Arduino vs. Particle Photon - Which One is Better for Building IoT Devices?
Are you looking to build your next IoT device but not sure which microcontroller to use? Look no further! In this article, we will be comparing two popular microcontrollers, Arduino and Particle Photon, and providing an unbiased analysis to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction
Arduino and Particle Photon are both popular microcontrollers used for building IoT devices. Arduino is an open-source platform that allows you to create interactive projects by using a simple and easy-to-use interface. Particle Photon, on the other hand, is a cloud-connected development kit that allows you to build IoT devices with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Comparison
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, Arduino takes the win. Arduino is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy even for beginners to start building their own IoT projects. However, Particle Photon also has an intuitive interface and provides a variety of libraries and tutorials to help simplify the development process.
Connectivity
Particle Photon takes the lead in connectivity. With its built-in cloud connectivity, Particle Photon allows for remote control and monitoring of your IoT devices without any additional hardware or software. Arduino, on the other hand, requires additional components to connect to the internet, such as Ethernet shields or Wi-Fi modules.
Performance
In terms of performance, both microcontrollers are powerful and versatile. Arduino's processor speed ranges from 8MHz to 84MHz, while Particle Photon surpasses that with a 120MHz processor. However, the processing speed may not be a significant factor for IoT projects that involve collecting and transmitting data.
Price
Arduino wins the affordability category as it offers a range of options at various price points, from the basic Arduino Uno board to the more advanced Arduino Due. Particle Photon, on the other hand, is relatively more expensive due to its cloud connectivity feature.
Conclusion
Overall, both Arduino and Particle Photon are excellent choices for building IoT devices. Arduino offers an easy-to-use and affordable platform, while Particle Photon provides a powerful and convenient cloud connectivity feature. The decision ultimately depends on the specific needs of your project.
References
- "What is Arduino?" Arduino, https://www.arduino.cc/
- "Photon: Wi-Fi with Particle." Particle, https://particle.io/products/hardware/photon