ESP32 Versions, Types & Models - Complete Comparison Guide
Complete list of all 9 ESP32 types, models and variants with detailed specs comparison chart. Find the perfect ESP32 version for your project: original ESP32, S2, S3, C2, C3, C5, C6, H2, P4.
Introduction #
ESP32 is a series of SoCs, that has become known for its integrated WiFi and Bluetooth while keeping its low cost. The ESP32 is designed and manufactured by Espressif Systems, the Chinese semiconductor company that specializes in the design and production of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled microcontrollers and systems-on-a-chip or SoCs.
Since the original ESP32's debut in 2016, the family has grown significantly with new variants optimized for different use cases—from ultra-low-power applications to AI-accelerated edge computing and high-performance multimedia processing.
🎯 Quick Answer: ESP32 Versions & Models Explained
The ESP32 series includes 9 different versions (ESP32, S2, S3, C2, C3, C5, C6, H2, P4), each optimized for specific use cases. Here's how to choose the right model:
Quick Navigation: Choose Your ESP32 #
Most Powerful ESP32: Performance Comparison #
⚡ Which ESP32 is the most powerful?
It depends on what you mean by "powerful" - processing speed, memory, or AI capabilities. Here's the breakdown:
| Category | Winner | Specs | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚀 Fastest CPU | ESP32-P4 | 400 MHz dual-core RISC-V | Video processing, HMI, multimedia |
| 🧠 AI/ML Performance | ESP32-S3 | 240 MHz dual-core + AI acceleration | AI vision, voice recognition, ML |
| 💾 Most Memory | ESP32-S3 | 512 KB SRAM + 8 MB Flash support | Camera apps, data logging, buffering |
| 🌐 Best Wireless | ESP32-C6 | WiFi 6 + BLE 5.3 + Thread + Zigbee | Smart home, Matter devices, mesh |
| 📌 Most GPIOs | ESP32-S3 | 45 programmable GPIOs | Complex interfaces, many sensors |
| ⚖️ Best Balance | ESP32 (Original) | 240 MHz dual-core + WiFi + BT Classic | General IoT, best ecosystem, $3-10 |
🏆 Absolute Winner: ESP32-P4
400 MHz dual-core makes it the fastest ESP32 ever
- ✅ 2.5x faster than ESP32-S3
- ✅ H.264 video processing
- ✅ MIPI-DSI/CSI interfaces
- ❌ No WiFi/Bluetooth (trade-off)
- ⚠️ Limited availability (early release)
🎯 Best With Wireless: ESP32-S3
240 MHz dual-core + AI + WiFi for connected devices
- ✅ AI acceleration for ML models
- ✅ 512 KB SRAM for complex apps
- ✅ 45 GPIOs for peripherals
- ✅ WiFi + BLE 5.0 included
All ESP32 Types & Models List (2025) #
The ESP32 series consists of 9 distinct types and models, each designed for specific applications. Here's the complete list of all ESP32 variants available in 2025:
🔷 Original & Performance Series
How to choose the right ESP32 type:
Complete ESP32 Comparison Table #
Now that we've explored each ESP32 variant in detail, let's see them all side-by-side. This comprehensive comparison table helps you quickly identify the key differences and make an informed decision based on your specific project requirements.
With so many ESP32 variants available, picking the right one depends on processing power, memory, connectivity, power efficiency, and unique features. Let's break it down:
💻 Processor & Performance
🧠 Memory & Storage
📡 Connectivity
⚡ Power & GPIO
📦 Package Sizes & Form Factors #
Quick Selection Guide #
🎯 Which ESP32 Should You Choose?
WiFi + Bluetooth Classic • Dual-core • Most popular
22 µA deep sleep • Battery-powered • USB-OTG
AI acceleration • 8 MB Flash • 45 GPIOs
RISC-V • Secure Boot • Compact & affordable
WiFi 6 • Matter • Zigbee • Thread ready
5 GHz WiFi 6 • Dual-band • High-speed
Thread • Zigbee • Ultra-low power • No WiFi
400 MHz • H.264 video • HMI displays
ESP32 Series #
The Original Classic - WiFi + Bluetooth Dual-Core Powerhouse #
📦 ESP32-WROOM Module
Released: 2016 | Architecture: Dual-core Xtensa LX6 | Clock: Up to 240 MHz
The ESP32 is the chip that started it all. Introduced in 2016 by Espressif Systems, this dual-core Xtensa LX6 microcontroller revolutionized the IoT world with its combination of WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity, impressive performance, and unbeatable price point. It remains one of the most popular choices for IoT, automation, and embedded applications.
- 520 KB SRAM
- 448 KB ROM
- Up to 4 MB Flash
- WiFi 2.4 GHz (802.11n)
- Bluetooth Classic + BLE 4.2
- Up to 150 Mbps
- ~100 µA deep sleep
- Battery-friendly
- Power guide →
Popular ESP32 Module Variants #
Espressif offers multiple pre-certified ESP32 modules, each optimized for different needs:
| Module | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32-WROOM | Most common variant | General development & production |
| ESP32-WROVER | Includes PSRAM (external RAM) | Memory-intensive applications |
| ESP32-MINI | Smallest form factor | Space-constrained designs |
🔗 Check out more: All ESP32 Development Boards
Why Choose the ESP32? #
- ✅ Best for WiFi + Bluetooth Dual Connectivity - Only ESP32 offers Bluetooth Classic
- ✅ Dual-Core Processing for Multitasking - Handle WiFi and app logic simultaneously
- ✅ Balanced Performance vs. Cost - Excellent value proposition
- ✅ Mature Ecosystem & Extensive Community Support - Thousands of libraries and examples
ESP32S2 Series #
Ultra-Efficient - Low Power Champion with USB-OTG #
📦 ESP32-S2 Module
Released: 2019 | Architecture: Single-core Xtensa LX7 | Clock: Up to 240 MHz
The ESP32-S2 is the first major successor to the original ESP32, engineered for ultra-low-power applications without sacrificing performance. It features a single-core Xtensa LX7 processor and introduces native USB support, making it perfect for battery-powered and USB-connected devices.
- 320 KB SRAM
- 128 KB ROM
- Up to 4 MB Flash
- WiFi 2.4 GHz only
- ❌ No Bluetooth
- ✅ USB-OTG support
- ~22 µA deep sleep
- 5× better than ESP32
- Power guide →
Why Choose the ESP32-S2? #
- ✅ Best for Low-Power & Battery-Powered Devices - Industry-leading deep sleep efficiency
- ✅ USB-OTG for Direct USB Communication - No USB-to-serial chip needed
- ✅ Security Enhancements for IoT - Hardware cryptographic acceleration
- ✅ Lower Cost & Simpler Design - Perfect when Bluetooth isn't required
ESP32S3 Series #
AI-Powered - Machine Learning Ready with Enhanced Capabilities #
📦 ESP32-S3 Module
Released: 2020 | Architecture: Dual-core Xtensa LX7 | Clock: Up to 240 MHz
The ESP32-S3 is the AI-enhanced evolution of the ESP32 family. With its dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor, AI acceleration capabilities, and BLE 5.0, it's designed for machine learning, computer vision, and complex IoT applications that demand both processing power and connectivity.
- 512 KB SRAM
- 384 KB ROM
- Up to 8 MB Flash
- WiFi 2.4 GHz
- BLE 5.0
- Longer range & throughput
- Vector instructions
- AI acceleration
- 45 GPIOs
Why Choose the ESP32-S3? #
- ✅ Best for AI & Machine Learning Applications - Hardware-accelerated neural network processing
- ✅ More GPIOs for Hardware Expansion - Enhanced peripheral connectivity
- ✅ Enhanced Bluetooth with BLE 5.0 - Better range and data rates
- ✅ More Flash Memory for Larger Applications - 8 MB support for complex projects
ESP32C3 Series #
RISC-V Pioneer - Security-First Architecture #
📦 ESP32-C3 Module
Released: 2020 | Architecture: Single-core 32-bit RISC-V | Clock: 160 MHz
The ESP32-C3 marks a historic shift as Espressif's first RISC-V-based microcontroller. This single-core chip brings open-source architecture, enhanced security features, and BLE 5.0 connectivity, making it ideal for secure, cost-effective IoT applications.
- 400 KB SRAM
- 384 KB ROM
- Up to 4 MB Flash
- WiFi 2.4 GHz
- BLE 5.0
- Long-range support
- Secure Boot
- Flash Encryption
- Digital Signature & HMAC
Why Choose the ESP32-C3? #
- ✅ First ESP32 with RISC-V Architecture - Open-source instruction set
- ✅ Best for Secure IoT Applications - Hardware cryptographic features
- ✅ Low Power, Small Form Factor - Compact 4×4 mm package
- ✅ BLE 5.0 for Improved Range & Speed - Enhanced wireless performance
ESP32C6 Series #
WiFi 6 Ready - Future-Proof Smart Home Champion #
📦 ESP32-C6 Module
Released: 2021 | Architecture: Single-core 32-bit RISC-V | Clock: 160 MHz
The ESP32-C6 is Espressif's first WiFi 6-enabled microcontroller, designed for the next generation of wireless IoT. It combines WiFi 6 (802.11ax), BLE 5.3, and 802.15.4 support for Thread & Zigbee, making it the ultimate choice for Matter-compliant smart home devices and high-performance wireless communication.
- 512 KB SRAM
- 320 KB ROM
- Up to 4 MB Flash
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- BLE 5.3
- Thread & Zigbee (802.15.4)
- OFDMA & MU-MIMO
- Matter-ready
- Low latency
Why Choose the ESP32-C6? #
- ✅ First ESP32 with WiFi 6 - Future-proof wireless technology
- ✅ Best for Smart Home & IoT - Matter, Thread, and Zigbee support
- ✅ Future-Proofed Wireless Connectivity - Latest BLE 5.3 and WiFi 6 standards
- ✅ Optimized for High-Density Networks - Better performance in crowded environments
ESP32H2 Series #
Mesh Master - Dedicated Thread & Zigbee Specialist #
📦 ESP32-H2 Module
Released: 2021 | Architecture: Single-core 32-bit RISC-V | Clock: 96 MHz
The ESP32-H2 is Espressif's first ultra-low-power Thread and Zigbee-focused microcontroller. Unlike other ESP32 chips, it lacks WiFi but excels at mesh networking, making it perfect for Matter-compliant smart home devices, industrial sensors, and battery-powered IoT applications.
- 256 KB SRAM
- 128 KB ROM
- External Flash support
- Thread & Zigbee (802.15.4)
- BLE 5.0
- ❌ No WiFi
- Matter-ready
- Ultra-low power
- Mesh networking
Why Choose the ESP32-H2? #
- ✅ Best for Zigbee & Thread-Based Smart Home Devices - Dedicated mesh networking
- ✅ Ultra-Low Power for Battery-Powered Applications - Longest battery life in ESP32 family
- ✅ Seamless Integration with Existing ESP32 Ecosystem - Familiar development tools
- ✅ Compact & Cost-Effective for IoT Deployment - Small 4×4 mm package
ESP32C2 Series #
Budget Champion - Ultra-Compact & Cost-Effective #
📦 ESP32-C2 Module
Released: 2022 | Architecture: Single-core 32-bit RISC-V | Clock: 120 MHz
The ESP32-C2 is Espressif's smallest and most cost-effective WiFi + BLE microcontroller. With its ultra-compact 4mm × 4mm package and minimal power consumption, it's designed for low-cost IoT applications where size and budget are critical constraints.
- 272 KB SRAM
- 576 KB ROM
- Up to 4 MB Flash
- WiFi 2.4 GHz
- BLE 5.0
- Up to 150 Mbps
- 4×4 mm package
- Smallest ESP32
- Cost-efficient
Why Choose the ESP32-C2? #
- ✅ Best for Low-Cost, Space-Constrained Designs - Smallest ESP32 form factor
- ✅ Minimal Power & Memory for Basic IoT Tasks - Optimized for simple applications
- ✅ Same Security Features as ESP32-C3 - Hardware cryptographic acceleration
- ✅ Alternative to ESP8266 with More Modern Features - Better performance and security
ESP32C5 Series #
The ESP32-C5, announced in 2022, is Espressif's first dual-band WiFi ESP32 chip, featuring a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor running at 240 MHz. It brings 5 GHz WiFi 6 support, making it ideal for high-speed, low-latency wireless applications.
More on ESP32 & 5 GHz WiFi: 🔗 Connecting ESP32 to 5 GHz WiFi
📊 Technical Specifications #
🧠 Memory
- • 400 KB SRAM
- • 384 KB ROM
- • Up to 4 MB Flash
📡 Connectivity
- • WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- • Dual-band 2.4 & 5 GHz
- • BLE 5.2
⚡ Performance
- • 240 MHz RISC-V
- • Single-core processor
- • Low latency WiFi 6
✨ Why Choose ESP32-C5?
- ✅ First ESP32 with Dual-Band WiFi (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
- ✅ Ideal for High-Speed IoT Applications
- ✅ Lower Power & Higher Efficiency
- ✅ Future-Proofed with BLE 5.2
ESP32P4 Series #
The ESP32-P4, announced in 2023, is Espressif's most powerful ESP chip to date, featuring a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V processor running at 400 MHz, alongside an additional 40 MHz low-power core for energy-efficient background tasks. Unlike other ESP32 models, the ESP32-P4 lacks built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, focusing instead on HMI (Human-Machine Interface), media processing, and external connectivity support.
📊 Technical Specifications #
🧠 Memory
- • 768 KB on-chip SRAM
- • 8 KB zero-wait TCM RAM
- • External PSRAM support
🔌 Connectivity
- • No WiFi/Bluetooth
- • MIPI-CSI & DSI support
- • External via SPI/SDIO/UART
🎬 Multimedia
- • 400 MHz dual-core RISC-V
- • H.264 video support
- • Pixel Processing Accelerator
✨ Why Choose ESP32-P4?
- ✅ Best for Display & Multimedia Applications
- ✅ Highest Processing Power in the ESP32 Series
- ✅ Designed for External Wireless Connectivity
- ✅ Optimized for Secure Edge AI & Embedded Systems
Side-by-side comparisons #
Choosing between similar ESP32 chips? These head-to-head comparisons highlight the key differences to help you make the right decision.
ESP32 vs ESP32-S2
Classic Power vs. Low-Power Efficiency
Choose ESP32 if you need Bluetooth Classic connectivity. Choose ESP32-S2 for battery-powered applications requiring ultra-low power.
ESP32-S3 vs ESP32-C3
AI Performance vs. Compact Efficiency
Choose ESP32-S3 for AI/ML applications and complex GUIs. Choose ESP32-C3 for compact, secure, cost-effective IoT devices.
ESP32-C3 vs ESP32-C6
Classic RISC-V vs. Next-Gen Connectivity
Choose ESP32-C3 for simple, secure IoT projects. Choose ESP32-C6 for future-proof smart home devices with Matter, Thread, and WiFi 6.
ESP32-H2 vs ESP32-C6
Mesh-Only vs. Multi-Protocol Powerhouse
Choose ESP32-H2 for Thread/Zigbee-only battery devices. Choose ESP32-C6 when you need WiFi + mesh networking together.
ESP32-S2 vs ESP32-S3
Low-Power Simplicity vs. AI Powerhouse
Choose ESP32-S2 when power efficiency is critical. Choose ESP32-S3 for AI, machine learning, and complex applications.
ESP32 vs ESP32-C6
Classic Xtensa vs. Modern RISC-V + WiFi 6
Choose ESP32 for proven reliability and Bluetooth Classic. Choose ESP32-C6 for smart home, Matter, and next-gen wireless.
ESP32-P4 vs ESP32-S3
Multimedia Beast vs. AI with Wireless
Choose ESP32-P4 for displays, cameras, and HMI applications. Choose ESP32-S3 for AI/IoT projects requiring wireless connectivity.
ESP32-H2 vs ESP32-C3
Mesh Specialist vs. WiFi + Security
Choose ESP32-H2 for Zigbee/Thread mesh networks. Choose ESP32-C3 for WiFi + BLE secure IoT devices.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESP32 Versions #
What is the most powerful ESP32?
The ESP32-P4 is the most powerful ESP32 chip, featuring:
- 400 MHz dual-core RISC-V processor (2.5x faster than ESP32-S3)
- Additional 40 MHz low-power core for background tasks
- H.264 video encoding/decoding capabilities
- MIPI-DSI and MIPI-CSI interfaces for displays and cameras
However: ESP32-P4 lacks WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
For wireless projects, the ESP32-S3 (240 MHz dual-core with AI acceleration) is the most powerful option with integrated connectivity.
ESP32-C3 vs ESP32-C6: Which should I choose?
Choose ESP32-C3 if you need:
- Simple, cost-effective IoT projects ($3-8)
- WiFi 4 (802.11b/g/n) and BLE 5.0
- 160 MHz RISC-V single-core
- Proven, mature ecosystem with lots of examples
Choose ESP32-C6 if you need:
- Future-proof smart home devices ($4-10)
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax) for better performance in crowded networks
- Matter protocol, Thread, and Zigbee support
- BLE 5.3 with improved features
- Better power efficiency and lower latency
Summary: C3 for budget IoT, C6 for next-gen smart home applications.
ESP32-C6 vs ESP32-S3: What are the key differences?
| Feature | ESP32-S3 | ESP32-C6 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Xtensa dual-core | RISC-V single-core |
| Clock Speed | 240 MHz | 160 MHz |
| AI Acceleration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| WiFi | WiFi 4 (b/g/n) | WiFi 6 (ax) |
| Protocols | WiFi, BLE 5.0 | WiFi 6, BLE 5.3, Thread, Zigbee, Matter |
| GPIOs | 45 | 30 |
| SRAM | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| Best For | AI/ML, Camera apps | Smart home, Matter devices |
Choose S3 for more processing power and AI. Choose C6 for modern wireless standards and smart home.
What are all the ESP32 versions and models?
There are 9 ESP32 versions in the family:
- ESP32 - Original dual-core Tensilica Xtensa with Bluetooth Classic + BLE
- ESP32-S2 - Single-core low power with USB-OTG, WiFi only (no Bluetooth)
- ESP32-S3 - Dual-core with AI acceleration and vector instructions
- ESP32-C2 - Ultra-compact budget RISC-V (120 MHz)
- ESP32-C3 - RISC-V secure IoT (160 MHz)
- ESP32-C5 - Dual-band WiFi 6 (2.4 + 5 GHz) - Not yet available
- ESP32-C6 - WiFi 6 + Matter + Thread + Zigbee
- ESP32-H2 - Thread/Zigbee mesh networking (no WiFi)
- ESP32-P4 - 400 MHz multimedia processor (no WiFi/Bluetooth)
Which ESP32 version should I buy in 2025?
Choose based on your project requirements:
Most Popular Choice: The original ESP32 remains the best all-around option for its balance of features, performance, ecosystem, and price.
ESP32 vs ESP32-S3: Which is better?
ESP32-S3 is objectively more powerful with:
- Dual 240 MHz cores (same speed, but newer architecture)
- AI acceleration with vector instructions for ML models
- More GPIOs: 45 vs 34
- More SRAM: 512 KB (vs 520 KB on ESP32)
- USB-OTG support for native USB connectivity
- Better camera interfaces (DVP + LCD)
However, ESP32 (original) has advantages:
- Bluetooth Classic support (S3 only has BLE)
- Lower cost ($3-10 vs $8-15)
- More mature ecosystem with thousands of examples
- Wider board availability from more manufacturers
Choose ESP32 for price-sensitive projects with BT Classic needs. Choose ESP32-S3 for AI/ML, camera applications, or projects needing more processing power and GPIOs.
What is the difference between ESP32-C3 and ESP32-S3?
These are fundamentally different chips:
- RISC-V single-core at 160 MHz
- 22 programmable GPIOs
- 400 KB SRAM
- Lower cost ($3-8)
- More power-efficient
- Open-source RISC-V architecture
- Best for: Simple IoT sensors, battery-powered devices, cost-sensitive projects
- Xtensa dual-core at 240 MHz
- AI acceleration with vector instructions
- 45 programmable GPIOs
- 512 KB SRAM
- Higher cost ($8-15)
- Significantly more processing power
- Best for: AI/ML applications, camera projects, complex multi-sensor systems
Performance difference: ESP32-S3 is roughly 2-3x more powerful than ESP32-C3 for compute-intensive tasks, especially with AI workloads.
Does ESP32-S2 have Bluetooth?
No, ESP32-S2 does not have Bluetooth support. It only has WiFi connectivity.
The S2 was designed as a low-cost, low-power WiFi-only option with USB-OTG support. Espressif removed Bluetooth to reduce cost and power consumption for applications that only need WiFi.
If you need Bluetooth, choose:
- ESP32 - Bluetooth Classic + BLE 4.2
- ESP32-S3 - BLE 5.0 (no Classic)
- ESP32-C3 - BLE 5.0
- ESP32-C6 - BLE 5.3 (latest standard)
Note: Only the original ESP32 supports Bluetooth Classic. All newer versions only support BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
Conclusion #
We have explored the different versions of ESP32 SoCs and their features, differences and similarities. Hopefully, you should now have a better background on the ESP32 options and their provided specifications, connectivity options, peripherals and more. To conclude, in our opinion, there is no best ESP32 microcontroller, as it all comes to the needs, features and requirements of your project.