Choosing the Right ESP32 SuperMini – C3, S3, C6, H2 Compared

Over the past few months, the ESP32 SuperMini boards have exploded in popularity—and for good reason. Their ultra-compact size (just 22.5 x 18 mm) makes them perfect for wearables, embedded builds, and anywhere space is tight. But it’s not just about the footprint.

Until recently, many makers were cautious about SuperMini boards due to unreliable batches — USB issues, unstable boot modes, or flaky power rails were common with some no-name versions. That’s changed. Reputable vendors are now consistently delivering well-built SuperMinis, and suddenly these boards are becoming the go-to picks for many makers.

With multiple versions now available—ESP32-C3, C3 Plus, S3, C6, and H2—each with different cores and wireless stacks, the real question is: which one fits your project best?

That’s exactly what this guide is for.

Core Differences at a Glance #

📐 While all ESP32 Super Mini boards aim for ultra-compactness, their physical sizes aren’t exactly identical. The ESP32-C3 SuperMini set the baseline at 22.52 x 18 mm, but:

• The ESP32-S3 SuperMini and ESP32-H2 SuperMini are slightly longer—1 extra pin row, making them a bit taller while maintaining compatibility.
• The ESP32-C6 SuperMini stretches that even further with 2 extra rows of pins compared to the C3, offering more GPIOs but increasing the height slightly.

🧠 Now onto what’s inside those boards.

• RISC-V: Found in the C3, C6, and H2 variants. These single-core chips prioritize power efficiency and a streamlined toolchain, ideal for low-power or compact projects.
• Xtensa: The S3 SuperMini features a dual-core Xtensa LX7 CPU running at up to 240 MHz—much more capable for performance-heavy tasks like real-time image processing or multitasking peripherals.

If you’re curious about how these cores differ more broadly, we break it all down in this ESP32 architecture comparison.

Wireless Stack Breakdown #

The wireless features are where these boards really start to diverge. Depending on the chip, you’ll find support for different protocols—some with cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6, others designed for Zigbee or Bluetooth Mesh networks.

Here’s a quick overview of what each SuperMini brings to the table:

📶 Wi-Fi Support #

• ✅ Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)

  • ESP32-C3 SuperMini
  • ESP32-C3 SuperMini Plus
  • ESP32-S3 SuperMini

• 🚀 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • ESP32-C6 SuperMini
  • 🛑 Not supported by the C3, S3, or H2

• ❌ No Wi-Fi

  • ESP32-H2 SuperMini

🔗 Bluetooth Support #

• 🟦 Bluetooth 5 (LE)

  • C3, C3 Plus, S3, C6

• 🔁 Bluetooth Mesh

  • ESP32-C6 SuperMini
  • ESP32-H2 SuperMini

🌐 Zigbee / Thread (IEEE 802.15.4) #

• 🧵 Thread & Zigbee
  • Only the ESP32-H2 SuperMini supports this
  • Designed specifically for mesh networking and smart home protocols

If you're building a Wi-Fi 6-connected project, the C6 is your only option. For Zigbee or Thread, go straight to the H2. And if you just need solid Wi-Fi and BLE, the C3 or S3 variants are excellent and widely supported.

Battery Support and Charging #

If you're planning a portable or off-grid project, battery support matters—and here's where the SuperMini lineup starts to split.

Most of the newer SuperMini boards include BAT+ and BAT- pins, which are a strong indicator of onboard Li-ion/LiPo battery charging circuitry. This means you can plug a battery directly into the board and charge it over USB—no external charger module needed.

🔋 Boards with Battery Charging Support (BAT+ / BAT-) #

• ✅ ESP32-S3 SuperMini
• ✅ ESP32-C6 SuperMini
• ✅ ESP32-H2 SuperMini

These boards simplify portable builds and help reduce wiring and complexity.

🚫 Boards Without Charging Circuit #

• ❌ ESP32-C3 SuperMini
• ❌ ESP32-C3 SuperMini Plus

You can still power these from a battery via the 5V or 3.3V pins, but you'll need an external charger (like a TP4056 module) to handle charging.

So if integrated charging is a must-have for your project, go with the S3, C6, or H2 variants.

Onboard RGB LED Support #

For many projects, an onboard LED isn't just a bonus—it's a super handy way to indicate status, show errors, or just give some visual flair. A few SuperMini boards go beyond the standard single-color LED and offer full RGB control out of the box.

Here are your RGB-capable options:

💡 LED-Equipped Boards #

• ESP32-C3 SuperMini
  Comes with a simple blue LED on GPIO8—minimal, but perfect for basic status indication.

• ESP32-C3 SuperMini Plus
  Features a programmable RGB LED on the red PCB variant—great for compact UI indicators.

• ESP32-S3 SuperMini
  Includes a WS2812 RGB LED, which is excellent for animations or multi-color status feedback.

• ESP32-C6 SuperMini
  Offers an RGB LED mapped to GPIO8, allowing flexible status display with programmable colors.

• ESP32-H2 SuperMini
  Includes a standard single-color LED on GPIO13—not RGB, but still handy for activity or debug feedback.

ESP32 SuperMini Boards Comparison #

Feature	ESP32-C3 SuperMini	ESP32-C3 SuperMini Plus	ESP32-S3 SuperMini	ESP32-C6 SuperMini	ESP32-H2 SuperMini
CPU	32-bit RISC-V, single-core @160MHz	32-bit RISC-V, single-core @160MHz	Dual-core Xtensa LX7 @240MHz	32-bit RISC-V, single-core @160MHz	32-bit RISC-V, single-core @96MHz
Wireless	WiFi 4, Bluetooth 5 (LE)	WiFi 4, Bluetooth 5 (LE)	WiFi 4, Bluetooth 5 (LE)	WiFi 6 (802.11ax), BLE, BLE Mesh	Thread, Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), BLE
Antenna	PCB antenna	External via U.FL	PCB antenna	PCB antenna	PCB antenna
Flash / RAM	4MB / 400 KB SRAM	4MB / 400 KB SRAM	4MB / 512 KB SRAM	4MB / 512 KB + 16 KB LP SRAM	4MB / 320 KB SRAM + 4 KB LP SRAM
Form Factor	22.52 x 18 mm	22.52 x 18 mm	~1 pin row longer	~2 pin rows longer	~1 pin row longer
Onboard LED	Blue LED (GPIO8)	RGB LED	WS2812 RGB	RGB LED (GPIO8)	Standard LED (GPIO13)
USB Interface	Micro-USB	Micro-USB	Micro-USB	USB Type-C	USB Type-C
Battery Charging Support	❌ None	❌ None	✅ BAT+ / BAT- pins	✅ BAT+ / BAT- pins	✅ BAT+ / BAT- pins
Special Features	Minimal form, stable PCB antenna	U.FL antenna, RGB LED	Dual-core, RGB LED, more GPIOs	WiFi 6, BLE Mesh, USB-C, RGB LED	Thread/Zigbee, BLE, USB-C
Power Consumption (Deep Sleep)	~43μA	~43μA	~43μA	Ultra-low power modes	Ultra-low power modes
Price	~$5	~$5	~$5	~$5	~$5
Buy Links	Amazon, AliExpress	AliExpress	Amazon, AliExpress	Amazon, AliExpress	AliExpress

ESP32-C3 vs C3 SuperMini Plus: What's the Difference? #

Both the ESP32-C3 SuperMini and the C3 SuperMini Plus are built around the same chip—the ESP32-C3 RISC-V core with 4MB of flash, 400 KB SRAM, and support for Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5 (LE). They also share the same pinout and overall form factor. But there are two key differences that can impact your build.

First, the antenna: the original C3 SuperMini uses a small onboard PCB antenna. It works well for most general-use projects, but if you need stronger or more stable signal—especially in noisy environments or over longer distances—the C3 Plus offers a U.FL connector so you can add an external antenna.

Second, the LED: the C3 SuperMini includes a basic blue status LED on GPIO8. It’s great for simple feedback like boot status or blinking heartbeat. The Plus version, however, upgrades this with an onboard RGB LED, giving you full color control—ideal for projects that need richer visual feedback without adding extra hardware.

In short:

• Go with the C3 SuperMini for the cleanest, most minimal option.
• Pick the C3 SuperMini Plus if you want RGB visuals or better wireless range out of the box.

Common Features Across the SuperMini Family #

Despite the internal differences between these boards, the SuperMini lineup is built on a set of shared design choices that make them consistent and interchangeable for many projects.

Here’s what they all have in common:

• 📏 Compact Footprint: All SuperMinis are built for space-constrained projects. The C3 and C3 Plus use the original 22.52 x 18 mm format, while S3, C6, and H2 extend the height slightly to fit more pins.
• 🔌 Standard Interfaces: Every SuperMini offers UART, I2C, and SPI, covering the essentials for sensor and peripheral integration.
• 🔧 Pinout Consistency: While the number of exposed pins varies, the core pin functions (UART, I2C, SPI, ADC) are mapped in familiar ways across all boards, making porting easier.
• 🔁 Reset & Boot Buttons: All models include dedicated reset and boot buttons for manual flashing or recovery.

Best For… (Use-Case Based Picks) #

If you’re trying to figure out which SuperMini fits your project, skip the datasheets and think in terms of real-world needs. Here’s a breakdown based on practical use cases:

🔋 Battery-Powered or Low-Power Projects #

• 🟢 ESP32-H2 SuperMini
  Ultra-low power draw and no Wi-Fi stack to drain your battery—great for Zigbee nodes or BLE sensors.

• 🟢 ESP32-C6 SuperMini
  Includes low-power modes and an efficient RISC-V core with Wi-Fi 6 support when needed.

🧠 Processing-Heavy Tasks #

• ⚡ ESP32-S3 SuperMini
  Dual-core Xtensa LX7 at 240 MHz makes it the best pick for projects that need more muscle—like real-time data processing, multitasking peripherals, or lightweight ML workloads.

🌐 Projects That Need Zigbee or Thread #

• 🧵 ESP32-H2 SuperMini
  The only SuperMini with IEEE 802.15.4 for Thread and Zigbee, making it a go-to for mesh networks, smart lighting, and home automation.

📡 Strong Wi-Fi Connectivity #

• 📶 ESP32-C3 SuperMini Plus
  External U.FL antenna means better signal range and performance—ideal for remote or interference-prone locations.

• 🚀 ESP32-C6 SuperMini
  Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support brings improved range, speed, and efficiency.

Not sure which SuperMini is the one for your project? Here's a quick-reference table to help you decide based on what you actually need, not just raw specs.

No single board wins at everything, but there’s probably a SuperMini that hits the sweet spot for your project.

🧱 Bonus: Enclosures Available #

You can get 3D-printed SuperMini cases tailored for all SuperMini versions, including the slightly taller C6 and H2 boards. These enclosures are designed with makers in mind—whether you're prototyping on a breadboard or finalizing a compact product.

Available features include:

• 🧩 Header Compatibility: Choose cases with or without header cutouts depending on whether you solder pins or go pinless.
• 🌀 Vented or Solid Lids: Vented lids feature a hexagonal pattern for better airflow—perfect if you're driving LEDs or other heat-generating components. Solid lids offer a clean, minimal finish.
• 🎨 Multiple Color Options: Cases are available in several colors to match your style or project theme.
• 🔌 USB Access: Openings are precisely aligned for Micro-USB or USB Type-C ports depending on the board model.

They're a great way to protect your project, avoid accidental shorts, and keep things looking sharp—whether it's a one-off prototype or something you're planning to deploy.

Conclusion #

Each ESP32 SuperMini in this lineup brings its own flavor—whether it's better wireless, more compute, low-power chops, or onboard RGB bling. There’s no “best board,” only the best one for your specific build.

📌 Bookmark this guide so you don’t have to re-read datasheets every time you're prototyping.
💡 And if one of the boards caught your eye, you can dive deeper into its pinout, features, and quirks on its dedicated page:

• ESP32-C3 SuperMini
• ESP32-C3 SuperMini Plus
• ESP32-S3 SuperMini
• ESP32-C6 SuperMini
• ESP32-H2 SuperMini

Still not sure? You can always build with more than one — at $5 a piece or even less, why not prototype with options?