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Microcontrollers and dev boards

Arduino, ESP32 and Raspberry Pi boards, displays and add-ons for embedded projects, classrooms and home automation.

170 results

About microcontrollers and dev boards

The brains of most projects. Microcontroller boards include ESP32 development boards (the original ESP32 plus the S3, C3, C6 and newer chips), Arduino-compatible Uno, Nano and Mega boards and the Uno R4, Raspberry Pi Pico and other RP2040 and RP2350 boards, and STM32 and RISC-V boards for when you outgrow them. For projects that need Linux there's the Raspberry Pi 5 and an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano kit, with Pi HATs for PoE, NVMe storage, UPS power and relays, plus coolers and cases.

Displays range from 0.96-inch OLEDs and 16x2 character LCDs to touchscreens, e-paper and ESP32 boards with a screen built in. USB-to-serial adapters, ESP-Prog, ST-Link and DAPLink debuggers, and CAN, RS-485 and Ethernet modules round it out. Check the logic voltage (5 V on an Uno, 3.3 V on an ESP32, Pico or Raspberry Pi) and the board's USB chip before you buy.

170 listings today, from $1.62; half cost $15.86 or less.

What to look for

Decide first whether you need a microcontroller or a small computer. An Arduino Uno or an ESP32 runs one program, starts almost instantly and controls hardware directly. A Raspberry Pi runs Linux for cameras, dashboards and Python-heavy projects. The ESP32 adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connected projects.

Specs that matter

Look at memory, the number and type of pins, wireless features and the USB connector. On a Raspberry Pi, RAM is the main choice. On a microcontroller, check flash and RAM if you plan to drive a display or run MicroPython. Many compatible boards use a CH340 or CP210x USB chip that may need a driver on your computer.

Compatibility tips

Arduino Uno pins use 5 V logic, while ESP32 and Raspberry Pi pins are 3.3 V and aren't 5 V tolerant. Budget for the full setup: a Raspberry Pi 5 needs a 5 V, 5 A USB-C supply for full USB power, plus a microSD card and usually a case with cooling.

Questions about microcontrollers and dev boards

Should I buy an Arduino, an ESP32 or a Raspberry Pi?
Pick a microcontroller board, Arduino-compatible or ESP32, to run one program that controls hardware directly; the ESP32 adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Pick a Raspberry Pi when you need Linux, a desktop, cameras or Python-heavy software. Our buying guide compares the three in detail.
Why doesn't my computer see the board over USB?
First try a USB cable that carries data, not a charge-only cable. Many compatible boards use a CH340 or CP210x USB-to-serial chip, which can need a driver on Windows or older versions of macOS; the listing names the chip when the supplier states it.
What power supply does a Raspberry Pi 5 need?
Raspberry Pi recommends a 5 V, 5 A USB-C supply for full USB power. With a 5 V, 3 A supply the Pi 5 still runs, but it limits its USB ports to 600 mA in total.
Can a school or team order a class set?
Yes. Add the quantities you need to your cart and choose Get a printable quote. The quote lists shipping to your postal code and estimated tax, and a school can pay by P-card or email us a purchase order. Our school orders page has the details.
How long does delivery take, and what does shipping cost?
Most parts ship to Canadian addresses directly from our supplier partners, most of them outside Canada, and most orders arrive within 1 to 3 weeks; the product page shows its own estimate. Items marked eligible on their product page ship free once the eligible items in your cart total $20 or more (a cart of many low-priced parts needs more than $20 of them, and the cart shows how much). Until then, and for items that aren't eligible, each item pays its supplier's shipping quote for your address, and checkout shows every charge and the tax before you pay.

Buying guides

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