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Add WiFi to Any Microcontroller via Serial — Tiny, Low-Cost, Proven

The ESP-01S 1MB WiFi Serial Transceiver Module is the simplest way to add WiFi connectivity to an Arduino, STM32, PIC, or any microcontroller with a UART port. Send AT commands over serial and the ESP-01S handles all WiFi networking — TCP connections, HTTP requests, UDP, and more — without consuming your main MCU's resources.

The "S" variant upgrades the original ESP-01 with 1 MB of flash (double the original 512 KB), a cleaner PCB layout, and a dark blue PCB that reduces light interference on the onboard LED — making it better for production use.

ESP-01 (512 KB) vs ESP-01S (1 MB) — which should you buy?

Feature ESP-01S (this product) ESP-01 (512 KB)
Flash memory 1 MB — room for MicroPython, custom firmware 512 KB — AT firmware only
PCB color Dark blue — reduced LED bleed Light blue
GPIO pins 2 (GPIO0, GPIO2) 2 (GPIO0, GPIO2)
Standalone capable ✅ Yes — can run full firmware Limited — AT firmware fits tightly
Recommended for New designs — more headroom for firmware Budget AT-command-only applications

Key features

  • AT command interface: Control WiFi over UART — no extra library needed on host MCU
  • 1 MB flash: Supports MicroPython, NodeMCU Lua, and custom firmware
  • Station + AP modes: Connect to a network or create its own hotspot
  • Integrated TCP/IP stack: HTTP, UDP, TCP handled onboard
  • 2 GPIO pins: Useful for simple sensor reads or LED control alongside WiFi duties
  • Ultra-compact: 14.3 × 24.8 mm — fits nearly anywhere

Technical specifications

Model ESP-01S
Core Chip ESP8266EX
Flash Memory 1 MB SPI Flash
GPIO Pins 2 (GPIO0, GPIO2)
WiFi Standard 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz
Interface UART (AT commands), 115200 baud default
Operating Voltage 3.0V – 3.6V
Operating Current ~80 mA average
Dimensions 14.3 × 24.8 mm
Antenna PCB trace antenna

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this with a 5V Arduino? The ESP-01S runs on 3.3V. You need a 3.3V power supply and a logic level shifter (or voltage divider) on the TX pin from Arduino to ESP. The ESP TX → Arduino RX is fine at 3.3V.
Can I program it directly without a host MCU? Yes. With 1 MB flash, you can run MicroPython or custom Arduino firmware standalone by pulling GPIO0 LOW during reset to enter flash mode.
What is the baud rate for AT commands? Default is 115200 baud on most firmware versions.

Build with this board

// from learn.circuit.rocks

Notes from the bench

// from blog.circuit.rocks

Ask the community

// from forum.circuit.rocks