Raspberry Pi Zero W — Ultra‑Compact Wi‑Fi Linux Board

The original Raspberry Pi Zero W packs a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, and built‑in Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth into a board smaller than a business card. This version ships without a pre‑soldered header, giving you maximum flexibility for ultra‑slim enclosures, custom PCBs, and permanent embedded installations.

Choose the Zero W when you need a low‑cost, low‑power Linux system for IoT nodes, headless tools, or embedded products where physical space and budget matter more than raw CPU performance.

Why designers still use Zero W

Tiny and budget‑friendly: A complete Linux computer at a fraction of the size and cost of larger Raspberry Pi boards.
Wireless built‑in: 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth handle basic connectivity without extra dongles.
Header‑less flexibility: Use the board completely flat, solder only the pins you need, or wire directly to the pads.
Large ecosystem: Compatible with a variety of cases, adapters, images, and software tutorials.

Project ideas and applications

Network utilities: Pi‑hole, VPN gateways, backup DNS, or lightweight monitoring boxes.
Hidden dashboards and signage: Mount behind small HDMI screens for status panels and digital signage.
Custom IoT devices: Build products where the Zero W is permanently glued or screwed into the enclosure.
Retro handhelds: Pocket‑sized game consoles and emulation devices powered from USB or battery packs.

Starter bundles

Zero W minimal: Board + 5 V PSU + microSD card + mini HDMI adapter.
Embedded pack: Add low‑profile right‑angle headers and a slim protective case.
Maker pack: Zero W + breadboard + jumper wires + basic sensors.

Recommended add‑ons

Reliable 5 V micro‑USB power supply sized for any USB devices you plan to attach.
microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS Lite or other tuned distributions.
Mini HDMI cable and USB OTG adapter for configuration and testing.
40‑pin header kit if you need breadboard‑friendly GPIO access.

Technical specifications

Processor	Broadcom BCM2835, Arm11 single‑core @ 1 GHz
Memory	512 MB RAM
Wireless	2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, BLE
Storage	microSD card slot
Video & audio	Mini HDMI output; composite video via test pads
USB	1 × USB 2.0 via micro‑USB OTG (plus micro‑USB for power)
Camera	CSI camera connector (Zero‑style cable required)
GPIO	40‑pin unpopulated header footprint, 3.3 V logic
Power input	5 V via micro‑USB
Dimensions	Approx. 65 mm × 30 mm

Pinout & power notes

3.3 V only on GPIO: Never connect 5 V signals directly; protect pins with level shifting when needed.
Stable power: For Wi‑Fi‑heavy projects or USB devices, choose a robust power supply with enough current.
Solder options: Solder straight headers, right‑angle headers, or individual wires depending on your project.

What’s in the box

1 × Raspberry Pi Zero W board (no headers installed)

FAQ

What’s the difference between Zero W and Zero 2 W?: Zero 2 W features a much faster quad‑core CPU and is better for heavier workloads. Zero W is single‑core but still very capable for light services and ultra‑low‑power builds.
Can I add my own header later?: Yes. You can solder a full 40‑pin header, a low‑profile right‑angle header, or even individual wires directly to the pads.
Is this a good first Raspberry Pi?: It can be, but because of the small connectors and need for extra adapters, many first‑time users find a full‑size Raspberry Pi board a bit easier to start with.