ESP32-S3 vs ESP32-S31: What’s the Difference and Which ESP32 Should You Choose?

The ESP32-S3 has become one of the most popular microcontrollers for advanced IoT projects, smart displays, embedded AI, audio processing and connected devices. But Espressif has now introduced a significantly more powerful member of the ESP32 family: the ESP32-S31.

At first glance, the names ESP32-S3 and ESP32-S31 look very similar. Internally, however, they represent two quite different generations of Espressif technology.

The ESP32-S3 uses Espressif's established dual-core Xtensa LX7 architecture running at up to 240 MHz, while the ESP32-S31 moves to a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V architecture running at up to 320 MHz. The newer chip also adds Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, IEEE 802.15.4 for Thread and Zigbee, Gigabit Ethernet MAC and considerably more advanced multimedia capabilities.

So, should you continue using the proven ESP32-S3 or start designing around the new ESP32-S31?

Let's compare them.

ESP32-S3 vs ESP32-S31 at a Glance

The ESP32-S31 is therefore more than simply a faster ESP32-S3. It expands the ESP32 platform into applications that would previously have required additional connectivity or multimedia ICs.

1. Xtensa vs RISC-V: The Biggest Architectural Change

The ESP32-S3 uses two Xtensa LX7 processor cores operating at up to 240 MHz.

This architecture is well established and is supported by a mature ESP32 software ecosystem. The S3 also includes SIMD/vector instructions that help accelerate signal-processing and neural-network workloads.

The ESP32-S31 makes a major change by moving to:

Dual-core 32-bit RISC-V @ up to 320 MHz

One of the S31 cores includes a wide 128-bit data path with SIMD instructions designed for highly parallel workloads such as:

• Edge AI inference

• Audio processing

• Computer vision

• Signal processing

• Image manipulation

• Multimedia interfaces

For developers interested in the long-term direction of the ESP32 platform, the transition to RISC-V is particularly significant.

Winner: ESP32-S31

For raw processing capability and next-generation architecture, the S31 clearly moves ahead.

2. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 4 vs Wi-Fi 6

The ESP32-S3 supports:

2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi

This is perfectly adequate for the vast majority of sensor nodes, smart appliances, controllers, dashboards and home-automation projects.

The ESP32-S31 upgrades wireless connectivity to:

2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6 can provide improved efficiency when many devices share the same wireless network and is particularly attractive for modern IoT deployments.

For a simple temperature sensor or home-automation controller, this upgrade may not substantially change the application.

For products expected to remain in production for many years, however, Wi-Fi 6 makes the S31 considerably more future-oriented.

Winner: ESP32-S31

3. Bluetooth Is a Much Bigger Upgrade Than It Looks

ESP32-S3 supports Bluetooth 5 Low Energy.

Importantly, it does not provide Bluetooth Classic.

ESP32-S31 supports Bluetooth 5.4, including both Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Classic BR/EDR. Espressif also highlights capabilities including LE Audio, Bluetooth Mesh 1.1 and direction finding.

That potentially makes the S31 substantially more capable for:

• Smart speakers

• Wireless audio

• Voice interfaces

• Automotive accessories

• Bluetooth gateways

• Location-aware devices

• Advanced wearable products

Winner: ESP32-S31

4. Zigbee, Thread and Matter

This is another major difference.

The ESP32-S3 does not include an IEEE 802.15.4 radio.

The ESP32-S31 integrates IEEE 802.15.4, allowing it to support technologies such as:

Thread

and

Zigbee

Espressif also positions the S31 for Matter over Wi-Fi as well as Matter over Thread.

This makes the ESP32-S31 particularly interesting for developers building:

• Matter smart-home hubs

• Smart switches

• Lighting controllers

• Home automation gateways

• Zigbee coordinators

• Thread border-router related hardware

• Multi-protocol IoT products

Previously, such applications often required an ESP32 together with another radio MCU.

Winner: ESP32-S31

5. GPIO: 45 vs 60

ESP32-S3 already provides an impressive 45 programmable GPIOs.

The ESP32-S31 increases this to as many as 60 GPIOs.

Extra GPIO can become extremely useful in applications involving:

• Large displays

• Parallel camera buses

• Memory interfaces

• Multiple UART devices

• Industrial control

• Motor control

• Audio interfaces

• Keypads

• Large numbers of sensors

For smaller IoT devices this may not matter, but for complex controller boards it can simplify PCB design considerably.

6. Displays and Human-Machine Interfaces

The ESP32-S3 is already widely used for display projects and supports LCD and camera interfaces.

The S31 goes considerably further.

Espressif specifies support for:

• 8/16-bit DVP cameras

• 8–24-bit parallel RGB LCD

• I8080 display interface

• MOTO6800

• Hardware colour-space conversion

• JPEG hardware codec

• Pixel Processing Accelerator (PPA)

• 2D-DMA

• Up to 14 capacitive touch channels

This makes the ESP32-S31 extremely interesting for products such as:

Smart control panels, industrial HMIs, video doorbells, smart appliances, touchscreen controllers and multimedia IoT terminals.

Winner: ESP32-S31

7. Ethernet

ESP32-S31 also integrates a 1000 Mbps Ethernet MAC.

That does not mean you can connect an RJ45 connector directly to the bare chip—you still need the appropriate external Ethernet PHY and interface circuitry—but it greatly expands the type of networked products that can be designed around the S31.

Possible applications include:

• Industrial gateways

• Building automation controllers

• Matter gateways

• Network appliances

• Smart-home hubs

• Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridges

• Industrial data acquisition systems

Hubtronics also lists an ESP32-S31 development platform incorporating Gigabit Ethernet for experimenting with these capabilities.

8. ESP32-S3 Still Has One Major Advantage: Maturity

With all these specifications, it may appear that everyone should immediately move to ESP32-S31.

Not necessarily.

ESP32-S3 is a mature platform with extensive existing software, development boards, example projects and a large installed developer base. Espressif describes the S3 as being supported by its mature ESP-IDF architecture.

ESP32-S31, by comparison, was only announced in March 2026. Espressif is bringing ESP-IDF, ESP-Matter, ESP-GMF, ESP-Hosted and ESP-AT support to the platform.

Therefore, for projects that need to enter production immediately and do not require S31-specific features, the ESP32-S3 can still be the more practical choice.

When Should You Choose ESP32-S3?

Choose ESP32-S3 when your project needs:

• Proven ESP32 ecosystem

• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

• Bluetooth Low Energy

• USB

• Camera or display interface

• Embedded AI

• Voice recognition

• Sensor processing

• Moderate HMI applications

• Large existing Arduino/ESP-IDF ecosystem

• Cost-effective mass production

For many IoT products, the ESP32-S3 remains more than powerful enough.

ESP32-S3 Products Available from Hubtronics

ESP32-S3 Development Board

7Semi ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 16MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM ESP32-S3 DevKitC-1

A good choice for development, prototyping and learning.

ESP32-S3 Module with PCB Antenna

Espressif ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 – 16MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM

Suitable for integrating the ESP32-S3 directly into a custom PCB.

ESP32-S3 Module with External Antenna Connector

Espressif ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R8 – 16MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM

Useful when the product requires an external antenna or is installed inside a metallic/enclosed housing.

When Should You Choose ESP32-S31?

Consider ESP32-S31 when designing a new product requiring:

• Wi-Fi 6

• Bluetooth 5.4

• Bluetooth Classic

• Thread

• Zigbee

• Matter

• Higher CPU performance

• More GPIO

• Advanced displays

• Camera processing

• Audio applications

• Advanced edge AI

• Gigabit Ethernet

• Multi-protocol gateways

It is particularly attractive for products that would otherwise require several separate controllers or wireless chips.

ESP32-S31 Products Available from Hubtronics

ESP32-S31 Development Platform

Espressif ESP32-S31-Function-CoreBoard-1 – Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Thread/Zigbee & Gigabit Ethernet

This is one of the easiest ways to start exploring the new ESP32-S31 platform. The board includes an ESP32-S31-WROOM-3 module, 16MB Flash, 16MB PSRAM and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

ESP32-S31-WROOM Module

Espressif ESP32-S31-WROOM-1-N16R16V – 16MB Flash + 16MB PSRAM

A module option for developers planning custom ESP32-S31 PCBs.

ESP32-S31-WROOM-3

Espressif ESP32-S31-WROOM-3 – Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Zigbee & Thread

Useful for advanced multi-protocol wireless product development.

Bare ESP32-S31 SoC

Espressif ESP32-S31NRV16 Dual-Core RISC-V 320MHz SoC

Best suited to experienced hardware designers who want maximum control over PCB size, RF design and component integration.

ESP32-S3 vs ESP32-S31: Which One Should You Buy?

For most existing IoT projects, ESP32-S3 remains an excellent choice.

It is powerful, inexpensive, mature and already supported by a huge hardware and software ecosystem.

The ESP32-S31 becomes much more attractive for a new generation of connected devices where Wi-Fi 6, Thread, Zigbee, Bluetooth Classic, advanced multimedia or Ethernet would otherwise require additional components.

A simple way to think about it is:

ESP32-S3 = mature, powerful and cost-effective AIoT MCU

ESP32-S31 = next-generation multi-protocol RISC-V AIoT platform

If you are building a basic sensor node, automation controller or conventional Wi-Fi/BLE device, the ESP32-S3 may still provide the better value.

If you are developing a smart display, Matter gateway, industrial controller, multimedia terminal, AI voice device or next-generation smart-home platform, the ESP32-S31 deserves serious consideration.

As Espressif's RISC-V ecosystem continues to develop, the ESP32-S31 could become one of the most important high-performance members of the ESP32 family.