ESP32 vs ESP8266: Pick the Best Board for 2026

Project Overview

ESP32 vs ESP8266: This guide compares ESP32 and ESP8266 Wi-Fi microcontroller boards so you can choose the right one in 2026 based on features, cost, and long-term support.

In most cases, ESP32 is the better default because it offers more GPIO, Bluetooth (Classic + BLE), more memory, and a more actively developed ecosystem. ESP8266 still makes sense when you need the lowest-cost Wi-Fi-only board for a single-purpose gadget.

• Time: 10 to 15 minutes
• Skill level: Beginner
• What you will build: A clear buying decision based on specs, real project needs, and migration considerations

Parts List

From ShillehTek

• ESP32-WROOM with CP2102 + USB-C (pre-soldered) - recommended modern default for new projects
• Wemos D1 Mini V3 (4 MB) - best-known ESP8266 form factor for low-cost Wi-Fi gadgets

External

• USB-C data cable - for programming ESP32 dev boards
• Micro-USB data cable - for programming many D1 Mini / NodeMCU style ESP8266 boards (varies by revision)

Note: ESP32 GPIO numbering typically uses raw GPIO numbers. ESP8266 dev boards often label pins as D0 to D8, which map to different GPIO numbers depending on the board.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Use the quick rule of thumb

Goal: Make a fast decision if your project requirements are simple.

What to do: Pick ESP32 unless you specifically need the lower ESP8266 price for a one-purpose Wi-Fi gadget. ESP32 gives you more GPIOs, Bluetooth Low Energy, a dual-core CPU, more SRAM, more flash, and active development from Espressif. ESP8266 still ships and still works, but it is a legacy platform.

Expected result: You have a default choice (ESP32) and a clear exception case (ESP8266 for lowest-cost Wi-Fi-only devices).

Step 2 - Compare the key specs that affect real projects

Goal: Understand what you gain and lose with each chip.

What to do: Use the table below to compare CPU, memory, wireless features, GPIO, analog capability, and power.

Expected result: You can match features (Bluetooth, ADC, pins, memory) to your project requirements and budget.

Step 3 - Choose ESP32 when your project needs more capability

Goal: Identify the common reasons ESP32 is the better fit.

What to do: Pick ESP32 if any of these apply:

• You need Bluetooth. ESP8266 has none. ESP32 has both Classic Bluetooth and BLE.
• You need more than about 10 GPIOs. Multi-sensor projects, displays plus sensors plus buttons, and robotics run out of pins quickly on ESP8266.
• You need real ADC. ESP8266 has a single 10-bit, 0 to 1 V ADC. ESP32 has 18 channels at 12-bit, 0 to 3.3 V.
• You need horsepower. ESP32 dual-core at 240 MHz handles heavier multitasking (MQTT plus display plus sensors, OTA updates) more comfortably.
• You want long-term support. Espressif is actively pushing ESP32 variants like S3, C3, C6, and P4.

Expected result: You know when ESP32 is the right default for modern, expandable projects.

Step 4 - Choose ESP8266 when cost and simplicity are the priority

Goal: Confirm when ESP8266 is still the correct decision.

What to do: Pick ESP8266 if these constraints matter most:

• You are building many units. Saving about $2 per board can matter at quantities like 50 units.
• The job is simply Wi-Fi plus one task. Example: read a DHT22, POST to a server every minute.
• You are space-constrained. The D1 Mini form factor is about 25 mm wide; many ESP32 DevKits are closer to 28 mm or more.
• You want a simple Tasmota / ESPHome target. ESP8266 support is mature and well documented.

Expected result: You can justify ESP8266 as a practical, cost-driven choice for Wi-Fi-only gadgets.

Step 5 - Use real tutorial examples to sanity-check your choice

Goal: Map common project types to the chip that fits best.

What to do: Review these examples from the ShillehTek tutorial library:

ESP32 wins:

• 3D orientation animation - needs the dual-core to handle MPU6050 plus Processing pipe at full speed.
• BMP280 + multiple sensors - easier with ESP32 GPIO budget.
• ESP32-CAM - only the ESP32 family has the camera-controller silicon.
• LoRa mesh messaging - ESP32 plus LoRa SX1262 boards are the Meshtastic standard.

ESP8266 wins:

• D1 Mini blink + Wi-Fi IP - cheapest "is my Wi-Fi working" demo.
• ESP-01 as an Arduino Wi-Fi co-processor - low-cost Wi-Fi added to an existing project.

Expected result: Your choice aligns with projects that are already proven on each platform.

Step 6 - Pick a board to buy (recommended starting points)

Goal: Choose a specific, common dev board to start with.

What to do:

• If you are starting fresh in 2026: get the ESP32-WROOM with CP2102 + USB-C (pre-soldered). It is the modern default, has extensive tutorials online, and grows with your projects.
• If you specifically want ESP8266: get the Wemos D1 Mini V3 (4 MB). It is a widely supported ESP8266 dev board form factor with strong Arduino IDE support.
• If you want both for less than $20: grab the D1 Mini and the ESP32-WROOM. Both tend to become staple parts quickly.

Expected result: You have a concrete shopping decision that matches your project needs.

Step 7 - If migrating from ESP8266 to ESP32, apply these code-level changes

Goal: Avoid common migration surprises when moving Arduino sketches from ESP8266 to ESP32.

What to do: Most ESP8266 Arduino sketches will compile on ESP32 with minor changes such as Wi-Fi and web server includes, ADC scaling, and pin numbering.

Code:

// Common Arduino migration updates (ESP8266 -> ESP32)
// Wi-Fi include
// ESP8266:
//   #include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
// ESP32:
//   #include <WiFi.h>

// Web server class
// ESP8266WebServer  ->  WebServer

// ADC scaling
// ESP8266 analogRead(): 0-1023 (10-bit, 0-1V)
// ESP32  analogRead(): 0-4095 (12-bit, 0-3.3V)

// Pin naming
// ESP32 uses raw GPIO numbers.
// ESP8266 dev boards often use D0...D8 aliases.

Expected result: Your sketch compiles and behaves correctly after updating includes, adjusting ADC expectations, and fixing pin references.

Conclusion

In 2026, ESP32 is the best default for new builds because it offers more GPIO, Bluetooth, better analog options, more memory, and a stronger future roadmap. ESP8266 is still a smart pick for low-cost, one-purpose Wi-Fi gadgets where price matters more than expandability.

Want the exact parts used in this build? Grab them from ShillehTek.com. If you want help customizing firmware for ESP32 or ESP8266, or building something for your product, check out our IoT consulting services.