Single-board computers are an affordable and convenient means to kick off a DIY project. As popular Raspberry Pi models get, they work best as full-fledged computers apart from assisting with some DIY functionalities. For specific tasks, the ESP32 can prove to be a suitable tool.

While the Raspberry Pi reigns as an SBC for multitasking and advanced processing, it’s the ESP32 that outshines it by doing one task (sometimes more) better. Housing an ESP32 for single-purpose applications that require day-night operations can be a more cost-effective solution than building an overkill system with a Pi.

After all, comparing a microcontroller to an SBC at face value demands context and close attention for your next IoT project or automation. There are several tasks that an ESP32 can handle better than a Raspberry Pi.

Operations that consume less power

Ideal for battery-powered projects

The ESP32 excels when power efficiency is a priority. With sensors and battery-operated IoT devices, it can remain in a light sleep or deep sleep state and wake up only when necessary. For instance, a weather station device with ESP32 inside wakes up every 10 minutes to poll temperature, humidity, and pressure data from respective sensors. Then, upload that data over Wi-Fi and return to deep sleep.

A Raspberry Pi-based weather station node consumes approximately 2W in idle mode. That could drain a battery in a matter of hours. Hence, ESP32 is better suited for low-power, always-on sensor applications.

Hands-on hardware control

Skipping kernels and layers to work directly

The ESP32 provides direct access to GPIO pins, as its firmware interfaces directly with them. No OS is present, and customizable firmware gives you straightforward access to the hardware, allowing you to achieve consistent and low-latency performance. That’s why you get predictable behavior and low latency when reading sensor data or pushing outputs.

On the Pi, the Linux kernel enables access to the GPIO pins. That requires kernel-level access to tweak the performance, and it adds extra overhead to the stability of the OS. Still, it won’t match the ESP32’s real-time performance.

Handling things real-time

Manage time-critical operations with lower latency

The absence of an operating system enables the ESP32 to bypass scheduling and run time-critical routines consistently. That’s quite important in devices like smart thermostats. Frequent and accurate data from temperature and humidity sensors is used to trigger predefined actions from the HVAC system.

Sure, a Pi can perform the same, but it’d be overkill. You’ll experience higher latency, longer boot times, and increased complexity when dealing with the OS. For granular data logging, time or motion-triggered automations, or quicker event-based controls, ESP32 offers a leaner approach.

Better analog sensing and output

Native ADC and DAC call for few or no add-ons

An ESP32 board features two built-in analog-to-digital converters (ADC) that can drive multiple analog sources. That’s why it’s a better fit for potentiometers, light sensors, and analog peripherals. It also features digital-to-analog converters for generating output voltages, acting as a digital potentiometer for precise control. Many GPIO pins even support capacitive touch for lightweight touch sensing interfaces.

The Pi lacks native ADC, DAC, and capacitive touch hardware, so you need external chips and HATs to add such capabilities. And that crowds up the board, making it complex to work with, and significantly adds to the cost.

Lightweight wireless peripheral capabilities

Microcontroller integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions

The dual-core Xtensa processor of an ESP32 board features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios integrated on a single chip. That means it can handle Bluetooth shenanigans on one core and Wi-Fi on another without overzealous power draw. When idle, it helps significantly extend battery life. That makes the ESP32 suitable for use as a Bluetooth beacon broadcasting, proxy, or mesh network. Its Wi-Fi prowess enables faster and low-power connectivity.

A Pi board integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but consumes significantly more power. Besides being slow to connect, it often requires external Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters to enhance signal strength and access modern features.

A small chip that can punch above its weight

The ESP32 is designed to complement the Raspberry Pi, not replace it. That said, deploying several ESP32 boards will still be economical when you need multiple devices compared to a host of Pi models. Also, you won’t need to purchase microSD cards for it. While Pi shines as a full-fledged single-board computer, it’s best harnessed for complex projects.

However, when you need a board to communicate directly with hardware and deliver real-time performance, the ESP32 is the solution. It is best suited for tackling efficient, time-sensitive, and precise controls for IoT builds and automations. Then, you can aim for a network of IoT devices that are always connected, doesn’t sip a lot of power, and requires no constant supervision. Choosing between the two depends on the job, and you’d be surprised how many times ESP32 wins.