solderic.com The ESP32 offers robust Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity ideal for IoT projects needing dual-mode communication, while the nRF52840 excels in low-power Bluetooth 5.0 applications with advanced features like long-range and mesh networking. Discover which microcontroller fits Your project's requirements by exploring detailed comparisons of performance, power consumption, and development ecosystems in the rest of this article.
Comparison Table
| Feature | ESP32 | NRF52840 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dual-core Tensilica LX6, up to 240 MHz | ARM Cortex-M4F, 64 MHz |
| RAM | 520 KB SRAM | 256 KB RAM |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB (varies by module) | 1 MB Flash |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 - 3.6 V | 1.7 - 3.6 V |
| Wireless Protocols | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 / BLE | Bluetooth 5, BLE, Thread, Zigbee |
| GPIO Pins | 34 programmable GPIO | 48 GPIO |
| ADC | 12-bit SAR ADC, up to 18 channels | 12-bit ADC, 8 channels |
| Power Consumption | Higher power, sleep modes supported | Low power, ultra-low sleep modes |
| USB Support | No native USB | Native USB 2.0 full speed |
| Common Use Cases | IoT projects, Wi-Fi applications, audio streaming | Bluetooth LE devices, mesh networking, low-power IoT |
Introduction to ESP32 and nRF52840
ESP32 is a versatile Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo microcontroller developed by Espressif Systems, widely used for IoT applications due to its high processing power and rich peripheral set. The nRF52840, created by Nordic Semiconductor, is a Bluetooth 5.0 SoC tailored for ultra-low power consumption and advanced connectivity options like Thread and Zigbee. Both chips support diverse wireless protocols, making them popular choices for embedded systems requiring reliable wireless communication and efficient power usage.
Core Architecture and Processing Power
The ESP32 features a dual-core Xtensa LX6 processor running at up to 240 MHz, delivering robust processing capabilities for complex IoT applications. The nRF52840 is equipped with a 64 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 CPU with floating-point unit, optimized for low power consumption and efficient real-time processing. Compared to the nRF52840, the ESP32 provides higher raw processing speed and multi-core performance, while the nRF52840 excels in energy efficiency and integration within Bluetooth Low Energy and Thread protocol stacks.
Wireless Connectivity Capabilities
The ESP32 offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 support, making it ideal for applications requiring both internet access and Bluetooth communication. The nRF52840 excels with Bluetooth 5.2, including support for long-range and mesh networking, and also provides IEEE 802.15.4 for Zigbee and Thread protocols. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize Wi-Fi capabilities or advanced Bluetooth and mesh network connectivity.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The nRF52840 excels in power consumption and efficiency with its ultra-low power Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, making it ideal for battery-powered IoT devices requiring long operation times. In contrast, the ESP32 offers higher processing power but consumes more energy, which may reduce battery life in energy-sensitive applications. Your choice depends on whether extended battery life or computational performance is the priority for your project.
Memory and Storage Specifications
The ESP32 features up to 520KB of internal SRAM and supports external flash storage typically ranging from 4MB to 16MB, ideal for complex applications requiring substantial memory. In contrast, the nRF52840 offers 256KB of RAM and 1MB of Flash memory, optimized for low-power Bluetooth 5.0 and Thread applications with efficient storage management. Choosing between these depends on your project's memory demand and storage capacity needs, with the ESP32 providing higher raw memory and the nRF52840 excelling in wireless protocol efficiency.
Peripheral Interface and GPIO Availability
The ESP32 offers a rich set of peripheral interfaces including multiple SPI, I2C, UART ports, and up to 34 GPIO pins for flexible hardware integration. The nRF52840 features a versatile GPIO matrix with 48 programmable pins and supports a wide range of interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, PWM, and ADC, optimized for low-power Bluetooth applications. Your choice should consider that ESP32 provides higher GPIO count for general-purpose use, while nRF52840 excels in configurable interfaces tailored for wireless connectivity.
Development Ecosystem and Software Support
The ESP32 offers a robust development ecosystem with extensive support through the ESP-IDF framework, Arduino IDE integration, and compatibility with FreeRTOS, enabling versatile application development. The nRF52840 excels in software support via Nordic Semiconductor's nRF Connect SDK, which provides comprehensive libraries for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Thread, and Zigbee protocols, tailored for low-power IoT devices. Both platforms benefit from active community forums and frequent updates, yet the ESP32 stands out for broader Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dual-mode applications, while the nRF52840 specializes in low-power wireless protocols with advanced security features.
Security Features Comparison
The ESP32 offers integrated hardware encryption accelerators, secure boot, and flash encryption to protect your applications from unauthorized access or tampering. In contrast, the nRF52840 provides AES-128, ECC, and ARM TrustZone security features, enabling advanced device isolation and secure key storage for enhanced protection in IoT environments. Both chips support secure Bluetooth LE connections, but the nRF52840's specialized security modules make it a stronger candidate for mission-critical security implementations.
Pricing and Availability
The ESP32 typically offers lower pricing, with many development boards available under $10, making it an economical choice for cost-sensitive projects. The nRF52840, while generally priced higher due to advanced Bluetooth 5.0 and multi-protocol support, is readily available through major distributors like Digi-Key and Mouser but may cost around $10 to $15 per module. Both chips have strong market availability, but the ESP32 benefits from wider adoption and more budget-friendly options in high volume procurement.
Ideal Use Cases and Application Scenarios
The ESP32 excels in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it ideal for smart home devices, IoT gateways, and real-time audio streaming applications that demand multitasking and robust wireless performance. The nRF52840, with its low power consumption and advanced Bluetooth 5.0 features, suits wearable tech, health monitors, and mesh networking scenarios where energy efficiency and long-range communication are critical. Your choice between the two depends on whether your project prioritizes high-speed Wi-Fi integration or ultra-low power Bluetooth connectivity for scalable wireless networks.
esp32 vs nrf52840 Infographic
