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A field guide
to small builds

54 projects and counting

What can you build with a microcontroller?

Discover real projects built with ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and more. Complete with parts lists, source code, and where to buy.

Browse Projects Start with ESP32

Explore by Board

Find projects for your favorite microcontroller

ESP32

Espressif's versatile Wi-Fi and Bluetooth microcontrollers, from the original ESP32 to the latest ESP32-P4. The most popular choice for IoT and maker projects.

Raspberry Pi

Full Linux single-board computers from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. From the powerful Pi 5 to the compact Pi Zero, ideal for projects needing a full OS.

Raspberry Pi Pico

Raspberry Pi's RP2040 and RP2350 microcontroller boards. Low-cost, high-performance, with excellent documentation and the unique PIO feature.

Arduino

The original maker platform. From the classic Uno to the powerful Portenta, with the most beginner-friendly ecosystem and extensive library support.

STM32

STMicroelectronics' ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. From the budget F1 'Blue Pill' to high-performance H7 series, popular in professional and hobbyist projects.

Nordic nRF52

Nordic Semiconductor's low-power Bluetooth microcontrollers. The gold standard for BLE projects, wearables, and battery-powered devices.

Featured Projects

Hand-picked builds from the community

Watchy: open-source ESP32 e-ink smartwatch

Illustration

ESP32Draft

Watchy: open-source ESP32 e-ink smartwatch

An open-source smartwatch with a 1.54in e-paper screen and ESP32, hackable watch faces in Arduino.

Beginner·Under $15·Code

2 parts listed

Low-power ESP32 e-paper weather display (7.5in)

Illustration

ESP32Draft

Low-power ESP32 e-paper weather display (7.5in)

A wall-mounted 7.5in e-paper weather display on an ESP32 that runs for months on one battery charge.

Intermediate·Cost varies·Code

5 parts listed

📷

ESP32ESP32-S3Draft

OpenEPaperLink: reuse e-ink shelf labels with an ESP32 access point

Turns cheap second-hand electronic shelf labels into a Wi-Fi-managed e-ink display fleet via an ESP32 access point.

Advanced·Under $15·Code

3 parts listed

Cheap Yellow Display: community hub for the ESP32-2432S028 touchscreen

Illustration

ESP32Draft

Cheap Yellow Display: community hub for the ESP32-2432S028 touchscreen

A community guide, pinouts and examples for the ~$15 ESP32 board with a built-in 2.8in resistive touchscreen.

Beginner·Cost varies·Code

2 parts listed

ESPHome wake-word voice assistants for Home Assistant

Illustration

ESP32ESP32-S3Draft

ESPHome wake-word voice assistants for Home Assistant

Official ESPHome configs that turn ESP32-S3 boxes into local wake-word voice satellites for Home Assistant Assist.

Beginner·Cost varies·Code

3 parts listed

📷

ESP32Draft

WLED: Wi-Fi control for addressable LED strips on ESP32

The go-to firmware for controlling WS2812B and similar LED strips from a phone, with 100+ effects and Home Assistant support.

Beginner·Cost varies·Code

3 parts listed

Browse by Category

Find projects by what they do

Wearables & Portable(6)Robotics & Motion(6)Networking & Connectivity(4)Edge AI / TinyML(2)Home Automation(1)Audio & Voice(1)Camera & Vision(1)

Which ESP32 Should I Buy?

A guide to choosing the right ESP32 variant for your project.

Parts Catalog

Browse boards, sensors, and displays with verified buy links.

Project Ideas

AI-generated project ideas to spark your next build.

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54

Projects

63%

ESP32 Focused

94

Parts Catalogued

54

With Parts Lists