SparkFun
SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32 WROOM
Best versatile microcontroller for portable IoT and wireless prototyping projects.
Unlock the potential of your IoT projects with the SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32 WROOM. This powerful microcontroller board is built around the Espressif ESP32-D0WDQ6 chip, offering integrated 2.4GHz WiFi and dual-mode Bluetooth for seamless connectivity. Designed with a Feather-compatible form factor and the Qwiic Connect System, it simplifies integration and allows for solderless connections. Power it via micro-B USB or a LiPo battery with the onboard JST connector, making it ideal for both development and portable applications. Explore advanced IoT functionalities with this versatile and robust platform.
$20.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
407
/ 1541
#407 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-76%
Below average
Processor
6240
/ Dual-core Xtensa LX up to MHz
Who it's for
- IoT developers building connected smart home devices
- Makers creating portable, battery-powered electronics projects
- Beginners needing extensive community support and documentation
Who should skip it
- Engineers designing long-term, battery-reliant remote sensors
- Advanced hobbyists requiring numerous pins for complex peripherals
- Budget-conscious students seeking the most affordable hardware options
Performance breakdown
Connectivity Versatility
Integrated WiFi and Bluetooth handle complex IoT tasks with ease.
Integration Ease
Qwiic ecosystem makes adding sensors a simple, solderless experience.
Processing Power
Dual-core architecture provides ample headroom for demanding multitasking projects.
Portability
Compact form factor and onboard battery management enable mobile deployments.
Expansion Capability
Abundant I/O pins and SD slot support sophisticated peripheral setups.
Development Accessibility
Broad Arduino IDE support lowers the barrier for rapid prototyping.
Key Specs
Processor
Dual-core Xtensa LX6 up to 240MHz
Memory
520KB SRAM, 16MB onboard SPI flash
Connectivity
802.11b/g/n WiFi, dual-mode Bluetooth
GPIO
21 multifunctional pins
Analog Inputs
Up to 13 (12-bit ADC)
DAC Channels
2
PWM Outputs
Up to 16
Power Input
micro-B USB or LiPo Battery (JST)
Features
- Feather compatible for easy stacking
- Solderless connections with Qwiic
- Integrated LiPo charging
- Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
- Dual-core processor for demanding tasks
- Supports Arduino IDE programming
- Onboard SD card slot
- Multiple analog and digital I/O pins
What customers say
This board earns high praise for its seamless integration within the Feather ecosystem and the powerful ESP32 capabilities. Users consistently value the Qwiic connector, which greatly simplifies connecting peripherals and accelerates prototyping efforts. Reliability is a key strength, especially due to the integrated power management ideal for portable IoT projects. While the initial cost is noted as slightly higher than generic alternatives, customers agree the premium is justified by the superior build quality, convenient features, and excellent documentation. The overall sentiment positions this as a top tier, dependable platform for developers seeking ease of use and robust performance.
Know before you buy
Yes, the SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32 WROOM follows the Feather form factor, meaning it is physically and electrically compatible with most Feather-compatible shields and accessories.
Absolutely. The board features an onboard JST connector and integrated LiPo charging circuitry, allowing you to power your project via a single-cell LiPo battery and recharge it simply by plugging in a USB cable.
Yes, it includes a Qwiic connector, which allows you to plug in compatible sensors and displays without the need for soldering or breadboarding.
You can program the board using the Arduino IDE for ease of use, or utilize the Espressif ESP-IDF for more advanced, professional-grade development.
The dual-core Xtensa LX6 processor allows you to handle complex tasks—such as maintaining a stable WiFi connection—on one core while running your main application logic on the other, ensuring smoother performance.
The board comes with 16MB of onboard SPI flash memory, providing ample space for your firmware, web server files, or data logging. Additionally, the onboard SD card slot allows for further storage expansion.
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