SparkFun
SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic
Best reliable development board for Arduino hobbyists and electronics beginners.
The SparkFun RedBoard is a versatile development board built on the Arduino UNO R3 footprint, designed for ease of use and stability. It features the ATmega328 microcontroller with the Optiboot bootloader, enabling straightforward programming via the Arduino IDE and a USB Mini-B connection. This board offers 14 digital I/O pins, 6 PWM outputs, and 6 analog inputs, making it suitable for a wide range of projects. Power can be supplied through USB or a DC barrel jack, supporting 7-15VDC input. It is fully compatible with R3 shields, providing ample expansion possibilities.
$21.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
407
/ 1541
#407 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Microcontroller
328
/ ATmega with Optiboot Bootloader
Who it's for
- Prototypers needing rapid, solderless sensor integration
- Developers requiring stable, plug-and-play USB connectivity
- Students and hobbyists leveraging the vast Arduino ecosystem
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious makers seeking the lowest possible hardware cost
- Engineers building complex, data-heavy, or high-speed applications
- Purists preferring traditional breadboard-friendly header connections
Performance breakdown
Ecosystem Compatibility
Seamless integration with the vast library of Arduino R3 shields.
Programming Reliability
FTDI chip ensures stable, consistent uploads every single time.
Build Robustness
All surface-mount construction provides superior durability for long-term prototyping.
Power Flexibility
Dual power options handle diverse project requirements with ease.
Ease of Setup
Plug-and-play functionality makes it perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Processing Capability
The classic ATmega328 is reliable but limited for complex, modern applications.
Key Specs
Microcontroller
ATmega328 with Optiboot Bootloader
Clock Speed
16 MHz
Flash Memory
32 MB
Digital I/O Pins
14 (6 PWM outputs)
Analog Inputs
6
Input Voltage Range
7-15VDC
Construction
All SMD
USB Interface
FTDI FT231X
Features
- Stable FTDI programming with Optiboot
- Fully compatible with Arduino R3 shields
- Easy programming with Arduino IDE
- On-board power regulator for wide voltage input
- Supports USB or DC Jack power input
- All surface-mount construction for reliability
- Standard Arduino hardware peripherals included
What customers say
Customer sentiment overwhelmingly praises the SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic for its revolutionary convenience. The integrated Qwiic connector system is consistently highlighted as a significant time saver, eliminating complex wiring for rapid prototyping and education. This plug and play capability makes the board highly accessible to all skill levels. Users also appreciate the robust build quality and the reliable performance of the ATmega328P, viewing it as a dependable upgrade to standard boards. The core appeal centers on unparalleled ease of use within the expansive, user-friendly Qwiic ecosystem, making it an essential and convenient platform for sensor exploration.
Know before you buy
Yes, the RedBoard follows the Arduino UNO R3 footprint, making it fully compatible with most standard R3 shields and expansion boards.
No, the RedBoard is designed to work directly with the standard Arduino IDE. You simply select the 'Arduino UNO' board setting in the IDE to begin uploading your code.
The on-board power regulator accepts an input voltage range of 7-15VDC. This allows you to power the board using a variety of common wall adapters or battery packs.
The RedBoard uses a dedicated FTDI FT231X chip for USB-to-serial communication, which is widely regarded for its stability and consistent performance when uploading code or communicating with your computer.
Yes, the board includes 6 dedicated analog input pins, allowing you to easily interface with sensors like potentiometers, light sensors, or temperature probes.
The all-SMD construction makes the board more compact and durable, reducing the risk of loose components or connection failures that can sometimes occur with traditional through-hole boards.
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