M5Stack Core2 ESP32 IoT Development Kit vs SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The M5Stack Core2 is an all‑in‑one development kit built around the ESP‑32 MCU, featuring a 2.0" capacitive touch display, built‑in speaker, microphone and a 6‑axis IMU. It includes a TF‑card slot, lithium‑polymer battery and USB‑C power, making it ready for portable projects out of the box. Supported by UIFlow, MicroPython, Arduino and ESP‑IDF, the Core2 lets makers and engineers quickly prototype AIoT applications such as wearables, smart sensors, and edge‑AI devices without additional shields or wiring.
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.
- All‑in‑one design eliminates need for external shields
- Rich sensor suite (IMU, mic, speaker) built in
- Supports multiple programming environments
- Portable with rechargeable battery
- 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 flash compared to larger development boards
- Touch screen resolution is modest for detailed graphics
- Battery life drops quickly under heavy Wi‑Fi use
- No built‑in battery management circuitry
- Limited GPIO count compared to larger dev kits
- No Ethernet port for wired networking
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Alternatives to M5Stack Core2 ESP32 IoT Development Kit
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Alternatives to SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus
View all →Compact ESP32 board with touch screen, battery and sensors for rapid IoT prototyping
A tiny Wi-Fi development kit for creating connected IoT devices and prototypes.
A compact and versatile development board powered by the ESP32 microcontroller for IoT applications.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe M5Stack Core2 offers an all‑in‑one portable solution with screen, battery and sensors at a high price, while the SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus is a low‑cost, breadboard‑friendly board without built‑in power or peripherals.
Key differences
- •Core2 includes a 2.0" touch display and 400 mAh battery; Thing Plus does not.
- •Core2 provides on‑board IMU, speaker and microphone; Thing Plus lacks audio/sensor hardware.
- •Thing Plus costs $19.95 versus Core2’s $199, a ten‑fold price gap.
- •Thing Plus has a smaller 4 MB flash (expandable) while Core2 ships with 16 MB flash and 8 MB PSRAM.
- •Thing Plus is lighter (12 g) and slightly larger footprint, Core2 is heavier (68 g) but includes integrated peripherals.
Performance
Core2 has dual‑core ESP32 with 16 MB flash and 8 MB PSRAM, more memory than Thing Plus’s 4 MB flash.
Build quality
Core2’s enclosed case, integrated battery and screen give a rugged, portable package; Thing Plus is a bare board.
Connectivity
Both provide identical Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0 LE via USB‑C.
Power & efficiency
Thing Plus draws no battery power (no built‑in battery), while Core2’s battery life drops quickly under Wi‑Fi use.
Compatibility
Both are open‑source and support Arduino, MicroPython and ESP‑IDF; Core2 adds UIFlow support.
Price & value
Thing Plus MSRP $19.95 vs Core2 $199, delivering core ESP32 functionality for a fraction of the cost.
Warranty & support
Thing Plus offers 2‑year warranty, double Core2’s 1‑year warranty.
Choose M5Stack Core2 ESP32 IoT Development Kit if…
Makers needing a self‑contained, battery‑powered device with screen and sensors for field prototypes.
Choose SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus if…
Developers wanting a cheap, breadboard‑compatible ESP32 board for wired projects without built‑in peripherals.
Common questions
Which board is cheaper?
The SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus costs $19.95, while the M5Stack Core2 is $199.
Do either boards include a battery?
Only the M5Stack Core2 includes a 400 mAh Li‑Po battery; the Thing Plus has no built‑in battery management.
Can I use a touch screen with the Thing Plus?
No, the Thing Plus does not have a display; the Core2 provides a built‑in 2.0" capacitive touch screen.