ESP32-C6 vs ESP32-C5 vs ESP32-C3: The Ultimate Comparison Guide for IoT Developers

Choosing between the ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5 and ESP32-C6 can be confusing. All three are RISC-V based microcontrollers from Espressif’s cost-optimized C-series, but they target different use cases and feature sets. This comprehensive guide breaks down every difference to help you select the perfect board for your next IoT project.

Quick Overview: ESP32-C3 vs ESP32-C5 vs ESP32-C6

Before diving into the details, here’s what makes each board unique:

ESP32-C3: The budget-friendly, entry-level RISC-V board with Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0. Perfect for simple IoT projects, sensors and learning ESP32 development.

ESP32-C5: The dual-band pioneer with Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz AND 5 GHz. Currently the only ESP32 supporting 5 GHz Wi-Fi, ideal for high-bandwidth applications in congested environments.

ESP32-C6: The smart home powerhouse with Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz only), Bluetooth 5.3 AND Thread/Zigbee support. The go-to choice for Matter-compatible devices and next-generation smart home products.

Complete Specifications Comparison Table

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of all key specifications:

Feature	ESP32-C3	ESP32-C5	ESP32-C6
Processor	Single-core RISC-V @ 160 MHz	Single-core RISC-V @ 240 MHz	Single-core RISC-V @ 160 MHz
Low-Power Core	❌ None	✅ 40 MHz RISC-V LP core	✅ 20 MHz RISC-V LP core
SRAM	400 KB	384 KB (HP) + 16 KB (LP)	512 KB (HP) + 16 KB (LP)
ROM	384 KB	128 KB	320 KB
Flash (Built-in)	Up to 4 MB	2 MB	Up to 4 MB
PSRAM Support	❌ No	✅ Yes (external)	❌ No
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) @ 2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) @ 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) @ 2.4 GHz only
5 GHz Support	❌ No	✅ Yes (Dual-band)	❌ No
Wi-Fi 6 Features	❌ No (Wi-Fi 4)	✅ OFDMA, Target Wake Time	✅ OFDMA, Target Wake Time
Bluetooth	BLE 5.0	BLE 5.0	BLE 5.3
Thread/Zigbee (802.15.4)	❌ No	✅ Yes (Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.4)	✅ Yes (Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3)
Matter Support	Limited (via BLE provisioning)	✅ Full support	✅ Full support
GPIO Pins	22	19+	30 (QFN40) or 22 (QFN32)
ADC	2 x 12-bit (6 channels)	1 x 12-bit	1 x 12-bit (7 channels)
USB	USB Serial/JTAG	USB Serial/JTAG	USB Serial/JTAG
Hardware Crypto	✅ AES, SHA, RSA, ECC	❌ Limited (no dedicated block)	✅ AES, SHA, RSA, ECC, HMAC
Secure Boot	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Enhanced)
Deep Sleep Current	~5-7 μA	~7-10 μA (estimated)	~7-10 μA
Availability	✅ Widely available	⚠️ Limited availability	✅ Widely available
Price Range	~$2-3 (modules)	~$4-6 (modules)	~$3-5 (modules)
Ideal Use Case	Budget IoT sensors, simple projects	High-bandwidth dual-band applications	Smart home, Matter devices, mesh networks

Processor and Performance Comparison

Main Core Performance

ESP32-C5 Takes the Lead: With a 240 MHz RISC-V core, the C5 is 50% faster than both the C3 and C6 (160 MHz). This translates to better performance for computationally intensive tasks like data processing, encryption, or running complex algorithms.

ESP32-C3 and C6 Match: Both run at 160 MHz, which is sufficient for most IoT applications. The difference comes down to features, not raw processing speed.

Low-Power Cores

ESP32-C3: No dedicated low-power core. The main core must handle all tasks, even during light sleep modes.

ESP32-C5: Includes a 40 MHz RISC-V low-power core that can run background tasks during sleep, enabling better power efficiency.

ESP32-C6: Features a 20 MHz RISC-V low-power core. While slower than the C5’s LP core, it still provides significant power savings for battery-operated devices.

Winner: ESP32-C5 for raw speed, ESP32-C6 for balanced performance with smart home features.

Memory Architecture Differences

Memory Type	ESP32-C3	ESP32-C5	ESP32-C6
Total SRAM	400 KB	400 KB (384 HP + 16 LP)	528 KB (512 HP + 16 LP)
ROM	384 KB	128 KB	320 KB
Flash (typical)	4 MB	2 MB	4 MB
PSRAM	Not supported	External PSRAM supported	Not supported

ESP32-C6 offers the most SRAM (512 KB high-performance + 16 KB low-power), making it ideal for applications requiring substantial memory buffers or running FreeRTOS with multiple tasks.

ESP32-C5 is unique in supporting external PSRAM, allowing you to expand memory for applications like image processing or large data buffers. This flexibility comes at the cost of slightly less built-in SRAM.

ESP32-C3 provides 400 KB SRAM, which is adequate for most simple to moderate IoT applications but lacks the low-power SRAM found in newer chips.

Wi-Fi Capabilities: The Biggest Differentiator

This is where these three boards diverge most significantly.

ESP32-C3: Wi-Fi 4 (Classic 2.4 GHz)

The ESP32-C3 uses the proven Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n) standard on the 2.4 GHz band. While not cutting-edge, it offers:

• Excellent compatibility with all routers and access points
• Long range (~100 meters outdoors)
• Lower power consumption compared to Wi-Fi 6
• Maximum theoretical speed of ~150 Mbps
• Proven stability and extensive library support

Best for: Projects where Wi-Fi 6 features aren’t needed, battery-powered devices and applications in areas with good 2.4 GHz coverage.

ESP32-C5: Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)

The ESP32-C5 is groundbreaking as the ONLY ESP32 chip supporting 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Key advantages:

• Dual-band operation: Connect to either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz networks
• 5 GHz benefits: Less congestion, higher speeds, better performance in dense environments
• Wi-Fi 6 features: OFDMA (simultaneous multi-device handling), Target Wake Time (better battery life)
• Flexibility: Use 2.4 GHz for range, 5 GHz for speed
• Channel bandwidth: 20/40 MHz switchable

Best for: High-bandwidth applications (HD video streaming, large file transfers), congested Wi-Fi environments (apartments, offices), devices that benefit from 5 GHz’s cleaner spectrum.

ESP32-C6: Wi-Fi 6 on 2.4 GHz Only

The ESP32-C6 brings Wi-Fi 6 to the 2.4 GHz band, offering a middle ground:

• Wi-Fi 6 efficiency: OFDMA allows multiple devices to share channels efficiently
• Target Wake Time: Schedule when devices wake up, saving battery
• Better in crowded networks: More efficient than Wi-Fi 4 when many devices connect
• 2.4 GHz range: Maintains the long-range advantage of 2.4 GHz
• No 5 GHz: Cannot access 5 GHz spectrum

Best for: Smart home devices, battery-powered IoT nodes, applications where Wi-Fi 6 efficiency matters but 5 GHz isn’t required.

Wi-Fi Comparison Summary

Feature	ESP32-C3	ESP32-C5	ESP32-C6
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
2.4 GHz	✅	✅	✅
5 GHz	❌	✅ ONLY ESP32 with 5 GHz	❌
Max Speed	~150 Mbps	~600+ Mbps (5 GHz)	~150 Mbps (2.4 GHz W6)
OFDMA	❌	✅	✅
Target Wake Time	❌	✅	✅
Range	Excellent (2.4 GHz)	Good (2.4 GHz) / Medium (5 GHz)	Excellent (2.4 GHz)
Congestion Handling	Basic	Excellent (5 GHz cleaner)	Very Good (W6 efficiency)

Bluetooth Comparison

All three boards support Bluetooth Low Energy, but with different versions:

ESP32-C3: Bluetooth 5.0 LE with features like 2 Mbps PHY, Long Range mode and Direction Finding. Sufficient for most BLE applications including provisioning, beacons and simple communication.

ESP32-C5: Bluetooth 5.0 LE, same as C3. While the C5 excels in Wi-Fi, its Bluetooth capabilities are identical to the older C3.

ESP32-C6: Bluetooth 5.3 LE, the newest version with improved power control, better channel behavior and enhanced connection quality. The improvements are incremental but beneficial for battery life and reliability.

Winner: ESP32-C6 for the latest Bluetooth standard, though differences are minor for most applications.

Thread, Zigbee and Matter Support

This is a critical differentiator for smart home applications.

ESP32-C3: No Thread/Zigbee

The ESP32-C3 does NOT support IEEE 802.15.4, meaning it cannot natively run Thread or Zigbee protocols. You can:

• Use BLE for Matter provisioning (limited)
• Add an external 802.15.4 radio chip (adds cost and complexity)
• Rely solely on Wi-Fi and BLE connectivity

Limitation: Not ideal for Matter-native smart home devices or mesh networking applications.

ESP32-C5: Full Thread and Zigbee Support

The ESP32-C5 includes integrated 802.15.4 radio, enabling:

• Zigbee 3.0: Join or create Zigbee mesh networks
• Thread 1.4: Build Thread-based mesh networks
• Matter compatibility: Full Matter device support with Thread or Wi-Fi
• Multi-protocol: Run Wi-Fi, BLE and Thread/Zigbee simultaneously

Use case: Smart home hubs that need both high-bandwidth Wi-Fi (via 5 GHz) AND mesh networking for sensors.

ESP32-C6: Optimized for Matter and Smart Home

The ESP32-C6 is positioned as THE smart home chip with:

• Zigbee 3.0: Full Zigbee mesh support
• Thread 1.3: Thread mesh networking
• Matter protocol: Designed specifically for Matter devices
• Wi-Fi 6 + Thread: Best of both worlds for smart home
• Enhanced security: Hardware crypto acceleration for secure mesh networks

Winner: ESP32-C6 is the best choice for Matter-certified smart home products. ESP32-C5 works if you need 5 GHz Wi-Fi + Thread/Zigbee together.

Security Features Comparison

Security Feature	ESP32-C3	ESP32-C5	ESP32-C6
Hardware Crypto Block	✅ Full	❌ Limited/Missing	✅ Enhanced
AES Encryption	✅ 128/256-bit	✅ Available	✅ 128/256-bit
SHA Hashing	✅ SHA-256	✅ Available	✅ SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512
RSA	✅ Up to 3072-bit	⚠️ Limited	✅ Up to 4096-bit
ECC	✅ Yes	⚠️ Limited	✅ Enhanced
HMAC	✅ Yes	⚠️ Check docs	✅ Yes
Secure Boot	✅ V2	✅ V2	✅ V2 Enhanced
Flash Encryption	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Digital Signature	✅ RSA-based	⚠️ Limited	✅ Enhanced

Key Insight: The ESP32-C5 notably LACKS a dedicated hardware cryptography block found in the C3 and C6. This means cryptographic operations run slower on the C5 and consume more CPU cycles. If your application requires heavy encryption/decryption (like TLS, HTTPS, or secure firmware updates), the C3 or C6 are better choices.

Winner: ESP32-C6 for the most comprehensive and enhanced security features, followed by ESP32-C3. The C5 lags in this area.

GPIO and Peripheral Comparison

GPIO Count

• ESP32-C3: 22 GPIO pins
• ESP32-C5: 19+ GPIO pins (varies by package)
• ESP32-C6: 30 GPIO (QFN40) or 22 GPIO (QFN32)

Winner: ESP32-C6 (QFN40 package) offers the most GPIOs for complex projects.

Peripheral Interfaces

All three boards share similar peripheral sets:

• UART: 2x on all chips (plus LP-UART on C5/C6)
• SPI: Multiple SPI controllers for flash, peripherals
• I2C: Standard I2C (plus LP-I2C on C5/C6)
• I2S: For audio applications
• PWM: LED PWM controllers (6 channels)
• ADC: 12-bit SAR ADC on all
• USB: USB Serial/JTAG for programming and debugging
• TWAI (CAN): 2x TWAI controllers on C6, 1x on C3/C5

Notable difference: ESP32-C6 includes enhanced peripherals like Motor Control PWM (MCPWM), Parallel IO (PARLIO) and Event Task Matrix (ETM) not found on C3 or C5.

Power Consumption Comparison

Power Mode	ESP32-C3	ESP32-C5	ESP32-C6
Active (Wi-Fi TX)	~120-180 mA	~150-200 mA (varies by band)	~120-180 mA
Active (Wi-Fi RX)	~80-100 mA	~90-110 mA	~80-100 mA
Light Sleep	~800 μA	~500-800 μA (LP core active)	~500-800 μA (LP core active)
Deep Sleep	~5-7 μA	~7-10 μA	~7-10 μA

Battery Life Insight: All three chips offer excellent deep sleep performance (sub-10 μA). The C5 and C6’s low-power cores provide advantages during light sleep by handling background tasks while keeping the main core off.

Best for battery: ESP32-C6 due to Wi-Fi 6 Target Wake Time feature, which schedules sleep/wake cycles more efficiently.

Software and Development Support

ESP-IDF (Official Framework)

All three boards are fully supported by ESP-IDF, Espressif’s official IoT Development Framework:

• ESP32-C3: Mature, stable support with extensive examples
• ESP32-C5: Support available but still maturing (newer chip)
• ESP32-C6: Fully supported with Matter SDK integration

Arduino Core Support

Arduino support varies:

• ESP32-C3: ✅ Excellent Arduino support, widely used in maker community
• ESP32-C5: ⚠️ Limited Arduino support (chip availability issues)
• ESP32-C6: ✅ Good Arduino support, growing library ecosystem

Third-Party Frameworks

• MicroPython: C3 and C6 supported, C5 limited
• ESPHome: Excellent C3 and C6 support for smart home automation
• Tasmota: C3 and C6 supported
• PlatformIO: All three supported

Availability and Pricing

Market Availability (2026)

ESP32-C3: Widely available from hundreds of vendors. Extensive module options (WROOM, MINI, DevKit boards). Easy to purchase globally.

ESP32-C5: LIMITED availability. Few commercial modules available. Harder to source. Still in limited production.

ESP32-C6: Widely available. Growing module ecosystem. Easy to purchase from major distributors.

Price Comparison (Module Prices)

• ESP32-C3: $2-3 USD per module (cheapest option)
• ESP32-C5: $4-6 USD per module (when available)
• ESP32-C6: $3-5 USD per module (mid-range pricing)

Use Case Recommendations

Choose ESP32-C3 When:

• ✅ Budget is a primary concern
• ✅ Building simple IoT sensors (temperature, humidity, motion)
• ✅ Learning ESP32 development
• ✅ Wi-Fi 4 is sufficient for your application
• ✅ You don’t need Thread, Zigbee, or Matter
• ✅ Creating battery-powered devices with basic connectivity
• ✅ Building smart switches, lights, or simple actuators

Example Projects: Weather stations, smart plant monitors, basic home automation, MQTT sensors, Wi-Fi remote controls.

Choose ESP32-C5 When:

• ✅ You specifically need 5 GHz Wi-Fi support
• ✅ Operating in congested 2.4 GHz environments (apartments, offices)
• ✅ Building high-bandwidth applications (HD video streaming, large file transfers)
• ✅ Need both dual-band Wi-Fi AND Thread/Zigbee in one chip
• ✅ Willing to deal with limited availability
• ✅ Security/crypto isn’t critical (lacks hardware crypto block)
• ✅ Need external PSRAM for memory-intensive tasks

Example Projects: Wireless security cameras (5 GHz), dual-band smart home hubs, high-bandwidth IoT gateways, wireless bridges in dense environments.

Choose ESP32-C6 When:

• ✅ Building Matter-certified smart home devices
• ✅ Need Thread or Zigbee mesh networking
• ✅ Want Wi-Fi 6 efficiency for battery-powered devices
• ✅ Security is important (hardware crypto acceleration)
• ✅ Building next-generation smart home products
• ✅ Need the latest Bluetooth 5.3
• ✅ Require enhanced peripherals (MCPWM, PARLIO)
• ✅ Want strong community support and availability

Example Projects: Matter smart bulbs, Thread border routers, Zigbee sensors, smart locks, multi-protocol gateways, industrial IoT with CAN bus.

Head-to-Head: Which Board Wins?

Category	Winner	Reason
Best Overall Value	ESP32-C3	Lowest price, proven reliability, great for learning
Best for Smart Home	ESP32-C6	Matter support, Thread/Zigbee, Wi-Fi 6, best availability
Fastest Processor	ESP32-C5	240 MHz vs 160 MHz on others
Most Memory	ESP32-C6	512 KB + 16 KB LP SRAM
Best Wi-Fi	ESP32-C5	Only chip with 5 GHz + Wi-Fi 6
Best Security	ESP32-C6	Enhanced hardware crypto, RSA up to 4096-bit
Best Battery Life	ESP32-C6	Wi-Fi 6 Target Wake Time, efficient LP core
Most GPIO	ESP32-C6	30 pins (QFN40 package)
Best Availability	ESP32-C3	Widely available, many module options
Best Community Support	ESP32-C3	Mature ecosystem, extensive tutorials
Future-Proof	ESP32-C6	Matter-ready, Wi-Fi 6, latest protocols

Migration Guide: Switching Between Boards

From ESP32-C3 to ESP32-C6

Hardware Changes:

• GPIO pinout differs – redesign PCB or use adapter boards
• Check power requirements (similar but verify)
• More GPIO options on C6 (up to 30 pins)

Software Changes:

• Most ESP-IDF code compatible (same RISC-V architecture)
• Add Matter/Thread libraries if using those features
• Update to newer ESP-IDF version for C6 support
• Minor API changes for Wi-Fi 6 features

From ESP32-C3 to ESP32-C5

Hardware Changes:

• Different antenna design for dual-band (2.4 + 5 GHz)
• Faster main core (240 MHz) – may require power supply verification
• PSRAM support if using external memory

Software Changes:

• Configure dual-band Wi-Fi settings
• Test performance on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Adjust crypto operations (software-based on C5)
• Limited ESP-IDF examples – more custom development needed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which ESP32-C board is best for beginners?

The ESP32-C3 is the best choice for beginners. It’s the most affordable ($2-3), widely available, has extensive tutorials and community support and is compatible with Arduino IDE. The simpler feature set makes it easier to learn without getting overwhelmed.

Can ESP32-C6 connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

No, the ESP32-C6 does NOT support 5 GHz Wi-Fi despite having Wi-Fi 6. It only works on the 2.4 GHz band. If you need 5 GHz support, you must use the ESP32-C5, which is currently the only ESP32 chip with dual-band Wi-Fi.

Does ESP32-C3 support Matter protocol?

The ESP32-C3 has limited Matter support. It can be provisioned via BLE for Matter devices but lacks native Thread/Zigbee (802.15.4 radio) support. For full Matter compatibility, choose the ESP32-C6 or ESP32-C5.

Which board has the fastest processor?

The ESP32-C5 has the fastest main processor at 240 MHz, compared to 160 MHz on both the ESP32-C3 and ESP32-C6. However, real-world performance depends on your specific application and whether you need the C5’s dual-band Wi-Fi or the C6’s Thread/Zigbee support.

Is ESP32-C5 worth the extra cost over ESP32-C3?

It depends on your needs. The ESP32-C5 costs roughly 2x the price of C3 ($4-6 vs $2-3). It’s worth it if you specifically need 5 GHz Wi-Fi for high-bandwidth applications or congested environments. However, for most IoT projects, the ESP32-C3 or ESP32-C6 offer better value.

Which board is best for battery-powered projects?

The ESP32-C6 is best for battery-powered smart home devices due to Wi-Fi 6’s Target Wake Time feature and its efficient low-power core. The ESP32-C3 is also excellent for simple battery applications due to lower cost. Avoid the ESP32-C5 for battery power unless you absolutely need dual-band Wi-Fi.

Can I use ESP32-C6 for Zigbee mesh networks?

Yes! The ESP32-C6 includes a built-in 802.15.4 radio and fully supports Zigbee 3.0 mesh networking. It’s one of the best ESP32 chips for Zigbee applications, alongside Thread and Matter protocols.

Why doesn’t ESP32-C5 have hardware crypto acceleration?

The ESP32-C5 was designed to prioritize dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and faster processor speed (240 MHz), likely to reduce die size and cost. The lack of a dedicated hardware crypto block means cryptographic operations run on the main CPU, which is slower and uses more power. For security-critical applications, choose the ESP32-C3 or ESP32-C6.

Which board should I choose for Arduino projects?

The ESP32-C3 has the best Arduino support with mature libraries and extensive examples. The ESP32-C6 also has good Arduino support and is gaining popularity. The ESP32-C5 has limited Arduino support and should be avoided for Arduino-based projects unless you’re comfortable with custom development.

Is ESP32-C5 discontinued or hard to find?

The ESP32-C5 is not discontinued but has very limited commercial availability. Few module manufacturers produce it and it’s harder to source globally compared to the C3 and C6. This makes it a risky choice for production projects despite its unique dual-band capabilities.

Conclusion: Make Your Choice

The ESP32-C3, ESP32-C5 and ESP32-C6 each serve distinct purposes in the IoT ecosystem:

ESP32-C3 remains the budget champion and learning platform. Its proven reliability, extensive community support and rock-bottom pricing make it perfect for makers, students and simple IoT applications where cutting-edge features aren’t required.

ESP32-C5 fills a unique niche as the only dual-band ESP32 with 5 GHz Wi-Fi support. If your project absolutely needs 5 GHz connectivity—whether for bandwidth, congestion avoidance, or dual-band flexibility—the C5 is your only option. However, limited availability and lack of hardware crypto make it a specialized choice.

ESP32-C6 represents the future of ESP32 smart home development. With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Thread/Zigbee, Matter support and enhanced security, it’s the most complete package for professional IoT products and next-generation smart home devices.

Our Recommendation:

• For 90% of projects: Start with ESP32-C3 or ESP32-C6
• For smart home/Matter: Choose ESP32-C6
• For learning/budget: Choose ESP32-C3
• For 5 GHz Wi-Fi only: Choose ESP32-C5 (if you can find it)

No matter which board you choose, you’re getting a powerful, efficient and well-supported RISC-V microcontroller that can handle demanding IoT applications. The key is matching the board’s strengths to your project’s specific requirements.