The rise of ESP32 boards has transformed the landscape of affordable tech, providing versatile tools for hobbyists and developers. These devices, often found in smart displays and speakers, excel particularly at specific tasks while remaining budget-friendly compared to their commercial counterparts. For those willing to experiment, ESP32-based devices offer enhanced control and privacy by enabling users to customize firmware and manage data locally. Below is a look at seven budget-friendly ESP32 devices that stand out for their capabilities.
ReSpeaker Lite: Affordable Smart Speaker Solution
The ReSpeaker Lite, priced at approximately $32, serves as an innovative audio kit featuring a dual-microphone array. Developed by Seeed Studio, it can transform standard speakers into smart devices. By flashing the firmware from the Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition and integrating it with ESPHome, users can unlock wakeword support and hands-free capabilities. For those seeking a more advanced setup, adding the ReSpeaker XVF3800 microphone array for $60 significantly enhances voice detection and responsiveness, positioning it as a competitive alternative to established smart speakers.
M5Stack Atom Echo and Other Notable Devices
The M5Stack Atom Echo retails for around $14 and serves as a compact device that includes a built-in microphone and speaker. It can function as a satellite node in a DIY voice assistant network, handling wake-word detection locally or relaying requests through the Home Assistant Voice pipeline. The Atom Echo can also act as a Bluetooth proxy, facilitating control over local Bluetooth Low Energy devices.
Another interesting option is the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display, available for approximately $20. This entry-level screen, featuring an ESP32 chip, is suitable for a range of applications, including a Now Playing display or a music player using microSD cards. With some tinkering, it can be converted into a portable weather station or a lightweight network analysis tool with the ESP32 Marauder firmware.
The WT32-SC01 Plus offers a cost-effective alternative to high-end PC cases with touch screens, priced at about $26. It is ideal for monitoring home servers or NAS systems, allowing users to interact with their machines using touch controls. This device not only displays vital information but also provides shortcuts for managing applications and functions seamlessly.
For those looking for a unique user interface, the Elecrow Rotary Display, available in sizes of $29 for 1.28 inches and $36 for 2.1 inches, combines a round touchscreen with a rotary knob. This device can serve multiple purposes, from media control to smart home automation, and can be customized using the LGVL graphics library or Squareline Studio’s UI builder.
Lastly, the reTerminal E1001 and E1002, priced at $79 and $109 respectively, feature ePaper displays with integrated buttons, a microphone, and sensors for temperature and humidity. While not designed to replace eReaders, they offer functionality for displaying RSS feeds or productivity dashboards. When idle, these devices can also serve as minimalist e-art frames.
The Elecrow CrowPanel Advanced Display, costing around $60, presents a privacy-conscious alternative to commercial smart displays. Boasting an ESP32-S3 chip, this device can be integrated with Home Assistant and customized for various applications, including a voice assistant hub. While it requires some assembly and tinkering, its potential is vast, allowing users to create anything from a digital picture frame to a mini arcade machine.
In summary, these ESP32-based devices highlight the potential for affordable, customizable technology that caters to various needs. They empower users to build smart home tools and productivity aids without the expense associated with mainstream products. Whether one is interested in creating a weather station or a unique smart display, there is an ESP32 solution available to fit the budget and the project requirements.
