ESP32 Development Platforms: A Comprehensive Analysis and Comparison

Are you seeking a microcontroller to power your next Internet of Things (IoT) project? ESP32 for IoT is your best choice, given its exceptional performance and low power consumption. Yet, with so many specifications available, you may want to explore them better.

That’s why we’ve created this guide on ESP32, outlining its features, functions, and IoT applications. Drawing on our extensive experience with the ESP32 at WebbyLab, we’ll provide practical insights and comparisons to help you make an informed decision for your project.

WebbyLab’s platform for connecting smart devices based on ESP32.

ESP32 Features and Specifications

The ESP32 is a range of chip microcontrollers developed by Espressif Systems. The main features of ESP32 include wireless connectivity, high-speed processing, low power consumption, extensive memory, and built-in security. Let’s explore them from the technical side by looking at the specifications:

• Processor. Most ESP32s are powered by a dual-core Tensilica 32-bit LX6 processor that can run up to 240 MHz.
• Wireless communication. The ESP32 supports various wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee protocol, etc.
• Memory. The ESP32 has 448 KB of ROM, 520 KB of SRAM, 8KB of RTC FAST SRAM, 8 KB of RTC SLOW SRAM, and 1 Kbit of eFuse. 
• External flash memory. The ESP32 supports external flash memory of up to 16MB.
• Security. The ESP32 supports IEEE 802.11 cyber security algorithms, featuring WFA, WPA/WPA2, and WAPI. It also has a secure boot and flash encryption.

You can choose from several ESP32 microcontroller models, each of which slightly differs in specs:

• ESP32-D0WD-V3
• ESP32-D0WDR2-V3
• ESP32-U4WDH

The ESP32 is a highly capable microcontroller and an excellent choice for many Internet of Things applications. Read on to learn how to use it in IoT projects.

ESP32 Functions

As we just said, ESP32 has many uses when it comes to the Internet of Things. So let’s now discuss some common functions of ESP32 in IoT.

• Networking. With its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features, the ESP32 is well-suited for networking tasks in IoT. It can connect to other devices and networks and exchange real-time data.
• Data processing. The ESP32’s dual-core processor and ample memory make it a decent choice for data processing in IoT applications. It can quickly process data from sensors and other sources and perform complex calculations.
• Web server. Applications of ESP32 extend to using it as a web server for accessing and hosting web pages and serving dynamic content to users, and sending data to the server or other devices.
• P2P connectivity. The ESP32 supports peer-to-peer communication, allowing it to communicate directly with other devices without needing a central server.

ESP32 Applications

You can find ESP32 modules in various industries and sectors that leverage the Internet of Things. Here are just a few areas where these IoT microcontrollers are used:

• Smart industrial devices. The ESP32 is well-suited for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial automation systems, and monitoring and control systems.
• Smart medical devices. Some applications of ESP32 include health monitoring systems, telemedicine devices, and medical wearables. 
• Smart energy devices. The ESP32 works well for HVAC systems and thermostats.
• Smart security devices. Surveillance cameras, access control, and intrusion detection systems can leverage the ESP32.
• Smart home devices. The ESP32 is perfect for lighting systems and home appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines.
• Robotic devices. The ESP32 suits robotics applications like autonomous vehicles, drones, and robotic arms.

ESP32 Chips vs. Modules vs. Development Boards

The comparison of ESP32 chips, modules, and development boards.

While the ESP32 commonly refers to a microcontroller chip, developers and device manufacturers can leverage three formats when working with it: chip, module, and development board. Here’s a brief comparison of those:

• ESP32 Chips. The ESP32 chip is a small, integrated circuit that contains the microcontroller, wireless connectivity, and other components necessary for the device’s operation. It goes unshielded, meaning the developers have to solder it to the module. It works well for custom designs where space is limited, e.g., smartwatches.
• ESP32 Modules. The ESP32 module is a pre-manufactured, self-contained unit comprising the shielded ESP32 chip, along with other components like a voltage regulator, crystal oscillator, and antenna. It can be easily mounted in the MCU and is a straightforward method of adding wireless connectivity to IoT devices, e.g., thermostats.
• ESP32 Development Boards. The ESP32 development board is a complete hardware platform containing the ESP32 chip and other elements like USB interfaces, voltage regulators, antennas, and onboard sensors. It’s a perfect way to build your IoT device and test it quickly.

How to Select an ESP32 Development Module?

An ESP32 development board’s components explained.

When choosing an ESP32 development module for your IoT core project, you should consider several aspects to ensure the board meets your requirements. Here are some critical factors:

• Power supply. The ESP32 development module may require an external power supply, and you’ll need to consider how to connect the batteries. Choosing the module with battery connectors, e.g., for LiPo batteries, is a good idea.
• Interfaces. Evaluate the interfaces available on the module, like USB, UART, I2C, and SPI. You may need specific ones for your project, so ensure the ESP32 module has them.
• Pin configuration. The number and layout of the pins on the ESP32 development module can vary, so you’ll need to ensure that the pin configuration is compatible with your project. Choosing the module that has access to the pinout is also preferable.
• Form factor. The module’s size and shape are critical for your project. Ensure you don’t choose the ones that are too large or too small for your ESP32 device.
• Additional features. Some ESP32 development modules may have other features, such as onboard sensors, external flash memory, or built-in OLED displays. Consider if these are necessary for your project.
• Cost. Development modules differ in price, so think carefully through your budget and the features you need to ensure you get the best value.

WebbyLab Experience in ESP32 Development Platforms

WebbyLab, a professional IoT development vendor, has years of experience using Espressif products, namely various types of ESP chips.

• Starting with ESP Chips

About five years ago, ESP products were gaining popularity and commonly used in many ready-made devices. Therefore, our team was confident in their viability for the Internet of Things projects. Our first IoT applications were related to the ESP8266 and ESP8285 versions. They weren’t powerful enough but allowed the implementation of various IoT solutions.

At first, we developed several versions of firmware based on Espruino and Arduino IDE for connecting devices like Wi-Fi relays and temperature, humidity, air quality, and motion sensors to our 2Smart Standalone automation system.

Besides that, we chose devices based on ESP8285 from the Chinese company Sonoff. The product line of these devices consists of Wi-Fi relays and smart sockets, which have attracted significant attention in the community due to the ability to install custom firmware. Our experts conducted the first experiments on them and used them for automation by implementing custom firmware that seamlessly integrates with the 2Smart Standalone platform.

Connecting the Sonoff device to the computer with a USB-TTL converter.

• Proceeding with ESP Chips in Other Projects

Later, we started working with updated versions of ESP, namely different variations of the ESP32 for IoT. Our experts adapted the firmware for these chips’ versions, getting more resources for the tasks and problems we aimed to tackle.

Our first commercial project was the development of the Propuskator controller for our access control and management system of the same name. We created this controller based on the ESP32-WROOM-32 module. Such a module was the flagship at that time on the market and covered all our needs. Due to the large resource capacity, we could cover complex tasks and all the needed business logic.

Within one IoT device, we were able to cover:

• Pairing through the mobile application
• Pairing and controlling the device through the built-in web admin panel with a modern adaptive interface and dashboard
• Operating with the server via MQTT with TLS in real-time
• Working with the access control and management system’s REST API via HTTPS
• Updating OTA
• Storing large volumes of data in memory for offline work and user access even without an internet connection

The above are only the main features, which do not include the very business logic of the device and interaction with the hardware parts of the controller.

On the same module, we have developed several options of controllers with a GCM module, with the possibility of working via Ethernet and power supply via PoE, a device with additional interfaces for controlling a larger number of devices, as well as the possibility of creating a wired network and communicating devices via the RS-485 interface.

• Using ESP32-WROOM Module for Our 2Smart Cloud Platform

All our projects for the 2Smart Cloud platform are based on the ESP32 module. In particular, these are solutions like a lamp controller, an LED strip controller, a Wi-Fi relay, an IR controller, and several Wi-Fi sensors based on the ESP32-WROOM module. On its foundation, we also built a heat pump controller that handled the entire system’s operation and provided the possibility of cloud-based control of the application and platform.

 A ready-made LED strip controller based on the ESP32.

As part of designing 2Smart Cloud specifically for devices based on ESP32 chips, we implemented many built-in functionalities for our customers and their users. Out of the box, the platform provides three ready-made tools for writing firmware based on ESPHome, ESP IDF, and Arduino IDE, as well as the ability to write custom firmware in any other languages and devices, including Espruino, MycroPython, Lua, etc. This limitlessness in development tools is precisely one of the most significant advantages of ESP.

• Leveraging Other ESP32 Modules for Our MyBox Project

For the MyBox project, WebbyLab experts are developing software for electric car charging stations and additional devices. Within it, our team works with other variations of ESP modules, namely ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N8R2 and ESP32-WROVER-IE-N16R8.

• Using ESP32-S2 Chip for a Battery-Powered Device

As part of one of our current projects, our team is developing a device powered by ordinary batteries and communicating with the server. Here we also use one of the ESP32 chip’s versions, namely the ESP32-S2.

Even for such tasks when saving battery charge is critical, the ESP32 is perfect because it has variations of the operating mode with different consumption and a sufficient number of triggers for waking up from deep sleep mode.

In addition, many ESP versions can use a built-in Bluetooth module to communicate with client devices or other devices and cover the necessary tasks.

• Leveraging ESP32 for R&D and Prototyping

Using a variation of the ESP32 module for EV charging stations.

As part of R&D and prototyping, WebbyLab experts often leverage development boards with ESP modules. They are easy to use, have several built-in LEDs and buttons, and have a USB interface for connecting via UART for programming. Another helpful feature is that all ESP pins are conveniently laid out and accessible for quick prototyping.

Such tools make it possible to assemble a prototype in about 10 minutes and start developing the firmware or to check the interaction with a certain peripheral. For our internal devices, we often create a PCB not for a specific module but for a development board to use ready-made hardware solutions and simplify the development.

• Using ESP32 for Our Other Projects

WebbyLab has several more of the IoT with ESP32 implementation examples. Here are a few more projects that our team worked on:

• Due to the popularity of ESP32, we launched sales of the kit with the ability to assemble a smart lamp yourself.
• Our experts also created a Wi-Fi temperature and humidity sensor that can be used for smart homes or greenhouses.
• We built an ESP32-based alarm with ESPHome firmware.

On top of all the above, ESP products are pretty affordable. Thus, due to many options, engineers can choose the best one in terms of capabilities, resources, and suitable price. If you want to learn more about how WebbyLab specialists leverage ESP, feel free to go through our portfolio.

Use ESP32 for Your IoT Project’s Success

Having explored the ESP32 microcontroller chip’s core features and specifications, you probably do not doubt its usefulness for Internet of Things projects. Its low-power nature and decent performance make it a viable solution indeed.

If you want to implement ESP32 for IoT and drive your project’s success, you may also need to engage experienced professionals in this matter. WebbyLab has those and can provide you with expert assistance on ESP32. So, feel free to contact our team anytime.