An RP2040 board runs a dual-core chip at 133 MHz with 264 KB of RAM. The Pro Micro form factor fits small builds, while the Pico adds more pins for larger projects. Both run MicroPython and C code. The RP2040-Zero is smaller still, with 2 MB of flash. This guide compares the RP2040 boards by size, pins, and flash.
What is the RP2040 chip?
The RP2040 is a dual-core ARM chip that runs at 133 MHz. It has 264 KB of RAM and 2 MB of flash on most boards.
It has 30 GPIO pins and a USB port for code uploads. It runs MicroPython, C, and CircuitPython from the same chip.
Which RP2040 board fits a small build?
The Pro Micro board carries 16 MB of flash in a tiny footprint. It fits keyboards, wearables, and small sensor nodes.
It has USB-C and two buttons for boot and reset. The board runs at 3.3 V logic, so check sensor voltage first.
When should you pick a Raspberry Pi Pico?
A Pico gives more pins than a Pro Micro, with 26 GPIO pins on the board. It suits projects with a display, sensors, and motors at once.
The Pico W adds WiFi and Bluetooth on the same RP2040 chip. Pick the W version when the project must report data wirelessly.
What is the RP2040-Zero good for?
The Zero is a Pico-compatible board in a smaller shape. It carries 2 MB of flash and a USB-C port.
It fits builds where a full Pico is too large, such as a tiny robot or a wearable. It runs the same MicroPython code as a Pico.
How do RP2040 boards compare with ESP32 boards?
An ESP32 runs near 240 MHz with WiFi built in, while the RP2040 runs at 133 MHz. The RP2040 uses less power at idle.
An ESP32 suits camera and WiFi projects, while the RP2040 suits precise timing and USB device projects. Pick by the job, not by clock speed alone.
What accessories does a Pico build need?
A GPIO breakout kit adds a 40-pin T-Cobbler, a ribbon cable, and a breadboard. It makes wiring a Pico project far easier.
A 5 V 3 A USB-C supply powers the board and its accessories. Add a heatsink kit when the board runs in a closed case.
Frequently asked questions
Can an RP2040 board run Arduino code?
Yes, through the Arduino-Pico core. Install it in the Arduino IDE, and most Arduino sketches compile for the RP2040.
How much flash does a Pro Micro RP2040 have?
The Pro Micro RP2040 board carries 16 MB of flash. The Pico carries 2 MB, and the Zero carries 2 MB as well.
Does the RP2040 have WiFi?
The base RP2040 chip has no WiFi. The Pico W adds WiFi and Bluetooth to the same chip.
What voltage logic does the RP2040 use?
It uses 3.3 V logic on all GPIO pins. Never feed 5 V into a GPIO pin.
Parts used
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.
Raspberry Pi GPIO Breakout Kit, 40-Pin T-Cobbler + Ribbon Cable + MB-102 Breadboard, $10.71. 40-pin GPIO breakout kit: T-Cobbler extension board, ribbon cable, and MB-102 breadboard for Raspberry Pi and Orange Pi. Kit 2 adds 65 jumper wires. Ships from NY, USA.
Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply, 5V 3A USB-C, with ON/OFF Switch (US Plug), $9.51. 5V 3A USB-C power supply for Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with in-line ON/OFF switch. US plug. Ships from NY, USA.
Raspberry Pi Cooling Fan, 30x30x7mm, 5V DC, Brushless, 4-Pack with Screws, $9.62. 4-pack of 30x30x7mm brushless cooling fans, 5V DC, dual-speed 3.3V/5V terminals, 15.92 dBA. For Raspberry Pi and small boards. Ships from NY, USA.
Raspberry Pi Heatsink Kit, Aluminum Alloy, 5-Piece, White / Black / Gold / Blue, $7.17. 5-piece aluminum alloy heatsink kit for Raspberry Pi 2/3/4, 3B+, 4B, with adhesive thermal tape. White, black, gold, or blue. Ships from NY, USA.
Raspberry Pi 4 Aluminum Case with Cooling Fan & Heatsinks, Red/Black (Board Not Included), $19.26. Aluminum case for Raspberry Pi 4B with built-in cooling fan, heat-conducting metal column, and heatsink set. Board not included. Ships from NY, USA.
Arduino Nano 3.0 Compatible Development Board, Type-C USB, ATmega328PB, CH340C, $10.96. Arduino Nano 3.0 compatible development board with ATmega328PB MCU, CH340C USB-serial chip, and Type-C USB. Works with the Arduino IDE for maker, STEM, and robotics projects. 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.
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.
TCRT5000 Infrared Reflective Line Tracking Sensor Module, 4-Pack, $7.02. TCRT5000 infrared reflective line tracking sensor module. 1: 25mm adjustable detection, LM393 comparator, digital output, 3.3: 5V. 4-pack for Arduino robot cars. Ships from NY, USA.
Microcontrollers and Development
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
How to Choose Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 Boards for Builds
How to Start with RP2040 Boards for Tiny Maker Projects
How to Pick Raspberry Pi Pico Accessories for Your Build
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
- Raspberry Pi: Pico SDK on GitHub
- Raspberry Pi: Getting started with Pico
- Adafruit: Feather RP2040 Pico guide
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-10.