An ESP32 board gives you WiFi and Bluetooth on one chip with a dual-core processor near 240 MHz. The DevKit V1 suits first WiFi projects, while the ESP32-CAM adds a camera for image projects. The ESP32-S3-CAM adds more memory with 16 MB of flash. Pick the board by pins, memory, and camera need. This guide compares the common boards.
What makes an ESP32 different from an Arduino UNO?
The ESP32 runs a dual-core chip near 240 MHz, while the UNO runs at 16 MHz. The ESP32 also has WiFi and Bluetooth built in.
The UNO uses 5 V logic, while the ESP32 uses 3.3 V logic. Check each sensor for 3.3 V support before you wire it to an ESP32.
Which ESP32 board suits a first WiFi project?
The DevKit V1 is a 30-pin board with a WROOM-32 module. It has 18 analog inputs and runs Arduino code out of the box.
The ESP32-S2 Mini is smaller and costs less, with 4 MB of flash and 2 MB of PSRAM. It suits a sensor node that reports over WiFi.
What does the ESP32-CAM do?
The ESP32-CAM adds an OV2640 camera to an ESP32 board with 4 MB of PSRAM. It streams video over WiFi to a phone or browser.
The board needs a 5 V supply at 1 A or more when the camera runs. A USB programmer board flashes code to the ESP32-CAM over serial.
When should you pick the ESP32-S3-CAM?
The ESP32-S3-CAM carries 16 MB of flash and 8 MB of PSRAM. That memory fits larger camera frames than the 4 MB ESP32-CAM.
It offers a choice of OV2640 or OV5640 cameras in 1, 5, or 10 packs. Pick the OV5640 when you need higher resolution images.
What is the ESP32 SuperMini good for?
The SuperMini packs an ESP32-C3, C6, S3, or H2 chip into a tiny board. It fits wearables and small sensor nodes that a DevKit cannot.
It keeps WiFi and Bluetooth on the C3, C6, and S3 versions. The H2 version uses Thread and Zigbee instead of WiFi.
How do you power an ESP32 board?
Most ESP32 boards run from a 5 V USB supply at 500 mA or more. The camera boards need 1 A when WiFi and the camera run together.
A 3.3 V regulator on the board feeds the chip itself. Never feed 5 V into a 3.3 V pin, or the board will fail.
Frequently asked questions
Can I program an ESP32 with the Arduino IDE?
Yes. Install the ESP32 board package in the Arduino IDE, then pick your board from the menu. Most Arduino sketches compile with small changes.
How much flash does an ESP32-CAM have?
The ESP32-CAM ships with 4 MB of flash and 4 MB of PSRAM. The ESP32-S3-CAM raises that to 16 MB of flash and 8 MB of PSRAM.
Does the ESP32-S3-CAM need a programmer?
No. The ESP32-S3-CAM has dual USB-C ports built in. The ESP32-CAM needs a separate USB programmer board.
Which ESP32 works with MicroPython?
The DevKit V1, the S2 Mini, and the SuperMini all run MicroPython. The RP2040 boards run it too, if you want a second option.
Parts used
ESP32 DevKit V1 Development Board, 30-Pin WROOM-32, WiFi + Bluetooth, $11.99. Original ESP32 DevKit V1 development board, 30-pin WROOM-32 with dual-core processor, WiFi + Bluetooth, in Micro USB or Type-C versions, with or without breakout board. Ships from NY, USA.
ESP32 SuperMini Development Board, C3 / C6 / S3 / H2 + Expansion Boards, WiFi + Bluetooth, $9.99. Compact ESP32 SuperMini development board, available in C3, C6, S3, and H2 versions with matching expansion boards. WiFi + Bluetooth for IoT and Arduino projects. Ships from NY, USA.
ESP32-S2 Mini Development Board, WiFi, 4MB Flash, 2MB PSRAM, USB-C, $11.16. ESP32-S2 Mini development board with ESP32-S2FN4R2, 4MB flash, 2MB PSRAM, and WiFi. USB-C, MicroPython and Arduino compatible, D1 Mini shield compatible. Ships from NY, USA.
ESP32-CAM Development Board with OV2640 Camera Module, 4MB PSRAM, $25.99. ESP32-CAM development board with OV2640 camera module, 4MB PSRAM, WiFi + Bluetooth, micro USB, and TF card slot. For IoT cameras, video streaming, and Arduino projects. Ships from NY, USA.
ESP32-S3-CAM Development Board N16R8 : Board, OV2640 or OV5640 Camera, 1/5/10-Pack, $11.97. ESP32-S3-CAM development board (N16R8: 16MB flash, 8MB PSRAM) with WiFi + Bluetooth, dual USB-C, TF card slot, and optional OV2640 2MP or OV5640 5MP camera. Board only or 5/10-packs. Ships from NY, USA.
NodeMCU ESP8266 Development Board with 0.96" OLED Display, ESP-12E, Micro USB, $11.37. NodeMCU ESP8266 development board (ESP-12E) with a built-in 0.96 inch SSD1306 OLED display, CH340 USB-serial, Micro USB, FLASH and RESET buttons. Works with the Arduino IDE. Choose white, yellow-blue, or blue display. Ships from NY, USA.
HC-SR501 PIR Motion Sensor Module, 2-Pack, $7.62. HC-SR501 PIR motion sensor module for Arduino and Raspberry Pi. 5: 20V, adjustable 0.3: 18s delay, up to 7m detection, <120° cone. 2-pack. Ships from NY, USA.
DHT22 / AM2302 Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor Module, $5.96. DHT22 / AM2302 digital temperature and humidity sensor module. 0: 100% RH, -40 to 80°C, 3.3: 5.5V, single-bus output for Arduino and ESP32. Ships from NY, USA.
RP2040 Pro Micro Development Board, 16MB Flash, USB-C, QMK Compatible, $8.37. RP2040 Pro Micro development board with 16MB flash, dual-core RP2040, USB-C, and BOOT and RESET buttons. Runs MicroPython and QMK firmware. Ships from NY, USA.
UNO R3 Compatible Development Board, ATmega328P CH340G : USB / Type-C, $9.27. UNO R3 compatible development board with ATmega328P and CH340G USB-serial, 16MHz, 14 digital I/O and 6 analog inputs. Works with the Arduino IDE. USB-B or Type-C, with or without cable. Ships from NY, USA.
Microcontrollers and Development
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
How to Choose the Right ESP32 Board for Your Project
How to Choose ESP32 Development Boards for Your Build
How to Start with ESP32-CAM for WiFi Camera Projects
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-10.