Exploring the ESP32 versions. Differences and similarities.

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 release, plenty of different versions of ESP32 were released. Starting with the already available SoCs, such as ESP32-S2, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5 and ESP32-C6 and finishing with the latest announcements, such as ESP32-H2 and ESP32-P4.

In this post, we will explore the currently available ESP32 microcontrollers on the market. We will go through the different versions of ESP32 by the release date, do the esp32 version comparison and will see their differences, similarities and the upgrade path, from the original ESP32 to the newest ESP32-C5:

• ESP32 Series - 🔵 Versatile WiFi + Bluetooth Dual-Core
• ESP32-S2 - ⚡ Low Power & USB-OTG
• ESP32-S3 - 🤖 AI Acceleration & BLE 5.0
• ESP32-C3 - 🔒 Secure & RISC-V Based
• ESP32-C6 - 🌐 WiFi 6, BLE 5.3 & Zigbee
• ESP32-H2 - 🔗 Zigbee, Thread & Ultra-Low Power
• ESP32-C2 - 🏷️ Ultra-Cheap & Compact WiFi + BLE
• ESP32-C5 - 🌍 Dual-Band WiFi 6 & BLE 5.2
• ESP32-P4 - 🎥 High-Performance HMI & RISC-V

ESP32 Series #

Normally, the ESP32-WROOM Module costs around 4$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32, introduced in 2016 by Espressif Systems, is a dual-core Xtensa LX6 microcontroller with a clock speed of up to 240 MHz. It remains one of the most popular chips for IoT, automation, and embedded applications due to its WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity, ample memory, and power-efficient design.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 520 KB SRAM – for runtime operations.
• 448 KB ROM – stores bootloader and firmware functions.
• Up to 4 MB Flash – for firmware and application storage (varies by module).

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) – speeds up to 150 Mbps.
• Bluetooth Classic & BLE 4.2 – supports low-power and high-speed data transfer.

⚡ Power Efficiency #

• Deep Sleep Mode: ~100 µA power consumption.

More on ESP32 power optimization: 🔗 Deep Sleep and Low Power Modes

📦 ESP32 Module Variants #

Espressif offers multiple pre-certified ESP32 modules, each designed for different needs:

• ESP32-WROOM - Most common ESP32 module found in development boards.

• ESP32-WROVER - Includes PSRAM (external RAM) for memory-intensive applications.

• ESP32-MINI - Smallest form factor, optimized for space-limited designs.

Check out more ESP32 boards: 🔗 All ESP32 Development Boards

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32? #

• ✅ Best for WiFi + Bluetooth Dual Connectivity
• ✅ Dual-Core Processing for Multitasking
• ✅ Balanced Performance vs. Cost
• ✅ Mature Ecosystem & Extensive Community Support

ESP32S2 Series #

Normally, the ESP32-S2 Module costs around 6$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32-S2, announced in 2019, is the first major successor to the original ESP32, designed with a focus on low-power applications while maintaining high performance. It features a single-core Xtensa LX7 processor running at up to 240 MHz, offering a power-efficient alternative to the dual-core ESP32.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 320 KB SRAM – optimized for low-power applications.
• 128 KB ROM – stores bootloader and core functions.
• Up to 4 MB Flash – for firmware and application storage.

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) – speeds up to 150 Mbps.
• ❌ No Bluetooth support, unlike the original ESP32.
• ✅ USB-OTG Support, enabling native USB device and host functionality.

⚡ Power Efficiency #

• Deep Sleep Mode: ~22 µA, consuming 5× less power than ESP32.

More on ESP32 power optimization: 🔗 Deep Sleep and Low Power Modes

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32-S2? #

• ✅ Best for Low-Power & Battery-Powered Devices
• ✅ USB-OTG for Direct USB Communication
• ✅ Security Enhancements for IoT
• ✅ Lower Cost & Simpler Design

ESP32S3 Series #

Normally, the ESP32 S3 Module costs around 4$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32-S3, announced in 2020, is a dual-core Xtensa LX7 microcontroller running at up to 240 MHz, similar to the ESP32 and ESP32-S2. It brings AI acceleration, improved memory, and BLE 5.0, making it a great choice for machine learning, computer vision, and complex applications.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 512 KB SRAM – higher capacity than ESP32-S2.
• 384 KB ROM – stores bootloader and firmware functions.
• Up to 8 MB Flash – double the capacity of ESP32 for larger applications.

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) – speeds up to 150 Mbps.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 – supports longer range and higher throughput.

⚡ AI & Performance Enhancements #

• Vector instructions for AI acceleration – optimized for neural network processing and signal processing.
• Additional GPIOs – more I/O pins than ESP32, making it better for peripherals.

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32-S3? #

• ✅ Best for AI & Machine Learning Applications
• ✅ More GPIOs for Hardware Expansion
• ✅ Enhanced Bluetooth with BLE 5.0
• ✅ More Flash Memory for Larger Applications

ESP32C3 Series #

Normally, the ESP32 C3 Module costs around 4$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32-C3, launched in 2020, is Espressif's first RISC-V-based microcontroller, featuring a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor running at 160 MHz. It is designed for low-power, secure, and cost-effective IoT applications, offering WiFi, BLE 5.0, and hardware security features.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 400 KB SRAM – optimized for lightweight applications.
• 384 KB ROM – stores essential bootloader and firmware functions.
• Up to 4 MB Flash – standard for IoT devices.

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) – speeds up to 150 Mbps.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 – supports long-range communication and low power usage.

🔐 Security & Low Power #

• Secure Boot & Flash Encryption – prevents unauthorized firmware execution.
• Digital Signature & HMAC Peripheral – protects against data tampering.
• Low Power Consumption – ideal for battery-powered IoT devices.

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32-C3? #

• ✅ First ESP32 with RISC-V Architecture
• ✅ Best for Secure IoT Applications
• ✅ Low Power, Small Form Factor
• ✅ BLE 5.0 for Improved Range & Speed

ESP32C6 Series #

Normally, the ESP32 C6 Module costs around 4$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32-C6, announced in 2021, is Espressif's first WiFi 6-enabled microcontroller, built around a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor running at 160 MHz. It is designed for high-performance wireless communication, supporting WiFi 6, BLE 5.3, and 802.15.4 for Thread & Zigbee.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 512 KB SRAM – more than ESP32-C3 for better performance.
• 320 KB ROM – stores essential bootloader and firmware functions.
• Up to 4 MB Flash – standard for IoT and smart home devices.

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 6 (802.11ax) + 802.11 b/g/n – backward-compatible with older networks.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.3 – improved range, speed, and energy efficiency.
• 802.15.4 Radio – supports Thread & Zigbee for smart home ecosystems.

⚡ Advanced Wireless Performance #

• WiFi 6 with OFDMA & MU-MIMO – ensures low latency and high efficiency in crowded network environments.
• Matter-ready – designed for Matter-compliant smart home devices.

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32-C6? #

• ✅ First ESP32 with WiFi 6
• ✅ Best for Smart Home & IoT
• ✅ Future-Proofed Wireless Connectivity
• ✅ Optimized for High-Density Networks

ESP32H2 Series #

Normally, the ESP32 H2 Module costs around 3$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32-H2, announced in 2021, is Espressif's first ultra-low-power Thread and Zigbee-focused microcontroller, built around a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor running at 96 MHz. It is designed for mesh networking, smart home automation, and battery-powered IoT applications.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 256 KB SRAM – optimized for low-power, real-time processing.
• 128 KB ROM – stores essential bootloader and firmware functions.
• Supports External Flash – expandable storage for firmware and application data.

📡 Connectivity #

• 802.15.4 Radio – supports Thread & Zigbee for mesh networking.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 – enables extended range and improved data rates.
• ❌ No WiFi – focused purely on low-power mesh communication.

⚡ Designed for Smart Home & Mesh Networks #

• Matter-ready – ideal for Matter-compliant Thread/Zigbee devices.
• Low Power Consumption – optimized for battery-powered IoT.

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32-H2? #

• ✅ Best for Zigbee & Thread-Based Smart Home Devices
• ✅ Ultra-Low Power for Battery-Powered Applications
• ✅ Seamless Integration with Existing ESP32 Ecosystem
• ✅ Compact & Cost-Effective for IoT Deployment

ESP32C2 Series #

Normally, the ESP32 C2 Module costs around 4$.

The prices are subject to change. Check current price:

The ESP32-C2, announced in 2022, is Espressif's smallest and most cost-effective WiFi + BLE microcontroller, featuring a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor running at 120 MHz. It is designed for low-cost IoT applications where minimal power consumption and compact size are key.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 272 KB SRAM – optimized for lightweight applications.
• 576 KB ROM – stores essential bootloader and firmware functions.
• Up to 4 MB Flash – enough for standard IoT tasks.

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) – speeds up to 150 Mbps.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 – supports efficient low-power communication.

📏 Smallest ESP32 Chip #

• Ultra-compact 4mm × 4mm package – designed for space-constrained designs.
• Cost-efficient alternative to ESP32-C3, making it ideal for mass production.

🔥 Why Choose the ESP32-C2? #

• ✅ Best for Low-Cost, Space-Constrained Designs
• ✅ Minimal Power & Memory for Basic IoT Tasks
• ✅ Same Security Features as ESP32-C3
• ✅ Alternative to ESP8266 with More Modern Features

ESP32C5 Series #

🚨 Currently, the ESP32-C5 is not available!

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.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 400 KB SRAM – same as ESP32-C3.
• 384 KB ROM – stores essential bootloader and firmware functions.
• Up to 4 MB Flash – suitable for most IoT applications.

📡 Connectivity #

• WiFi 6 (802.11ax) – Supports both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.2 – improved stability and lower power consumption.

⚡ Next-Gen Wireless Performance #

• First ESP32 with 5 GHz WiFi – reduced congestion and higher stability.
• Lower Latency & Better Efficiency – optimized for IoT in crowded environments.

More on ESP32 & 5 GHz WiFi: 🔗 Connecting ESP32 to 5 GHz WiFi

🔥 Why Choose the 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 #

🚨 Currently, the ESP32-P4 is not available!

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.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

• 768 KB on-chip SRAM – optimized for high-performance applications.
• 8 KB zero-wait TCM RAM – ensures smooth execution in demanding scenarios.
• External PSRAM support – enables large-scale GUI and media processing.

🔌 Connectivity & Interfaces #

• No built-in WiFi/Bluetooth – integrates with external wireless modules via SPI, SDIO, or UART.
• MIPI-CSI & MIPI-DSI support – enables advanced camera and display applications.
• Capacitive touch & speech recognition – enhances interactive system development.

🎬 Multimedia & Processing Power #

• Pixel Processing Accelerator (PPA) – optimized for GUI rendering & media encoding.
• H.264 Video Support – enables video streaming and advanced multimedia applications.

🔐 Advanced Security Features #

• Secure Boot & Flash Encryption – ensures firmware integrity.
• Hardware Cryptographic Accelerators – enhances encryption and security.
• Key Management Unit (KMU) – protects sensitive cryptographic operations.

🔥 Why Choose the 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

⚖️ ESP32 versions comparison #

To get a better view of the similarities and differences between the ESP32 microcontrollers, discussed above, let's take a look at the esp32 comparison table, or more specifically the esp32 variants comparison:

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 #

The ESP32 and ESP32-S series use Xtensa processors with a 240 MHz clock speed, while the ESP32-C, ESP32-H2, and ESP32-P4 series are based on RISC-V, with frequencies ranging from 96 MHz (ESP32-H2) to 400 MHz (ESP32-P4). If maximum performance is a priority, the ESP32-P4 leads with its dual-core RISC-V at 400 MHz, followed by the ESP32 (Xtensa LX6) and ESP32-S3 (Xtensa LX7) at 240 MHz.

🧠 Memory & Storage #

Most ESP32 variants offer between 320 KB and 512 KB SRAM, with the ESP32-S2 having the least (320 KB) and the ESP32-C6 providing more (512 KB). ROM sizes vary, with ESP32-S2 offering the lowest (128 KB), while others provide up to 384 KB. For applications requiring extra storage, the ESP32-S3 supports up to 8 MB Flash, making it ideal for GUI-based projects and AI applications.

🌐 Connectivity #

All ESP32 chips (except ESP32-H2 and ESP32-P4) include WiFi, but the standards vary:

• ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3 – WiFi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) at 2.4 GHz.
• ESP32-C6 – WiFi 6 (802.11ax) at 2.4 GHz (low latency, better efficiency).
• ESP32-C5 – Dual-band WiFi 6 (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) (faster, less interference).

For Bluetooth support, the original ESP32 started with BLE 4.2, while newer chips like ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, and ESP32-C6 feature BLE 5.0+, offering better range, speed, and efficiency. However, ESP32-S2 and ESP32-P4 lack Bluetooth altogether.

🔗 More on ESP32 & 5 GHz WiFi: Connecting ESP32 to 5 GHz WiFi

⚡ Power Efficiency & GPIO #

For deep sleep applications, power consumption is a key factor:

• ESP32: ~100 µA (least power-efficient).
• ESP32-S2: ~22 µA (5× better than ESP32).
• ESP32-C3/C6: ~5 µA (best for ultra-low-power projects).

Regarding GPIO pins, the ESP32-S3 has the highest count (45 GPIOs), while the ESP32-C2 has the lowest (14 GPIOs). If expanding peripherals is a priority, the ESP32-S series offers the most flexibility.

📦 Package Sizes #

The package sizes of the ESP32 chips also vary. The ESP32-C2 is the smallest, with a 4 mm x 4 mm package, while other ESP32-C series chips, including the ESP32-H2, come in 5 mm x 5 mm sizes. The ESP32-S series is slightly larger, measuring 7 mm x 7 mm, which accommodates additional GPIO pins and features.

🌟 Unique Features #

• ESP32-C6 – WiFi 6 + BLE 5.3 + Thread/Zigbee (great for Matter & smart home).
• ESP32-C5 – First dual-band ESP32 (2.4 & 5 GHz WiFi 6) (ideal for high-speed IoT).
• ESP32-H2 – No WiFi, but supports Thread/Zigbee (optimized for mesh networks).
• ESP32-S3 – AI acceleration + BLE 5.0 + extra GPIOs (best for AI & GUI projects).
• ESP32-P4 – 400 MHz dual-core RISC-V, HMI support, no WiFi/BLE (built for edge AI & multimedia).

🔥 Which ESP32 Should You Choose? #

• For classic IoT: ESP32 (WiFi + Bluetooth Classic).
• For low power: ESP32-S2 (best deep sleep efficiency, no BLE).
• For AI & GUIs: ESP32-S3 (AI acceleration, PSRAM, BLE 5.0).
• For ultra-secure IoT: ESP32-C3 (RISC-V, Secure Boot, BLE 5.0).
• For smart home & Matter: ESP32-C6 (WiFi 6 + Zigbee + BLE 5.3).
• For dual-band WiFi: ESP32-C5 (first ESP with 5 GHz WiFi 6).
• For mesh networking: ESP32-H2 (Thread/Zigbee, ultra-low power).
• For AI & multimedia: ESP32-P4 (400 MHz dual-core, H.264, MIPI display support).

⚔️ Versus Battles #

With all the different ESP32 options available, it's common to wonder, "What's the difference between ESP32-C3 and ESP32-S3?" or "How does ESP32-C6 compare to ESP32-H2?" Let's explore some of these Versus Battles to highlight the key differences and help you decide which chip suits your needs best.

🆚 ESP32 vs ESP32-S2 – Classic Power vs. Low-Power Efficiency #

The ESP32 features a dual-core Xtensa LX6 processor, while the ESP32-S2 has a single-core LX7, making it less powerful but more power-efficient. The ESP32 supports Bluetooth (BLE 4.2), while the ESP32-S2 does not, which can be a deal-breaker if you need Bluetooth connectivity. However, the ESP32-S2 consumes 5× less power in deep sleep, making it the better choice for battery-powered applications.

🆚 ESP32-S3 vs ESP32-C3 – Performance vs. Efficiency #

The ESP32-S3 is a dual-core Xtensa LX7 chip, while the ESP32-C3 features a single-core RISC-V processor, designed for efficiency and security. The ESP32-S3 has more GPIOs and higher processing power, making it ideal for AI and GUI-based applications, while the ESP32-C3 is smaller (4×4 mm) and lower power, making it great for compact, security-focused IoT projects.

🆚 ESP32-C3 vs ESP32-C6 – Classic RISC-V vs. Next-Gen Connectivity #

Both chips use RISC-V architecture, but the ESP32-C6 is a major upgrade. It introduces WiFi 6 (802.11ax), BLE 5.3, and 802.15.4 for Zigbee & Thread, making it the better choice for smart home applications. The ESP32-C3 is simpler, focusing on WiFi 4 and BLE 5.0, making it a good fit for cost-effective, secure IoT devices.

🆚 ESP32-H2 vs ESP32-C6 – Low Power Mesh vs. Multi-Protocol Connectivity #

The ESP32-H2 is designed for Zigbee & Thread mesh networking, lacking WiFi, while the ESP32-C6 supports both WiFi 6 and 802.15.4, making it more versatile. If you need Matter or Thread-only applications, the ESP32-H2 is better, but if WiFi + Zigbee/Thread is required, ESP32-C6 is the way to go.

🆚 ESP32-S2 vs ESP32-S3 – Entry-Level vs. AI-Powered #

The ESP32-S2 is a low-power single-core chip, while the ESP32-S3 is a dual-core AI-ready microcontroller. The S3 has more GPIOs, AI acceleration, and up to 8 MB Flash memory, making it better for complex applications. If power efficiency is more important than performance, ESP32-S2 is the better choice.

🆚 ESP32 vs ESP32-C6 – Xtensa vs. RISC-V + WiFi 6 #

The ESP32 is based on Xtensa LX6, while the ESP32-C6 uses RISC-V. The ESP32-C6 adds WiFi 6, BLE 5.3, and 802.15.4, making it more future-proof for smart home and industrial IoT applications. The original ESP32 is still a great all-rounder, but the ESP32-C6 offers better wireless performance and power efficiency.

🆚 ESP32-P4 vs ESP32-S3 – AI-Powered vs. Multimedia Monster #

The ESP32-P4 is Espressif's most powerful ESP chip, with a 400 MHz dual-core RISC-V processor, but no built-in WiFi or Bluetooth. Instead, it focuses on HMI applications, with MIPI-DSI for displays, MIPI-CSI for cameras, and a Pixel Processing Accelerator for video processing. The ESP32-S3, with its AI acceleration and wireless connectivity, is a better fit for AI and IoT applications requiring communication.

🆚 ESP32-H2 vs ESP32-C3 – Zigbee/Thread vs. Secure IoT #

The ESP32-H2 is built for mesh networking (Thread & Zigbee), while the ESP32-C3 focuses on WiFi and BLE 5.0 with hardware security features. If you need long-range, low-power Zigbee or Thread connectivity, the ESP32-H2 is ideal. If you need WiFi and BLE for secure IoT devices, ESP32-C3 is the better choice.

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.