An STM32 board runs a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 chip at 72 MHz, far faster than an 8-bit UNO at 16 MHz. The BluePill Plus adds USB-C and SWD debug on one small board. It runs Arduino code through the STM32duino core. Pick it when a project needs more speed, timers, or pins. This guide compares the STM32 boards.
What is an STM32 board?
The STM32 is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller that runs at 72 MHz. It has far more timers and pins than an 8-bit UNO.
The BluePill Plus board adds USB-C and a SWD debug port. It costs little more than a Nano and gives far more headroom.
How fast is the STM32F103 chip?
The STM32F103C8T6 runs at 72 MHz with 64 KB of flash. The CBT6 version doubles flash to 128 KB on the same board.
The chip has 37 GPIO pins and 10 analog inputs. It runs timers up to 72 MHz for precise PWM and encoder work.
Can you program an STM32 with the Arduino IDE?
Yes, through the STM32duino core. Install it in the Arduino IDE, then pick the BluePill board from the menu.
Most Arduino sketches compile with small changes. The core maps Arduino pin numbers to STM32 pins for you.
When should you move from a UNO to an STM32?
Move up when a project needs more than 16 MHz or more than 6 analog inputs. A fast sensor loop or a motor encoder is a good trigger.
The STM32 also suits projects with two serial ports or USB device work. The UNO has one serial port, while the STM32 has three.
What voltage logic does an STM32 use?
The STM32 uses 3.3 V logic on its pins, like the ESP32. Check each sensor for 3.3 V support before you wire it.
Some STM32 pins tolerate 5 V inputs, but not all of them. Read the pin map for your board before you connect 5 V signals.
What projects suit an STM32 board?
A robot car with encoders suits the STM32, since it reads two encoder channels at 72 MHz. A drone flight controller is another classic use.
A sensor logger with an OLED display also fits well. The board reads a DHT22 and a BMP280 while it updates a 0.96 inch screen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the STM32 harder to program than a UNO?
A little. You install the STM32duino core once, and then uploads work like a UNO. The extra speed is worth the one-time setup.
How much flash does a BluePill have?
The C8T6 version has 64 KB of flash. The CBT6 version has 128 KB of flash on the same board size.
Does the STM32 run MicroPython?
Yes, on some boards. Most users run Arduino code or C code through the STM32duino core instead.
Can I use Arduino shields with an STM32?
No, not directly. The BluePill pin layout differs from the UNO shield layout, so wire sensors by hand instead.
Parts used
BluePill Plus STM32F103C8T6 / STM32F103CBT6 ARM Cortex-M3 Development Board, USB-C, $11.48. BluePill Plus STM32F103 development board with ARM Cortex-M3 at 72 MHz, USB-C, and SWD debug. Choose C8T6 64KB or CBT6 128KB flash. 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.
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-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
0.96 Inch OLED Display Module, SSD1306, I2C, 128×64, for Arduino / ESP32 / ESP8266, $5.47. 0.96 inch OLED display module, SSD1306 driver, 128×64 pixels, I2C interface, 4 pins (GND, VCC, SCL, SDA), 3.3V-5V. Works with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi. Choose yellow-blue, white, or blue display. Ships from NY, USA.
Microcontrollers and Development
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
How to Choose STM32 Development Boards for Arduino Work
How to Choose Microcontrollers for RC and Robotics Builds
How to Choose Arduino-Compatible Boards for Your Project
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
- Arduino: Getting started with Arduino UNO
- STM32duino: Arduino Core STM32
- Arduino: UNO Rev3 documentation
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-10.