ESP32 WROOM 38-Pin vs 30-Pin DevKit: Which to Buy?
By Kunkune | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Comparisons
Compare the ESP32 WROOM 38-pin and 30-pin DevKit boards on pinout, GPIO access, and size to pick the right one for your project.
Quick answer
Choose the ESP32 WROOM 38-pin board if you need maximum GPIO access and breadboard-friendly width; choose the 30-pin DOIT DevKit V1 if you want a slightly narrower board and don't need the extra pins. Both use the same dual-core ESP32 with WiFi and Bluetooth.
What the pin count actually changes
The 38-pin board exposes more GPIO pins along its edges, which matters when you're wiring sensors, displays, and buttons that each need a dedicated pin. The 30-pin DOIT DevKit V1 leaves some pins unbroken, so you get fewer available connections but a narrower footprint that fits more easily into tight enclosures or on narrow breadboards.
Neither board adds extra processing power or memory over the other—both are standard ESP32 WROOM modules. The difference is purely in how many pins you can reach and how much space the board takes up.
When the 38-pin layout helps—and when it doesn't
If your project needs many digital or analog inputs, the 38-pin board saves you from using multiplexers or I2C expanders. However, the wider board can overhang a standard breadboard, leaving fewer free rows for jumper wires. It also takes more room in a project box, so measure your enclosure before committing.
The 30-pin board is more forgiving in compact builds, but if you later add a feature that needs an extra GPIO, you may have to redesign your wiring or add an expander. Plan your pin budget early.
Price and value
At the catalog prices shown, the two boards cost almost the same. The 38-pin is listed at USD 3.66 and the 30-pin at USD 3.72, so the decision should be based on pin access and physical fit, not price. Both are budget-friendly options for prototyping.
Key trade-offs
- Pin count vs. board width: The 38-pin board gives you more GPIO but is wider; the 30-pin board is narrower but has fewer pins. Decide whether you need extra pins or a smaller footprint. Count your required GPIOs before buying; if you're close to 30, go for the 38-pin.
- Breadboard compatibility: The 38-pin board may overhang a standard breadboard, reducing free rows; the 30-pin board fits more comfortably on narrow breadboards. If you prototype on a breadboard, check the board width against your breadboard's available rows.
- Future expansion: The 30-pin board leaves less room for adding peripherals later; the 38-pin board gives more headroom for expansion without redesign. If you plan to add features, the 38-pin board reduces the risk of running out of pins.
Product facts
- ESP32 WROOM Dual Core Wifi Bluetooth Board 38pin: ESP32 Devkit Dual Core Wifi Bluetooth Board with 38 pins Gives you more GPIO access for projects with many peripherals, but the wider board may not fit tight spaces.
ESP32 WROOM Dual Core Wifi Bluetooth Board 38pin - ESP32 WROOM32 module 30 pins DOIT DevKit V1: ESP-32 Wroom 30pin Bluetooth and WIFI Dual Core CPU with Low Power Consumption Offers a narrower footprint and low-power operation, ideal for compact battery-powered builds where fewer pins are enough.
ESP32 WROOM32 module 30 pins DOIT DevKit V1
Which board fits your build?
Best for
- Projects with many sensors, displays, or buttons that need dedicated GPIOs
- Makers who want room to expand without changing boards
- Breadboard setups where width is not a constraint
Not for
- Very compact enclosures where board width is critical
- Battery-powered projects where low power consumption is the top priority (consider the 30-pin's low-power feature)
- Builders who need only a few pins and prefer a smaller footprint
