ESP32 DevKitC vs SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The ESP32 DevKitC is a small-form-factor development board created by Espressif Systems, designed for prototyping and rapid application development in the Internet of Things space. It integrates a powerful ESP32 system-on-chip featuring dual-core processing, rich peripheral sets, and reliable wireless connectivity. Engineered with breadboard-friendly pinouts and a built-in USB-to-UART bridge, this board simplifies programming and debugging for both beginners and professional engineers. It serves as a foundational building block for smart home devices, industrial automation, and wireless sensor networks.
The SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus is a small, breadboard‑friendly development board that packs a dual‑core ESP32‑WROOM‑32U module, USB‑C power and programming, and a rich set of peripherals. It’s designed for rapid prototyping of IoT, wearables, and sensor projects while keeping the footprint low. With built‑in voltage regulators, a reset button, and a Qwiic‑compatible I2C header, the board offers both flexibility and ease of use for hobbyists and engineers alike. Its open‑hardware design encourages community contributions and custom extensions.
- Low cost and highly accessible
- Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Extensive software and community support
- Breadboard-friendly physical design
- USB‑C simplifies power and programming
- Rich peripheral set including Qwiic and breadboard pins
- Robust Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth performance
- Fully open‑hardware with extensive community support
- Limited number of analog-to-digital converter channels with high accuracy
- Narrow pin spacing leaves little room on standard breadboards
- Power consumption in active Wi-Fi mode can drain small batteries quickly
- No built‑in battery management circuitry
- Limited GPIO count compared to larger dev kits
- No Ethernet port for wired networking
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe ESP32 DevKitC is a ultra‑low‑cost, basic board ideal for simple IoT prototypes, while the SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus adds USB‑C, Qwiic connectors, Bluetooth 5.0 and a longer warranty at a higher price.
Key differences
- •Bluetooth version: 4.2 on DevKitC vs 5.0 LE on Thing Plus.
- •USB interface: built‑in CP2102/CH340 UART on DevKitC vs native USB‑C on Thing Plus.
- •Additional I²C Qwiic sockets on Thing Plus for plug‑and‑play peripherals.
- •Warranty: 1 year for DevKitC, 2 years for Thing Plus.
- •Price: $5.00 vs $19.95.
Performance
Both use a dual‑core Tensilica LX6 processor with comparable clock speeds (exact MHz not specified).
Build quality
Both are breadboard‑compatible, similar weight and dimensions; no clear quality advantage stated.
Connectivity
Thing Plus offers Bluetooth 5.0 LE (newer) while DevKitC provides Bluetooth 4.2.
Power & efficiency
DevKitC mentions deep‑sleep power‑management; Thing Plus lacks built‑in battery management.
Compatibility
Thing Plus adds Qwiic I²C sockets and USB‑C, expanding peripheral options beyond DevKitC.
Price & value
DevKitC costs $5.00 versus $19.95 for Thing Plus, delivering core ESP32 functionality for far less.
Warranty & support
Thing Plus includes a 2‑year warranty; DevKitC provides only 1 year.
Choose ESP32 DevKitC if…
Budget‑conscious hobbyists needing basic Wi‑Fi/BLE and simple breadboard prototyping.
Choose SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus if…
Makers wanting USB‑C, Qwiic plug‑and‑play, Bluetooth 5.0, and longer warranty, willing to pay more.
Common questions
Why is the SparkFun board more expensive?
It adds a USB‑C connector, Qwiic I²C sockets, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 2‑year warranty, all of which raise cost.
Can I use the DevKitC for battery‑powered projects?
Yes; it supports deep‑sleep modes to reduce consumption, though active Wi‑Fi can still drain small batteries quickly.
Do both boards work with the Arduino IDE?
Both are compatible with popular development environments, including the Arduino IDE, as stated in their features.