Quick answer
Only choose ESP8266 if you specifically need ultra-low BOM cost in a finished product (cents matter) or have legacy ESP8266 code/hardware to maintain.
Spec comparison
| Spec | ESP32 (WROOM-32) | ESP8266 (ESP-12F / NodeMCU) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Tensilica Xtensa LX6 dual-core @ 240 MHz | Tensilica L106 single-core @ 80–160 MHz |
| Flash | 4 MB (typical) | 4 MB (typical) |
| SRAM | 520 KB | 80 KB |
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) | 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) |
| Bluetooth | BT Classic + BLE 4.2 | None |
| GPIO | ~30 usable | ~10 usable |
| ADC channels | 18 (12-bit) | 1 (10-bit) |
| DAC | 2 (8-bit) | None |
| Hardware UART | 3 | 2 |
| SPI / I²C | 4 SPI / 2 I²C | 1 SPI / 1 I²C |
| PWM channels | 16 (LEDC) | ~8 |
| Touch sensors | 10 capacitive | None |
| Hall sensor | Built-in | None |
| RTC | Internal RTC + ULP coprocessor | Limited |
| Deep sleep current | ~10 µA | ~20 µA |
| Arduino IDE | Native | Native |
| MicroPython | Yes | Yes |
| ESPHome / Tasmota | Yes | Yes (limited memory) |
| Typical PH price (DevKit) | PHP ~280–450 | PHP ~180–300 (NodeMCU V3) |
Why ESP32 won
When ESP8266 launched in 2014 it was the cheap WiFi chip everyone needed. ESP32 launched in 2016 as the upgrade: same WiFi, plus Bluetooth, plus more memory, plus dual cores, plus actual ADC channels, all at roughly the same price.
By 2026, ESP32 has won every category that matters for new projects. ESP8266 is still made because some industrial clients standardized on it years ago, but for makers and IoT hobbyists in 2026, ESP32 is the default.
When ESP8266 still makes sense
- You already wrote ESP8266 firmware. Don't rewrite. Keep shipping.
- Volume product where 50 cents per board matters. ESP-12F module in bulk is cheaper than ESP32-WROOM.
- Project literally only needs WiFi. A WiFi-controlled relay, basic sensor poster, simple smart switch. ESP8266 still does these fine.
- Educational legacy. Some Philippine STEM curricula still teach NodeMCU — buy what the syllabus says.
When ESP32 is required
- Bluetooth for any reason. Phone control, BLE beacons, BLE mesh. ESP8266 has zero Bluetooth.
- Multiple sensors over different buses. ESP8266 chokes after 2–3 sensors due to SRAM and bus limits.
- Touch input or capacitive buttons. ESP32 has 10 built-in touch pins.
- Audio projects. I²S audio, internet radio, voice assistants. ESP8266 lacks the I²S DMA flexibility.
- Heavier web work. Async web servers, OTA updates, JSON APIs. ESP32's 520 KB SRAM matters.
- ESPHome with more than a handful of sensors. ESP8266 runs out of memory fast.
NodeMCU vs ESP32 DevKit — the boards you actually buy
Both modules need a dev board (USB-to-serial, voltage reg, breadboard pins) to be useful. The popular formats:
- NodeMCU V3 (CH340) — most common ESP8266 dev board. ~PHP 180–240.
- Wemos D1 Mini — small ESP8266 dev board, breadboard-friendly. ~PHP 220.
- ESP32 DevKit V1 (CP2102 or CH340) — default ESP32 dev board. ~PHP 280–380.
- ESP32-S3 DevKit — newer revision with native USB and AI acceleration. ~PHP 400–550.
What to buy in 2026
| You want to... | Buy |
|---|---|
| Start a new IoT project | ESP32 DevKit V1 |
| Build a Home Assistant sensor node | ESP32 (for ESPHome with multiple sensors) |
| Make a WiFi-controlled relay (single) | Either; ESP8266 is fine and cheaper |
| Bluetooth + WiFi | ESP32 (only option) |
| USB-C native + AI features | ESP32-S3 |
| Quick smart-plug clone | NodeMCU V3 (ESP8266) |
| Maintain legacy ESP8266 firmware | NodeMCU V3 or Wemos D1 Mini |
| Wearable / battery project | ESP32 (deep-sleep wins) |
Shop the boards
All ESP32 / ESP8266 boards · NodeMCU boards · ESP32 DevKit · Wemos D1 Mini
FAQ
Is ESP32 backward compatible with ESP8266 code?
Mostly yes for sketches that use the Arduino API (WiFi.h, Wire.h, SPI.h). Pin numbers and some library APIs differ. Most code ports with minor edits.
Why is ESP8266 still being sold?
Existing supply chains, products that standardized on it years ago, and very-low-cost smart-home gadgets. New designs in 2026 mostly default to ESP32 instead.
Can I run ESPHome on ESP8266?
Yes, but with strict memory limits. Few sensors and small dashboards work. For anything with several sensors or larger configs, use ESP32 — ESP8266 will run out of heap.
Does ESP32 use more power than ESP8266?
When active, ESP32 draws slightly more (~80 mA vs ~70 mA). In deep sleep, ESP32 is lower (~10 µA vs ~20 µA). For wake-occasionally builds, ESP32 wins on battery.
Which is easier for beginners?
Either. Both program from the Arduino IDE the same way. Beginner tutorials exist for both. ESP32 has the slight edge because it has more pins so projects don't run out.
What about ESP32-S2, S3, and C3?
S2 is single-core, no Bluetooth, native USB. S3 is dual-core, USB, AI acceleration — the modern flagship. C3 is single-core RISC-V, BLE 5, cheap and compact. For typical projects, the original WROOM-32 is still the best default.
Where do I buy these in the Philippines?
Circuit Rocks stocks ESP32 DevKit, ESP32-S3, ESP32-C3, NodeMCU V3, and Wemos D1 Mini. Same-day cutoff 4 PM weekdays from our Quezon City warehouse via J&T or LBC.
Last updated 2026-05-13. Specs from Espressif datasheets.