Best Alternatives to ESP8266 in 2025
Introduction
The ESP8266 has been a widely popular Wi-Fi module for IoT projects due to its low cost, ease of use, and robust community support. However, as technology advances, more powerful and efficient alternatives have emerged in 2025. This article explores the best alternatives to the ESP8266, considering factors such as performance, power efficiency, connectivity, and ease of development.
Why Look for an Alternative to ESP8266?
While the ESP8266 remains a solid choice for many applications, there are several reasons why developers may seek alternatives:
- Limited Processing Power – The ESP8266 has a single-core processor, which may not be sufficient for complex IoT applications.
- Lack of BLE Support – Many modern IoT applications require Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which the ESP8266 does not support.
- Higher Power Consumption – Newer alternatives offer better power efficiency for battery-powered applications.
- Security Concerns – Advanced alternatives provide better security features, including hardware encryption.
- Limited GPIOs – Some projects require more GPIO pins than what the ESP8266 offers.
Read This: ESP8266 NodeMCU Pinout Reference
Best Alternatives to ESP8266 in 2025
1. ESP32 (Successor to ESP8266)
Why Choose ESP32?
The ESP32, developed by Espressif, is the natural successor to the ESP8266. It offers dual-core processing, built-in Bluetooth, and more GPIOs.
Key Features:
- Dual-core Tensilica Xtensa LX6 processor
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 / BLE
- More GPIOs (36 vs. ESP8266’s 17)
- Improved power efficiency with Ultra-Low Power (ULP) co-processor
- Hardware security features like AES encryption
Best Use Cases:
- Smart home automation
- Industrial IoT applications
- Battery-operated IoT devices
2. Raspberry Pi Pico W
Why Choose Raspberry Pi Pico W?
The Raspberry Pi Pico W, released by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, is a powerful alternative featuring the RP2040 microcontroller with Wi-Fi support.
Key Features:
- Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processor
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- Low power consumption
- Large community and support
- Deep sleep and hibernation modes for extended battery life
Best Use Cases:
- Educational and learning projects
- Low-power IoT applications
- Data logging with cloud integration
3. nRF52840 (Nordic Semiconductor)
Why Choose nRF52840?
The nRF52840 is a highly efficient microcontroller with Bluetooth 5.2, Thread, and Zigbee support, making it an excellent choice for modern IoT applications.
Key Features:
- ARM Cortex-M4 processor with FPU
- Bluetooth 5.2, Thread, and Zigbee support
- Ultra-low power consumption
- AES-128 hardware encryption
- USB, NFC, and external Flash memory support
Best Use Cases:
- Wireless sensor networks
- Bluetooth-based IoT applications
- Secure smart home devices
4. Wio Terminal (Seeed Studio)
Why Choose Wio Terminal?
The Wio Terminal is an all-in-one development board with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a built-in display.
Key Features:
- ARM Cortex-M4F processor
- Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2
- 2.4-inch LCD display
- Built-in sensors (light, gyroscope, temperature, etc.)
- MicroSD card support
Best Use Cases:
- Rapid IoT prototyping
- Embedded GUI applications
- Environmental monitoring
5. STM32WB55 (STMicroelectronics)
Why Choose STM32WB55?
The STM32WB55 is an ultra-low-power microcontroller with dual-core processing and BLE support, making it ideal for energy-efficient IoT solutions.
Key Features:
- Dual-core (Cortex-M4 + Cortex-M0)
- Bluetooth 5.2 & Zigbee support
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Secure Boot and TrustZone security
Best Use Cases:
- Smart wearables
- Industrial IoT
- Low-power remote sensing
6. Realtek RTL8720DN
Why Choose Realtek RTL8720DN?
The Realtek RTL8720DN is a powerful dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo module, making it an excellent alternative for IoT connectivity.
Key Features:
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth 5.0 + BLE
- ARM Cortex-M33 processor
- Low power consumption
Best Use Cases:
- IoT gateways
- Smart home hubs
- Battery-powered IoT applications
Comparison Table: ESP8266 Alternatives in 2025
| Feature | ESP32 | Raspberry Pi Pico W | nRF52840 | Wio Terminal | STM32WB55 | Realtek RTL8720DN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes (Dual-band) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | Yes (BLE 5.2) | Yes | Yes (BLE 5.2) | Yes (BLE 5.0) |
| Processor | Dual-core Xtensa | Dual-core Cortex-M0+ | Cortex-M4 | Cortex-M4F | Dual-core Cortex-M4+M0 | Cortex-M33 |
| Power Consumption | Moderate | Low | Very Low | Moderate | Very Low | Low |
| Security | Basic | Moderate | AES-128 | Secure Boot | TrustZone | Advanced |
| Best For | General IoT | Low-power IoT | Wireless networks | Embedded GUI | Industrial IoT | High-speed IoT |
Conclusion
While the ESP8266 has been a game-changer in the IoT world, 2025 offers several advanced alternatives that provide better performance, power efficiency, security, and connectivity. The ESP32 remains a top successor with added capabilities, while boards like Raspberry Pi Pico W and nRF52840 cater to specialized applications. The choice of the best alternative depends on your project requirements—whether it be power efficiency, wireless connectivity, or high security.
Choosing the right module in 2025 ensures that your IoT applications remain future-proof, scalable, and efficient.
