Raspberry Pi's dominance in wireless projects is being challenged by ESP32.

The Raspberry Pi had long been the go-to choice for enthusiasts in maker spaces and DIY endeavors, particularly when it came to projects requiring network connections or extensive GPIO capabilities. But as smart home and IoT projects gained momentum among hobbyists, the demand for supporting hardware skyrocketed. The ESP32, once a niche player, has now emerged as a formidable alternative to the Pi, offering a compelling option for many DIY applications.

In low-power IoT projects, theoretical specifications often take a backseat to actual energy consumption. The ESP32-C3 chip boasts an impressively low deep sleep current draw of around 5 microamps, outperforming the RP2350 on the Pico 2 W, which reportedly draws approximately 10 microamps. However the overall power efficiency is heavily influenced by specific board configurations and component choices. Notably, the Pico 2 W has a reputation for being power-hungry, consuming a few milliamps even when idle; in contrast, top-tier ESP32 boards can achieve remarkably low current draws of around 100 microamps or less, with most models comfortably below 1 milliamp. For projects requiring prolonged battery life – such as solar-powered moisture sensors that need to run for months or years – this power differential is substantial.

The ESP32 excels in low-power IoT applications with its robust set of wireless tools, including ESP-NOW for rapid device-to-device communication and Matter support that streamlines integration into smart homes. In contrast, the Pico relies on basic MQTT and sensor capabilities, lacking the user-friendly features of the ESP32's wireless suite.

The ESP32's versatility stems from its numerous hardware variants, each catering to distinct applications. Among these, the S2, S3, C3, C6, and others stand out, offering tailored solutions. The S3 variant excels in camera and display projects due to its enhanced processing capabilities, additional RAM, and built-in USB functionality. In contrast, the C3 is optimized for simple battery-powered sensors, thanks to its single RISC-V core and low power consumption, making it an affordable and efficient choice. Meanwhile, the C6 boasts out-of-the-box support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Thread, and Zigbee protocols, positioning it as a powerful brain for smart home devices.

The ESP32's broad appeal has led to a vast array of pre-built boards from third-party suppliers, encompassing a wide range of features such as display integration, camera capabilities, Power over Ethernet (PoE), relay control, and connectivity options like LoRa radios and motor drivers.

Having a wide range of hardware options available means you can frequently find a single board that meets all your requirements straight out of the box, eliminating the need for soldering or designing custom breakout boards. Whether you're working on a sensor-based project or integrating Wi-Fi capabilities into a tiny display, there's likely an ESP32 board designed specifically for those tasks. This versatility streamlines the development process and reduces manual design efforts.

While the Pico ecosystem has its limitations, it primarily consists of the Pico microcontroller and a few supporting carrier boards, lacking in diversity compared to others.

Configuring microcontrollers with YAML settings offers an attractive alternative to writing firmware from scratch. By leveraging YAML files, users can specify hardware connections without needing extensive programming expertise. This approach enables ESPHome to automatically generate the necessary firmware and handle updates remotely. While not suitable for critical applications like medical devices, it's a valuable tool for DIY enthusiasts working on home projects.

This device seamlessly integrates with Home Assistant, offering an effortless approach to crafting custom smart home solutions.

Configuring microcontrollers with YAML settings offers anattractive alternative to writing firmware from scratch. By leveraging YAML files, users can specify hardware connections without needing extensive programming expertise. This approach enables ESPHome to automatically generate the necessary firmware and handle updates remotely. While not suitable for critical applications like medical devices, it's a valuable tool for DIY enthusiasts working on home projects.

The price disparity between Raspberry Pi and ESP32 has all but disappeared, with many ESP32 boards now retailing for under $10 by 2026. Gone are the days when cost was a deciding factor. The real differentiator is usability. ESP32's wireless capabilities, extensive hardware options, mature integrations with ESPHome and Home Assistant, and robust library ecosystem give it a significant edge.

For projects requiring wireless communication and minimal power consumption, such as Wi-Fi sensors or home automation nodes, the ESP32 is an ideal starting point due to its robust capabilities.