMCU Module comes in two types: one is made with a CP2102 USB to UART bridge, and the other with a CH340 USB to UART bridge.
What is ESP32?
ESP32 is a high-clock-speed controller board that is the successor of the ESP8266. It comes with a dual-core CPU with clock speed frequency of 160 MHz to 240 MHz with an inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module.
It also has low-power coprocessors that, in deep sleep mode, can work for many years on a single battery.
It comes with integrated power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, and the latest security system.
It also has a 2.5 GHz dual-mode Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module. It is a small printed board where all features are configured.
ESP32 vs ESP8266
| Features | ESP32 | ESP8266 |
| Processor | Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor | Xtensa 32-bit L106 |
| Processor Core | Dual cores | Single core |
| Operating Voltages | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| Bluetooth | Dual Bluetooth Classic + BLE | No |
| WiFi Support | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware Security | More advance security | – |
| Hall Sensor | Yes | – |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | – |
| Capacitive Touch Sensor | 10 | – |
| Power Consumption | 10uA deep sensor | 20uA |
| Co-Processor | ULP | – |
| GPIO | 39 | 17 |
| SPI | 4 | 2 |
| ROM | 448 kB | – |
| CAN | 2 | – |
| UART | Yes | Yes |
NodeMCU ESP8266 and Arduino UNO
| Features | NodeMCU ESP8266 |
Arduino UNO
|
| Microcontroller | Tensilica 32-bit Xtensa LX106 | ATmega328P |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB |
32 KB (0.5 KB is used for Bootloader)
|
| Current Use | 15 µA to 400 mA | 45 mA to 80 mA |
|
DC Current per I/O Pin
|
12 mA | 40 mA |
| Digital IO Pins | 17 | 14 |
| Analog Input Pins | 1 | 6 |
| UARTs | 2 | 1 |
| SPI | 2 | 1 |
| I2C | 1 | 1 |
| PWM | 4 | 6 |
| WiFi | Yes | – |
| Bluetooth | No | – |
| SRAM | 128 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | Not Available512 bytes (Software) | 1 KB |
| CLOCK Speed | 80 MHz or 160 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V DC | 5V DC |
| Input Voltage | 7-12 DC | 6V-20V DC |
ESP12E VS ESP12F
ESP12E Features
- its frequency range is 2.412 – 2.484 GHz
- Serial transmission rates are 110-921600 bps, TCP Client 5
- SDIO 2.0, SPI, and UART interfaces exist on this module.
- PWM also has
- Encryption: WEP64 / WEP128 / TKIP / AES
- Network Protocol: IPv4, TCP/UDP/FTP/HTTP
- One ADC channel configured
- Programmable GPIO
- Wireless network types are STA/AP/STA + AP.
- Security Features: WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V
ESP12F Features
- 802.11 b/g/n
- • Integrated low-power 32-bit MCU
- 10-bit ADC
- TCP/IP protocol stack
- TR switch, balun, LNA, power amplifier, and matching network
- PLL, regulators, and power management units
- Smart Link Function for both Android and iOS devices
- SDIO 2.0, (H) SPI, UART, I2C, I2S, IRDA, PWM, GPIO
- Supported antenna diversity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, supported WPA/WPA2
- STA/AP/STA+AP operation modes
- STBC, 1×1 MIMO, 2×1 MIMO
- A-MPDU & A-MSDU aggregation and 0.4s guard interval
Pros and Cons: ESP8266 vs. ESP32
ESP8266: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The ESP8266 is low-cost and easy to afford. So it can be used for different projects and applications.
- Its small size helps to configure it in confined spaces. So best to use in IoT and embedded projects.
- It uses low power, which helps to increase the working life of devices where it is configured.
- It supports many communication modules and is used in different projects.
- This module also comes with an active and strong community.
- It does not need any external Wi-Fi adapter.
- It also comes with GPIO pins to help make easy projects.
Cons:
- It has a more limited processing capacity than other controllers. It affects its operation for projects that needed larger processing power.
- It uses only the 2.4GHz band, which can cause busy network problems. The single-band limitation can cause interference and low signal quality, especially for places that come with many Wi-Fi networks.
- It also has inbuilt RAM with limited features.
- The security feature of this module is not better than another controller. For apps that handle sensitive data, high-level security is needed.
- Its Wi-Fi range is not enough for high buildings or other hurdles conditions.
- It has limited voltage on GPISo. That can affect support for components that need high or low voltage values.
- its boost time is not as good as other controllers
ESP32: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good power-managing features in the ESP32 help to reduce power use, which is important for battery-supported devices and applications where energy efficiency is important. It makes for a longer working life without frequent recharging or power interruptions.
Cons:
- The ESP32 uses more power, which is its drawback for battery-operated IoT projects. It is important to consider the effect of peripheral components, like voltage regulators, on power consumption.
Read our latest Electronic Guides:
Which is better, the ESP32 or the ESP8266?
The ESP is better as compared to the ESP8266. It offers fast processors and high memory, which is best for larger projects that are made on a single SOC.
ESP32 offers reliable and high-tech security features that make it unique compared to other modules.
ESP32 also has a reliable structure, firmware, and peripherals. The processing power also makes secure socket layer connections.
ESP32 devices come with more GPIO to operate with complicated projects. It is best for projects where a microcontroller is needed.
Some ESP32 boards also come with cameras.
ESP32 Pinout
| Label | GPIO | Uses |
| D0 | 0 |
It is HIGH for boot and LOW for programming
|
| TX0 | 1 |
Tx pin for flashing and debugging
|
| D2 | 2 |
LOW during boot and connected to the on-board LED
|
| RX0 | 3 |
Rx pind for flashing and debugging
|
| D4 | 4 | |
| D5 | 5 |
HIGH during boot
|
| D6 | 6. |
Flash memory connection
|
| D7 | 7 |
Flash memory connection
|
| D8 | 8 |
Flash memory connection
|
| D9 | 9 |
Flash memory connection
|
| D10 | 10 |
Connected to Flash memory
|
| D11 | 11 |
Connected to Flash memory
|
| D12 | 12 |
must be LOW during boot
|
| D13 | 13 | |
| D14 | 14 | |
| D15 | 15 |
it is HIGH during boot, stops startup log if pulled LOW
|
| RX2 | 16 | |
| TX2 | 17 | |
| D18 | 18 | |
| D19 | 19 | |
| D21 | 21 | |
| D22 | 22 | |
| D23 | 23 | |
| D25 | 25 | |
| D26 | 26 | |
| D27 | 27 | |
| D32 | 32 | |
| D33 | 33 | |
| D34 | 34 |
Input only GPIO, not for output
|
| D35 | 35 |
Input only GPIO, not for output
|
| VP | 36 |
Input only GPIO, not for output
|
| VN | 39 |
Input-only GPIO, not for output
|
ESP8266 Pinout
| Label | GPIO | Input | Output | Features |
| D0 | GPIO16 | no interrupt | no PWM or I2C support |
HIGH for boot
used to wake up from deep sleep |
| D1 | GPIO5 | OK | OK |
used as SCL (I2C)
|
| D2 | GPIO4 | OK | OK |
often used as SDA (I2C)
|
| D3 | GPIO0 | pulled up | OK |
connected to the FLASH button, the boot fails if LOW
|
| D4 | GPIO2 | pulled up | OK |
HIGH at boot
connection to on-board LED, boot fails if pulled LOW |
| D5 | GPIO14 | OK | OK | SPI (SCLK) |
| D6 | GPIO12 | OK | OK | SPI (MISO) |
| D7 | GPIO13 | OK | OK | SPI (MOSI) |
| D8 | GPIO15 | pulled to GND | OK |
SPI (CS)
Boot fails if HIGH |
| RX | GPIO3 | OK | RX pin | HIGH for boot |
| TX | GPIO1 | TX pin | OK |
HIGH for boot
debug output at boot, boot fails if pulled LOW |
| A0 | ADC0 | Analog Input | X |
ESP32 VS ESP8266—Specifications
ESP8266
- Microcontroller: Tensilica 32-bit RISC CPU Xtensa LX106
- Operating Voltage: 3.3V
- Input Voltage: 7-12V
- Digital I/O Pins (DIO): 16
- USB-TTL based on CP2102 is included onboard, enabling Plug n Play.
- PCB Antenna
- Analog Input Pins (ADC): 1
- UARTs: 1
- SPIs: 1
- I2Cs: 1
- Flash Memory: 4 MB
- SRAM: 64 KB
- Clock Speed: 80 MHz
- Small-sized module to fit smartly inside your IoT projects
ESP32
- Processors:
- CPU: Xtensa dual-core (or single-core) 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, operating at 160 or 240 MHz
- Ultra-low power (ULP) co-processor
- Memory: 520 KiB RAM, 448 KiB ROM
- Wireless connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE (shares the radio with Wi-Fi)
- Peripheral interfaces:
- 34 × programmable GPIOs
- 12-bit SAR ADC up to 18 channels
- 2 × 8-bit DACs
- 10 × touch sensors (capacitive sensing GPIOs)
- 4 × SPI
- 2 × I²S interfaces
- 2 × I²C interfaces
- 3 × UART
- SD/SDIO/CE-ATA/MMC/eMMC host controller
- SDIO/SPI slave controller
- Security:
- IEEE 802.11 standard security features are all supported, like WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, and WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure (WAPI).
- 1024-bit OTP, up to 768-bit for customers
ESP32 VS ESP8266: Which is easier to program?
It is considered that the ESP32 is more difficult to handle than the ESP8266 since it is complicated, but ESP32 programming is as easy as ESP8266, such as for Arduino language or MicroPython. Arduino IDE
Read also:
- Introduction to PIC16F1503 Microcontroller
- 10 Types of Microcontrollers: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
- Introduction to PIC16F1503 Microcontroller
- Introduction to ATMega2560 Microcontroller
- Introduction to MG82F6D17 Microcontroller
- Teensy 4.1 Pinout, Schematic Symbol, Specifications & Board Layout
FAQs
Does the ESP32 have better Wi-Fi than the ESP8266?
- ESP32 comes with 10 capacitive sensing GPIOs that can detect touch and be used for triggering events or waking up ESP32 from deep sleep. The ESP32 is a more powerful component than the ESP8266, comes with GPIOs with different functions, has faster Wi-Fi, and also supports Bluetooth.
Which ESP board is best?
- The ESP8266 is best, but the ESP32 is better in different features. The ESP32-C3 (or ESP8685) can be used as a replacement for the ESP8266. It is a single-core and less-power module.
Is ESP32 the same as ESP8266?
- The ESP32 is the successor of the ESP8266 module. ESP chips provide more CPU cores, high-speed Wi-Fi transmission technology, and a larger number of GPIOs, and support the D4.2 protocol and Bluetooth Low Energy.
What is the disadvantage of ESP32?
- The ESP32 is a high-power-use device, which is a drawback for battery-operated IoT applications.
What are the advantages of the ESP8266 over the Arduino?
- The main advantage is embedded wireless technology that is web-friendly with no use of any peripherals since it is used for Arduino. The cost and size are the USPs of the module with features of speed processing power.
What are the disadvantages of the ESP8266?
- Single-core processor
- Less RAM
- Fewer GPIO pins
- No support for Bluetooth
- Worse Wi-Fi performance
What products use ESP8266?
- 90 percent of all Internet of Things operates on ESP8266, as well as smart bulbs, switches, and plugs.
Why is ESP32 called NodeMCU?
- “NodeMCU” is a combination of “node” and “MCU” (microcontroller unit). “NodeMCU” refers to the firmware rather than the associated development kits.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi range of the ESP8266?
- The range is around 400m.
What is the power consumption of the ESP8266 vs. the ESP32?
- The ESP8266 uses about 120 mA, and the ESP32 uses about 180 mA when transmitting data over Wi-Fi.
What is the ESP8266 vs. ESP32 pinout?
- ESP32 supported measurements on 18 channels. The ESP8266 comes with only one 10-bit ADC pin, and the ESP32 also supports 2 8-bit DAC channels.
Read Our Latest Post:
What Size of Wire Do I Need for a 100 Amp Sub Panel?
125 Amp Wire Size and Breaker Guide
What Size Wire Do I Need for a 60 Amp Sub Panel?
60 Amp Wire Size – Which AWG is Best for 60 Amp Breaker
How Many Lights on a 15 Amp Circuit
