RP2040 vs ESP32: Which is Better? Complete Comparison Guide 2025

Choosing the right microcontroller for your next project can significantly impact its success. In the rapidly evolving world of embedded systems, two microcontrollers have emerged as popular contenders: the Raspberry Pi Foundation's RP2040 and Espressif Systems' ESP32. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but they serve different niches in the maker ecosystem.

This comprehensive comparison of the RP2040 vs. ESP32 will help you understand the key differences, strengths, and ideal use cases for each microcontroller, ensuring you make an informed decision for your next embedded project.

Understanding the Contenders

RP2040: The Raspberry Pi Foundation's First Microcontroller

The Raspberry Pi RP2040 is the company's first microcontroller. It brings to the microcontroller arena our distinctive values of excellent performance, low cost, and ease of use. Released in January 2021, the RP2040 represents the Raspberry Pi Foundation's entry into the microcontroller market, embodying its commitment to affordable and accessible computing.

Manufactured using a 40nm process node, the RP2040 delivers high performance with low dynamic power consumption and minimal leakage. The microcontroller features dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processors running at 133 MHz, 264KB of SRAM, and a unique Programmable I/O (PIO) subsystem that sets it apart from other microcontrollers in its class.

ESP32: The Wireless Connectivity Champion

The ESP32, developed by Espressif Systems, is a versatile System-on-Chip (SoC) that integrates Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth capabilities. Launched in 2016, the ESP32 has become a cornerstone of IoT development, offering built-in wireless connectivity that eliminates the need for additional modules.

At its core, the ESP32 features a dual-core Tensilica Xtensa LX6 processor running at up to 240 MHz, 520KB of SRAM, and comprehensive wireless capabilities including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE support.

Technical Specifications Head-to-Head

Processing Power and Performance

RP2040 Specifications:

• Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ at 133 MHz

• Architecture: 32-bit ARM

• Performance: Optimized for deterministic, real-time applications

ESP32 Specifications:

• Processor: Dual-core Tensilica Xtensa LX6 at up to 240 MHz

• Architecture: 32-bit Xtensa

• Performance: Higher clock speeds for computationally intensive tasks

The Pico's CPU runs at 133 MHz, while the ESP32 runs at 240 MHz. As a result, the Arm Cortex-M0+ CPU is significantly slower than the ESP32's 32-bit LX6 CPU.

Memory Architecture

RP2040 Memory:

• SRAM: 264KB on-chip

• Flash: External QSPI (typically 2MB on Raspberry Pi Pico)

• Design Philosophy: Stateless with execute-in-place functionality

ESP32 Memory:

• SRAM: 520KB on-chip

• Flash: 4MB typical (varies by variant)

• Additional: Built-in ROM for boot code and libraries

The RP2040 has 264KB of on-chip RAM, while the ESP32 has 520KB of on-chip RAM, giving the ESP32 an advantage in memory-intensive applications.

Power Consumption Analysis

Power efficiency is crucial for battery-powered projects, and both microcontrollers offer different advantages:

RP2040 Power Characteristics:

• With WiFi switched off, the Raspberry Pi Pico consumes only 18mA of current

• Multiple low-power modes for extended battery operation

• Deep-sleep consumption as low as 10µA, ideal for IoT applications

ESP32 Power Characteristics:

• The ESP32 board consumes a massive 53 mA in active mode

• Advanced power management with multiple sleep modes

• Fine resolution clock gating and dynamic power scaling

Verdict: The RP2040 significantly outperforms the ESP32 in power efficiency, making it ideal for battery-powered applications where wireless connectivity isn't required.

Connectivity and I/O Capabilities

RP2040 Connectivity:

• GPIO Pins: 30 programmable I/O pins

• Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, PWM

• Special Feature: Unique PIO subsystem for custom protocols

• USB: Native USB 1.1 support

• Wireless: None built-in

ESP32 Connectivity:

• GPIO Pins: 36-38 programmable pins (variant dependent)

• Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, I2S, CAN

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 + BLE

• Additional: Ethernet MAC, SD/SDIO/MMC support

The RP2040 microcontroller showcases a suite of 30 programmable pins, while the ESP32 offers 38.

Supply Voltage and Power Requirements

When it comes to an input supply voltage, the Raspberry Pi Pico can run between 1.8 and 5.5 volts, whereas the ESP32 can operate between 2.2 and 3.6 volts. This gives the RP2040 a significant advantage in terms of power supply flexibility.

RP2040 Advantages:

• Can work directly with Li-Ion batteries (3.3-4.2V)

• Compatible with two AA batteries (2.0-3.2V)

• Wide voltage tolerance reduces power supply complexity

ESP32 Limitations:

• A narrower voltage range requires more careful power design

• May need voltage regulation for standard battery configurations

Development Ecosystem and Programming

Programming Language Support

Both microcontrollers offer excellent programming flexibility:

Shared Languages:

• C/C++

• MicroPython

• Arduino framework support

RP2040 Specific:

• CircuitPython support

• Official Raspberry Pi Pico SDK

• Strong focus on beginner-friendly development

ESP32 Specific:

• ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework)

• Arduino ESP32 core

• Support for JavaScript (via Espruino)

Community and Documentation

Greater availability: The ESP32 enjoys more widespread use and is a more established microcontroller than the RP2040. Consequently, it may be easier to access documentation, tutorials, and support for the ESP32.

However, the RP2040 benefits from the Raspberry Pi Foundation's reputation for excellent documentation and educational resources, making it particularly appealing for learning and academic projects.

Cost Analysis and Value Proposition

RP2040 Pricing:

• Both microcontroller boards are the same price, $4, making them both reasonably priced

• Excellent value for non-wireless applications

• Lower total system cost due to simpler power requirements

ESP32 Pricing:

• Affordability: The ESP32 is budget-friendly, with a starting price as low as $6, making it easily accessible to the general public

• Includes wireless capabilities that would cost extra with RP2040

• Higher value for IoT projects requiring connectivity

Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Applications

When to Choose RP2040

Ideal Applications:

• Embedded Systems: Ideal for projects like robotics, motor control, and automation, where low-latency processing is crucial

• Battery-powered devices requiring long operation

• Real-time processing applications

• Educational projects and learning platforms

• DIY Electronics and Hobby Projects: Popular among hobbyists for creating custom electronics, thanks to its flexibility and extensive GPIO options

Key Advantages:

• Exceptional power efficiency

• Deterministic real-time performance

• Unique PIO subsystem for custom hardware interfaces

• Wide voltage input range

• Strong educational ecosystem

When to Choose ESP32

Ideal Applications:

• IoT projects requiring internet connectivity

• Home automation systems

• Wireless sensor networks

• Projects requiring Bluetooth connectivity

• Consumer electronics and wireless communication applications

Key Advantages:

• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

• Higher processing power

• More memory for complex applications

• Extensive peripheral set

• Mature development ecosystem

Advanced Features Comparison

Security Features

RP2040 Security:

• Basic hardware security features

• Secure boot capabilities

• Focus on simplicity and reliability

ESP32 Security:

• Cryptographic hardware acceleration: AES, SHA-2, RSA, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), random number generator (RNG)

• Secure boot and flash encryption

• IEEE 802.11 standard security features all supported, including WPA, WPA2, WPA3

Unique Capabilities

RP2040's PIO Advantage: The Programmable I/O subsystem is perhaps the RP2040's most distinctive feature. The RP2040's unique programmable input/output (PIO) subsystem enables custom logic and peripheral emulation. This enables the implementation of custom protocols and interfaces that would be impossible or difficult to achieve with traditional microcontrollers.

ESP32's Wireless Integration: The ESP32's integrated wireless stack provides seamless connectivity. The ESP32 can easily connect to a Wi-Fi network to access the Internet (station mode) or create its own Wi-Fi wireless network (access point mode), making it ideal for IoT applications.

Making the Right Choice: Decision Matrix

Choose RP2040 If:

• Your project doesn't require wireless connectivity

• Power efficiency is a primary concern

• You need deterministic, real-time performance

• Budget is extremely tight

• You're building educational or learning projects

• You need custom hardware interfaces via PIO

Choose ESP32 If:

• Your project requires Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity

• You need higher processing power

• Memory-intensive applications are involved

• You're building IoT or connected devices

• You want a mature, well-established platform

• Security features are important

Future-Proofing and Ecosystem Growth

Newer technology: Being a relatively recent microcontroller, RP2040 may not benefit from the same level of community support or available resources as more established microcontrollers. However, the Raspberry Pi Foundation's track record suggests strong long-term support.

The ESP32, with its established ecosystem and multiple variants (ESP32-S2, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3), offers proven longevity and continuous evolution.

Conclusion: No Universal Winner

It's not accurate to definitively state that the ESP32 is superior to the RP2040 or vice versa, as each microcontroller possesses its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The choice ultimately depends on your specific project requirements.

The RP2040 excels in:

• Power efficiency and battery life

• Real-time performance and determinism

• Cost-effectiveness for simple applications

• Educational and learning scenarios

• Custom hardware interface development

The ESP32 dominates in:

• Wireless connectivity and IoT applications

• Processing power and computational tasks

• Memory-intensive applications

• Security-sensitive projects

• Complex, feature-rich implementations

While the RP2040 boasts advantages such as a higher clock speed, more on-chip RAM, and lower power consumption, the ESP32 distinguishes itself through built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a richer set of peripherals and interfaces, and broader availability.

The best microcontroller for your project is the one that aligns with your specific requirements, constraints, and goals. Consider your connectivity needs, power budget, processing requirements, and development timeline to make the most informed decision.

Both the RP2040 and ESP32 represent excellent choices in the modern microcontroller landscape, each serving its intended markets exceptionally well. The key is matching the right tool to your specific application needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the RP2040 be used for IoT projects without built-in Wi-Fi?

Yes, the RP2040 can absolutely be used for IoT projects by adding external Wi-Fi modules like the ESP8266 or ESP32 as a co-processor. This approach gives you the power efficiency of the RP2040 while adding wireless capabilities when needed. Many developers use this combination for battery-powered IoT devices where the main controller can sleep while the wireless module handles network communications.

2. Which microcontroller is better for machine learning and AI applications?

The ESP32 is generally better suited for edge AI applications due to its higher processing power (240 MHz vs 133 MHz) and larger memory capacity (520KB RAM vs 264KB). The ESP32 also has variants like the ESP32-S3 that include dedicated AI acceleration features. However, for simple sensor data processing or basic pattern recognition, the RP2040's deterministic performance can be advantageous.

3. How do development costs compare between RP2040 and ESP32 projects?

While both chips cost around $4-6, total project costs can differ significantly. RP2040 projects often have lower power supply costs due to the wider voltage range (1.8-5.5V vs 2.2-3.6V) and don't require wireless certification for commercial products. ESP32 projects may need additional costs for FCC/CE certification if using wireless features commercially, but save money by not requiring external wireless modules.

4. Can I migrate code between RP2040 and ESP32 easily?

Code portability depends on your programming approach. Projects using standard Arduino framework code or MicroPython can often migrate between platforms with minimal changes to core logic. However, hardware-specific features like the RP2040's PIO subsystem or ESP32's wireless stack require platform-specific code. Using abstraction layers and avoiding hardware-specific features improves portability.

5. Which microcontroller offers better long-term availability and support?

Both platforms offer strong long-term prospects but for different reasons. The ESP32 has proven commercial longevity with multiple variants and continuous development from Espressif Systems. The RP2040 benefits from the Raspberry Pi Foundation's educational mission and commitment to long-term availability, similar to their single-board computers. For commercial products, consider that the RP2040 design is open-source, potentially offering more supply chain flexibility.