Adafruit
CLUE - nRF52840 Express
Best all-in-one sensor platform for interactive electronics and wearable prototyping.
The Adafruit CLUE is a sensor-rich development board built around the powerful Nordic nRF52840 Bluetooth LE processor, offering 1MB Flash and 256KB RAM. Designed to match the BBC micro:bit form factor, it features a vibrant 1.3" 240x240 Color IPS TFT display for high-resolution visuals. Its strength lies in its extensive sensor array, including 9-DoF motion, environmental monitoring (temp/pressure/humidity), light, color, gesture, and a microphone. Powering is flexible via 3-6V battery or micro USB. Program this versatile board using the Arduino IDE or CircuitPython, and expand capabilities easily with the STEMMA QT connector.
$44.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1543
#28 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Processor
52840644
/ Nordic nRF ( MHz Cortex M)
Who it's for
- Developers building wireless IoT devices and remote sensor nodes
- Makers wanting immediate project functionality without extra hardware
- Beginners seeking an accessible entry into microcontroller programming
Who should skip it
- Prototypers requiring standard breadboard compatibility for custom circuits
- Engineers designing long-term, battery-operated remote monitoring systems
- Hobbyists working with strict, low-cost project budgets
Performance breakdown
Sensor Integration
An incredible array of onboard sensors for immediate project prototyping.
Display Quality
Vibrant IPS screen provides crisp, high-resolution visuals for data visualization.
Expansion Capability
STEMMA QT connector makes adding external hardware effortless and solder-free.
Programming Versatility
Seamless support for both CircuitPython and Arduino IDE workflows.
Form Factor Utility
Micro:bit compatibility ensures access to a vast ecosystem of existing accessories.
Wireless Connectivity
Reliable Bluetooth LE performance for modern IoT and mobile-linked projects.
Key Specs
Processor
Nordic nRF52840 (64 MHz Cortex M4)
Memory
1 MB Flash, 256 KB RAM, 2 MB internal storage
Display
1.3″ 240×240 Color IPS TFT
Connectivity
Bluetooth LE, Hardware SPI, UART, I2C, I2S
Power Input
3-6V battery source or micro USB
Dimensions
51.7mm x 42.2mm x 12.3mm
Weight
13.0g
Certifications
RoHS 2 Compliant
Features
- Sensor-packed board in micro:bit form factor
- Integrated Bluetooth LE connectivity
- High-resolution 1.3" color TFT display
- Extensive onboard environmental and motion sensors
- Easy I2C expansion via STEMMA QT port
- Programmable with Arduino IDE or CircuitPython
- Onboard buzzer and bright illumination LEDs
- Flexible 3-6V battery power support
What customers say
The Adafruit CLUE nRF52840 Express is highly valued as a versatile educational and prototyping powerhouse. Customers consistently praise its exceptional quality and comprehensive feature set, highlighted by the vibrant color display and integrated sensor suite. This all in one design allows for immediate experimentation without extra hardware. Its seamless compatibility with CircuitPython significantly lowers the entry barrier for newcomers while supporting advanced Arduino development. The powerful nRF52840 chip, featuring built in Bluetooth Low Energy, unlocks sophisticated wireless projects. Reviewers often see it as a superior upgrade to the micro:bit. Despite a higher initial cost, the overall consensus confirms the CLUE offers excellent value due to its superior processing power, extensive features, and strong documentation.
Know before you buy
Yes, the CLUE is designed to match the physical form factor of the BBC micro:bit, meaning it is compatible with many micro:bit cases and expansion boards that utilize the same edge connector layout.
Absolutely. The CLUE features the Nordic nRF52840 processor, which provides built-in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, making it ideal for wireless data logging or remote control projects.
No soldering is required to use the onboard sensors, as they are all pre-integrated onto the board. If you want to add external sensors, the board includes a STEMMA QT connector that allows you to plug in compatible modules without any soldering.
The board is highly versatile and supports both CircuitPython and the Arduino IDE. CircuitPython is recommended for beginners or quick prototyping, while the Arduino IDE offers more traditional, low-level control.
You can power the board using a 3-6V battery pack connected to the battery input pins. This makes it a great choice for portable, wearable, or remote environmental monitoring projects.
The CLUE comes equipped with sensors to measure temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity. Additionally, it includes sensors for light, color, gesture detection, and a microphone for sound-based projects.
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