ESP32 vs ESP8266: Which Microcontroller to Choose?

You're just starting with electronics, IoT, or smart DIY gadgets and you've most likely heard the words ESP32 and ESP8266. These tiny microcontrollers are like the intellectuals of small devices — from automated lights to little robots. But how do you choose between them? Let's dissect.

What Are These Anyway?

• ESP8266 – Old but not dead. Imagine the OG Wi-Fi microcontroller for dummies. Inexpensive, tiny, and great for simple projects.

• ESP32 – The improved one. Faster, wiser, and loaded with more stuff. It's like ESP8266 with an added superpower.

Key Differences

CPU & Speed: Both ESP8266 and ESP32 share a single-core CPU with speeds of 80–160 MHz for ESP8266, but ESP32 uses a dual-core CPU with speeds of 240 MHz. That makes ESP32 process larger programs and multitask much better.

Connectivity: Both support Wi-Fi, and in addition to that, ESP32 also supports Bluetooth. That's a huge advantage if you need to connect things without Wi-Fi dependency.

Pins & Features: ESP8266 lacks more GPIO pins and simple capabilities. ESP32 has more pins, improved ADC (analog-to-digital), touch sensors, DACs, and more features that allow you to do more advanced projects.

Price: ESP8266 is extremely affordable — typically $2–5. ESP32 is a bit pricier, at around $5–10, but the additional features are worth it.

Why You'd Choose ESP8266

• Low-cost – Ideal for small home projects.
• Simple – Easy to implement for beginners.
• Enough for basics – Wi-Fi projects, LED controllers, small sensors.

Why You’d Choose ESP32

• More power – Dual-core CPU handles bigger programs.
• Bluetooth support – Connect devices without Wi-Fi.
• More pins & features – Touch sensors, DAC, more ADC channels.
• Future-proof – Better for complex projects like robotics or smart home systems.

Basically..

• ESP8266 → Cheap, simple, beginner-friendly. Great for small Wi-Fi projects.

• ESP32 → Fast, loaded with features, supports Wi-Fi + Bluetooth. Ideal for larger, more complicated projects.

Final Thoughts

If you're new to all this and just want to mess around with IoT on a low budget, go ESP8266.

If you're building intelligent gizmos, integrating multiple sensors, or planning ahead to future-proof, go ESP32.