ESP32 vs. ESP8266EX - Which Wi-Fi Microcontroller is More Cost-effective?
For IoT applications, Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the essential features. Microcontrollers like ESP32 and ESP8266EX have revolutionized the way we connect devices to Wi-Fi networks. But how do these two microcontrollers compare in terms of cost-effectiveness? In this post, we'll take an unbiased look at the facts and numbers to give you the answer.
ESP32
ESP32 is a powerful Wi-Fi microcontroller that has gained popularity in recent years. It's a dual-core microcontroller that runs at 160 MHz and has a built-in Bluetooth 4.2 support. ESP32 has 520 KB SRAM and 448 KB ROM, which makes it more suitable for complex applications. It also supports a wider range of peripherals like touch sensors, SD card, UART, SPI, I2C, and more.
In terms of cost, ESP32 is priced at around $4.5 in a single quantity. However, when buying in bulk, the cost can go down to around $3.5, which makes it an affordable option for most IoT applications.
ESP8266EX
ESP8266EX is another popular Wi-Fi microcontroller that has been around longer than the ESP32. It has a single-core processor that runs at 80 MHz and built-in Wi-Fi support. The microcontroller has 80 KB SRAM and 4 MB ROM, which is sufficient for most IoT applications.
In terms of cost, the ESP8266EX is priced lower than the ESP32. A single quantity can cost around $2.5, and when buying in bulk, the cost can go down to around $1.5, making it an excellent option for budget-friendly projects.
Which is More Cost-effective?
Both ESP32 and ESP8266EX microcontrollers have their pros and cons in terms of cost-effectiveness. ESP8266EX is cheaper than ESP32, but it lacks the processing power and features of the ESP32. ESP32, on the other hand, offers more processing power and peripherals, but it is slightly more expensive.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the answer depends on the requirements of your project. If your project requires high processing power and features, then the ESP32 would be a better option despite the slightly higher cost. However, if your requirements are relatively basic and budget-friendly, then the ESP8266EX would be the ideal choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ESP32 and ESP8266EX are two popular Wi-Fi microcontrollers in the IoT space. Both have their respective advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project.
We hope this post has provided you with the facts and numbers necessary to make an informed decision. If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to reach out to us.
References
[1] "ESP32-WROOM-32D/F Specifications." Espressif Systems, 2 August 2021, www.espressif.com/en/products/socs/esp32/resources.
[2] "ESP8266EX Datasheet." Espressif Systems, 24 June 2020, www.espressif.com/sites/default/files/documentation/0a-esp8266ex_datasheet_en.pdf.