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Breadboard Adapter for ESP-01 / ESP8266 — Use Your WiFi Module on a Breadboard

The ESP8266 Breadboard Adapter solves the most frustrating part of working with ESP-01 modules: the 2mm pitch pin spacing that does not fit standard 2.54mm breadboards. This adapter board converts the ESP-01's 2mm headers to breadboard-friendly 2.54mm spacing, and adds a 3.3V onboard regulator so you can power the module directly from a 5V USB or Arduino supply.

No more dangling wires, 3D-printed jigs, or female-to-male jumper hacks. Just plug the ESP-01 into the adapter and the adapter into your breadboard — clean and stable every time.

Key features

  • 2.54 mm breadboard pitch: Converts ESP-01's 2mm pins to standard breadboard spacing
  • Onboard 3.3V regulator: Power the ESP-01 safely from a 5V supply — no separate regulator needed
  • Reset and GPIO0 buttons: Program mode and reset without extra wiring
  • All pins exposed: VCC, GND, TX, RX, GPIO0, GPIO2, RST, CH_PD — all accessible
  • Compact footprint: Occupies minimal breadboard rows
  • Works with ESP-01 and ESP-01S: Compatible with both 512 KB and 1 MB variants

Technical specifications

Compatible Modules ESP-01, ESP-01S (2mm pitch ESP8266 modules)
Output Pin Pitch 2.54 mm (standard breadboard)
Onboard Regulator 3.3V LDO (powers ESP-01 from 5V input)
Buttons RST (Reset), IO0 (Flash mode)
Pins Exposed VCC, GND, TX, RX, GPIO0, GPIO2, RST, CH_PD
Input Voltage 5V (via VCC or USB pin)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need a USB-to-serial adapter? Yes. This adapter handles power and pin spacing — you still need a USB-to-serial (CH340 or CP2102) to program the ESP-01 via TX/RX.
Does it work with ESP-01S? Yes. Both ESP-01 (512 KB) and ESP-01S (1 MB) use the same 2mm 8-pin connector and are compatible with this adapter.
Can I power it from 3.3V directly? The regulator accepts 5V in. If your supply is already 3.3V, bypass the regulator and connect 3.3V directly to the 3.3V output pin — but check the adapter's schematic to confirm the bypass point.

Build with this board

// from learn.circuit.rocks

Notes from the bench

// from blog.circuit.rocks

Ask the community

// from forum.circuit.rocks