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Yes—but an ESP32 is not a plug-and-play Wi-Fi dongle. You can configure one as a wireless coprocessor for a Raspberry Pi, using Espressif software such as ESP-AT or ESP-Hosted. That requires compatible firmware, a connection method and host-side setup. If you simply want conventional Wi-Fi on a Pi without built-in wireless, a compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter is the easier option.
Which option should you choose?
| Option | How it works | Setup burden | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Wi-Fi adapter | Adds a Wi-Fi device for Raspberry Pi OS to manage, provided the adapter is supported. | Low, subject to driver and OS compatibility. | Getting ordinary Wi-Fi on a Pi without onboard wireless. |
| ESP-AT over UART | The Pi sends AT commands to the ESP32, which handles Wi-Fi and network operations. | Medium to high; requires firmware, serial setup and application-side command handling. | A custom project using the ESP32 as a connectivity coprocessor. |
| ESP-Hosted | An Espressif chip acts as a wireless coprocessor for a Linux host through a supported interface. | High; host, target and interface compatibility must be checked and host software configured. | A maker prepared to build and maintain a Linux-hosted coprocessor setup. |
| Ethernet or another existing network path | Connects the Pi to a network without adding Wi-Fi hardware. | Depends on available ports and network access. | When network connectivity matters but wireless does not. |
Check whether your Raspberry Pi already has Wi-Fi
Wireless capability varies by exact model, so check the model table in Raspberry Pi’s official getting-started documentation rather than relying on the family name. The documentation lists Raspberry Pi 1B, 1B+ and 2B as lacking built-in Wi-Fi; Raspberry Pi 3B and newer flagship models generally include it, with model-specific exceptions. Compute Modules may have optional wireless configurations, and older Pi Zero models differ from Zero W and Zero 2 W.
For a board without built-in wireless, Raspberry Pi’s documented straightforward route is a USB-to-Wi-Fi adapter. Check that the exact adapter is supported by your Raspberry Pi OS setup and that it supports the band you intend to use; 5 GHz support differs across boards and adapters. For relevant dual-band models, Raspberry Pi also documents setting the WLAN country before enabling wireless networking.
How ESP-AT works with a Raspberry Pi
ESP-AT is firmware that gives a host device an AT command interface to an ESP32. The Pi application sends commands and receives responses; the ESP32 carries out Wi-Fi and other network operations. Espressif identifies UART as the default interface for ESP32 AT. Its FAQ also lists UART and SDIO support; using SPI or SDIO requires configuring and compiling the project.
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#1 Best Overall
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
This design can let a Pi application use the ESP32’s networking capabilities, but it does not automatically add a conventional, Linux-managed wireless interface. You need compatible ESP-AT firmware, a working connection and software on the Pi that handles the command/response flow. See the Espressif ESP-AT overview for the current project details.
UART wiring and voltage safety
For a UART build, follow the hardware guide for the exact ESP32 series: pin assignments differ. Raspberry Pi UART pins are 3.3 V only, and connecting a 5 V UART signal directly can damage the Pi. Check both devices’ pinouts and signal levels, and use a suitable level shifter if needed. A development board with USB may already contain a USB-to-UART bridge, so a separate USB-to-UART adapter may not be necessary.
Rank #2
- Dual-Core Performance Up to 240 MHz: Run sensor processing, wireless communication, automation logic and connected-device tasks on a 32-bit dual-core ESP32 platform designed for responsive embedded and IoT projects
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2: Connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks or use Bluetooth Classic and BLE for wireless sensors, smart devices, remote controls, home automation and other connected projects
- Flexible Power-Saving Modes: ESP32 power-management features support dynamic clock scaling and low-power operating modes, helping developers reduce energy use in compatible sensing, monitoring and connected-device applications, suitable for battery-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
- USB-C Programming with CP2102: Connect through USB-C for power, sketch uploads and serial monitoring, while GPIO, UART, SPI and I2C interfaces support sensors, displays, motor drivers and other modules (USB-C cable not included)
- Over-the-Air Update Support: Configure OTA functionality through a compatible ESP-32 software framework to update deployed firmware over Wi-Fi without reconnecting the board by USB for every revision
How ESP-Hosted differs
Espressif describes ESP-Hosted as software that lets its chips act as wireless communication coprocessors for external hosts, including Linux-based systems. It supports interfaces such as SPI, SDIO and UART. Conceptually, this is closer to making an ESP32 provide wireless capability to a Linux host than the command-driven ESP-AT approach.
It is still an integration project, not a generic USB Wi-Fi adapter. Before choosing a board, check Espressif’s current supported targets, host setup and interface instructions for the relevant release. The architecture is documented, but that alone does not establish that a particular Raspberry Pi model, OS version and ESP32 combination is ready to use without additional configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Ultra-Low power consumption, works perfectly with the Arduino IDE
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
Rank #4
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos;ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- 1PCS 30Pin ESP32 Development Board 2.4GHz WiFi Dual Cores Microcontroller Integrated with Antenna RF Low Noise Amplifiers Filters
Rank #3
- Powerful ESP-32 Board: Unlock the world of Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced electronics with the heart of this kit: the ESP-32 board. It features a powerful dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it perfect for building connected, smart devices that communicate with your phone or the cloud. It's fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy programming.
- Super Starter Kit: This kit contains over 35 different modules and electronic components, including sensors, displays, motors, and input devices. From LEDs and buttons to an OLED screen, servo motor, and keypad, you have everything needed to explore a vast range of projects in one box.
- Step by Step Online Tutorial: Jump right in with our detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial. Access 30+ projects with complete code, clear circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and how to utilize the ESP-32's unique capabilities without any prior experience.
- Hands-on Learning for All Skill Levels: Perfect for students, makers, engineers, and hobbyists. Start with basic circuits and coding, then progress to intermediate and advanced IoT applications. Build practical projects like weather stations, smart home controllers, remote-controlled devices, and interactive gadgets. The skills you learn are the foundation for real-world innovation.
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Practical decision
- Choose a compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter if you want the simplest route to ordinary Raspberry Pi OS Wi-Fi.
- Consider ESP-AT when your project can communicate with an ESP32 through commands and responses and you are prepared to write or configure host software.
- Consider ESP-Hosted when you specifically want a Linux-hosted wireless coprocessor and can verify the host, target and interface requirements.
- Use Ethernet or another existing network path if Wi-Fi is not a requirement.
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