6 Cheap ESP32 Smart Devices
@howtogeek shared 6 cheap ESP32-based devices for home automation without rewiring — perfect for Wi-Fi and voice-controlled AC, lights, and custom scenes like 'Theater Mode.' These controllers offer an affordable entry point into DIY smart home projects.
The ESP32 is a low-cost, low-power system-on-a-chip (SoC) microcontroller created by Shanghai-based Espressif Systems, which was released in 2016. It is the successor to the popular ESP8266, which first brought affordable Wi-Fi connectivity to the do-it-yourself (DIY) community in 2014. The ESP32 builds upon its predecessor by offering more processing power, more input/output pins, and, crucially, built-in Bluetooth capabilities. A key advantage of the ESP32 for smart home applications is its dual-core processor, which can run at up to 240MHz, compared to the ESP8266's single-core 80MHz processor. This allows it to handle more complex tasks simultaneously, such as managing Wi-Fi connectivity while also processing sensor data and controlling multiple devices. Furthermore, the ESP32 includes a wider array of built-in peripherals, such as capacitive touch sensors, a Hall effect sensor, and more precise analog-to-digital converters. Powering these DIY smart devices are open-source firmware projects, with ESPHome and Tasmota being two of the most popular choices. Tasmota is known for its versatility and web-based interface, making it easy to configure a wide range of devices without needing to write code. It communicates with smart home platforms primarily through the MQTT protocol. ESPHome, on the other hand, is tailored for deep integration with the Home Assistant smart home platform. It uses simple YAML configuration files to define a device's behavior, which ESPHome then compiles into custom firmware. This approach offers a more streamlined and tightly integrated experience for Home Assistant users, with devices communicating via a native API. The affordability and flexibility of ESP32 boards have led to a wide variety of DIY smart home projects. Common examples include custom presence detection sensors using Bluetooth, air quality monitors, and controllers for LED lighting strips. More advanced projects include building custom smart alarm clocks, video doorbells, and even voice assistants that run locally without relying on cloud services.
