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Choose the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W if your project needs Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without a separate radio module. Choose the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 if it does not: both boards use the RP2350 platform, but only the W model has integrated wireless. If you plan to use a breadboard, also check whether the exact board variant includes pre-soldered headers.
What is the difference between Pico 2 and Pico 2 W?
The key difference is wireless connectivity. Pico 2 W adds a radio subsystem for single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2. Standard Pico 2 has no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The core microcontroller platform and the main memory figures are shared, so the W model is not a faster-processor version of Pico 2.
| Feature | Raspberry Pi Pico 2 | Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W | What it means for a project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | RP2350 | RP2350 | The two boards share the same microcontroller generation. |
| CPU options | Dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V, up to 150 MHz | Dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V, up to 150 MHz | Wireless is the relevant difference, not a documented CPU-speed advantage. |
| SRAM and flash | 520 KB SRAM; 4 MB flash | 520 KB SRAM; 4 MB flash | The stated onboard memory figures are the same. |
| Wi-Fi | None integrated | Single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n | The W can join a Wi-Fi project without an added radio module. |
| Bluetooth | None integrated | Bluetooth 5.2; Bluetooth LE Central and Peripheral roles and Bluetooth Classic are documented | Confirm that the software stack and Bluetooth profile you need are supported. |
| Pre-soldered headers | Standard board has no pre-soldered headers; a with-headers variant exists | Standard board has no pre-soldered headers; a with-headers variant exists | Check the exact item or SKU if you need plug-in breadboard connections. |
The processor options, clock ceiling, SRAM and flash figures above are Raspberry Pi’s published specifications. They do not establish that every program will run at the same speed on both boards: actual performance depends on the code and workload. What they do show is that choosing Pico 2 W is not, on the documented specifications, a way to buy a faster CPU or more memory.
When should you buy Pico 2 W?
Pick Pico 2 W when wireless is part of the design and the board’s documented radio capabilities suit the job. Its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth avoid the need to add a separate radio module, though you still need to confirm that your intended software can use the connection and supports the protocols or profiles your project requires.
#1 Best Overall
- RPi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (pre-soldered header (color-coded)), Based on Official RP2350 Chip, Dual-core & Dual-architecture Design. Upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- Onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip, supports WIFI 4 wireless and Bluetooth 5.2.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
Wi-Fi-connected projects
A Wi-Fi version is the straightforward choice for a sensor or controller that must communicate over a wireless network, or for a prototype that needs network connectivity. The documented radio is single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n. If a project depends on a particular wireless configuration, network behavior or software library, check those requirements before committing to the board; the radio specification alone does not guarantee that a particular application or setup will work.
Think of this as a compatibility check, not simply a question of whether a product says “Wi-Fi.” Confirm that the network your project must use and the software you plan to run are suitable for the Pico 2 W. If the project has a firm network requirement, establish that fit before choosing a board or laying out the rest of the hardware. The specification identifies the radio’s band and standard; it does not promise a particular throughput, range or performance in every setting.
Bluetooth projects
Pico 2 W is also the relevant option when you want Bluetooth without adding another radio. Raspberry Pi documents Bluetooth 5.2, Bluetooth Low Energy Central and Peripheral roles, and Bluetooth Classic. Central and Peripheral describe roles a device can take in a Bluetooth connection; they are not, by themselves, a promise that every phone, accessory, profile or software library will work with a given project. Verify the profile and stack your design needs rather than selecting by the Bluetooth version number alone.
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Prototypes that may gain wireless features
If you are not sure whether the finished project will need connectivity, decide based on the likely final design rather than assuming the two boards are otherwise different performance tiers. Pico 2 W provides onboard radio capability; standard Pico 2 does not. A separate radio module is an alternative in principle, but it adds a component and integration work, so compare that approach against the W board using the actual module, pins, software and space available to your design.
Rank #2
- This is the latest RPi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (with color-coded pre-soldered header), which is upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip,features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Using Official RP2350 Chip. Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
- 26 x multi-function GPIO pins. 2 x SPI, 2 x I2C, 2 x UART, 3 x 12-bit ADC, 16 x controllable PWM channels. Temperature sensor.
This is especially useful when a prototype is intended to become a more complete controller or sensor. Decide whether connectivity is a real requirement, a likely future feature or merely a possibility. If it is required, test the radio and software early. If it is only speculative, compare the effort and physical needs of a separate module with using the W board. The available specifications do not establish that either approach will always cost less or use less space; that depends on the module and design.
When is standard Pico 2 the better fit?
Choose standard Pico 2 when the project has no onboard wireless requirement. It shares the RP2350, CPU options and published memory figures with Pico 2 W, so skipping the radio does not mean giving up the listed core platform specifications. For a project that communicates only through its wired connections or operates locally, the extra radio may not provide a useful benefit.
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This is a requirements decision, not a claim that one board is universally better. A wireless feature you never use may add no value to your design; a wireless feature you later need can change the hardware and software plan. Write down whether the project needs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, both or neither before choosing. If the answer is neither, Pico 2 is the direct fit. If either is required, investigate the W board’s specific radio and software support.
Standard Pico 2 is not a different CPU tier or a lower-memory version in the listed specifications. Its practical limitation for wireless projects is the lack of an integrated radio. If you choose it and later decide that wireless is necessary, you would need to revisit the design and investigate a separate radio solution. That may involve checking how the additional hardware connects, what pins it uses, whether its software is suitable and whether it fits the available space.
How to choose: a practical decision process
- List the connections your finished project needs. If it must use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, continue with Pico 2 W. If neither is needed, standard Pico 2 fits the documented requirement.
- For Wi-Fi, check the network requirement. The Pico 2 W radio is single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n. Make sure that specification and the software you plan to use meet your project’s needs.
- For Bluetooth, identify the role and profile. Raspberry Pi documents Bluetooth 5.2, LE Central and Peripheral roles, and Bluetooth Classic. Confirm that your intended stack supports the service, profile and counterpart device you need.
- Check the rest of the design against the board layout. Pico 2 W’s radio interface uses signals connected to the RP2350, and some signals share pins with other board functions. Review the board documentation and pinout before assigning pins to peripherals or laying out a carrier board.
- Decide how the board will connect physically. If the project needs breadboard-ready pins, confirm that the exact listing is the with-headers variant, or plan to solder compatible 0.1-inch through-hole headers yourself.
- Compare current listings in your region. Published launch and product-page prices are not a current side-by-side retail quote. Check present price, stock, shipping and included board variant before ordering.
What to know about Pico 2 W’s radio and board design
Raspberry Pi documents the Pico 2 W wireless interface as an Infineon CYW43439 connected to the RP2350 over SPI. That detail matters most when you are designing a carrier board, planning pin assignments or debugging a design that uses functions sharing wireless-interface signals. Consult the official board documentation for the relevant signal assignments; do not assume a pin is freely available just because it appears on a general-purpose header.
Rank #3
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- Switchable Cores: Allows users to choose between dual industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and dual open-hardware Hazard3 cores
- Compatibility: Delivers a significant performance boost, while retaining software- and hardware-compatible with the 1 series
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step guide with MicroPython, C and Processing (Java) Code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Example Projects: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations (Need extra items)
The shared-signal issue does not make ordinary use of the W board a special problem, but it is relevant if you intend to use every available board function at once. Plan the pins around the actual combination of wireless and peripheral features, and check which functions can operate together. The published fact that interface signals are shared is not enough to infer a universal pin conflict list for every project.
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Antenna placement in a carrier or enclosure
Raspberry Pi advises keeping the onboard antenna in free space where possible. Metal under or near the antenna can reduce gain and bandwidth, so a carrier-board layout or enclosure should avoid placing metal close to that area when the design allows. Treat this as a design constraint to account for during mechanical planning, not as a guaranteed range figure: no measured range or throughput comparison is established by the cited specification.
For a finished product, consider the antenna location early rather than treating it as an afterthought. An enclosure, nearby metal and the carrier layout can affect radio performance. The board’s nominal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities do not establish a particular operating distance in a particular environment.
This guidance is most useful when the board will sit inside an enclosure or be mounted on a carrier. Keep the antenna area in mind while choosing the board’s orientation and the surrounding materials. If the design cannot provide free space around it, remember that nearby or underlying metal may reduce gain and bandwidth. The official guidance flags a design consideration, but it does not give a guaranteed range for a given enclosure or placement.
Rank #4
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- 3 Sets of Codes: MicroPython, C and Processing (Java), Processing codes run on computers to provide graphical interfaces
- 767-page Detailed Tutorial in Total: Provides step-by-step guide with basic electronics knowledge (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- 119 Projects from Simple to Complex: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations
- 224 Items in Total: Includes commonly used electronic components, modules, sensors, wires and other compatible items
Headers and physical setup: check the exact variant
The standard Pico 2 and Pico 2 W boards do not have pre-soldered headers. Raspberry Pi also offers with-headers variants. This distinction affects setup: a board with headers can plug into a suitable breadboard or socket, while a board without them requires header installation or another connection method for projects that use the through-holes.
- For breadboard prototyping: choose the with-headers variant if available, or plan to solder compatible 0.1-inch through-hole headers.
- For a custom board or wiring harness: choose the variant and assembly approach that fit your physical design.
- When ordering: verify the listing’s exact board version and contents. A product title or photo may not make the header status clear.
Header installation is independent of the wireless choice: both board families have a standard no-headers version and a with-headers option. Do not assume that the “W” designation means the board arrives assembled with pins.
For a hands-on GPIO prototype, a breadboard and jumper wires may also be useful, but neither is required to choose between Pico 2 and Pico 2 W. Focus first on whether the exact board listing includes headers, then gather any other accessories that suit the project. If you already have a soldering plan or a custom mounting method, the no-headers version may be appropriate; if you expect to plug the board into a breadboard, account for header installation or select the assembled variant.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability: treat published figures as reference points
Raspberry Pi’s Pico 2 product page says Pico 2 is available from $5. Raspberry Pi’s Pico 2 W launch announcement stated a $7 price. Those figures are official published statements, but they are not a verified current regional comparison: the $7 figure is historical launch pricing, and neither statement guarantees what a retailer charges or has in stock now. Check the current listing for your region and confirm whether the quoted item includes headers.
Use those figures as context, not as a promise that the two boards are currently separated by exactly $2 at your retailer. Regional pricing, stock, shipping and the selected board variant can all affect what appears at checkout. A listing for a with-headers version may not match the price of a standard board. Compare the exact items you would actually buy, and verify that the listing describes Pico 2 or Pico 2 W correctly as well as its header status.
Best Value
- This is the latest Pi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (with yellow pre-soldered header), which is upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip,features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Using Official RP2350 Chip. Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
- 26 x multi-function GPIO pins. 2 x SPI, 2 x I2C, 2 x UART, 3 x 12-bit ADC, 16 x controllable PWM channels. Temperature sensor.
Common buying mistakes to avoid
- Buying the W board for an assumed CPU upgrade. The boards share the RP2350 platform and listed CPU options; the documented distinction is the integrated radio.
- Assuming standard Pico 2 has wireless built in. It has no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If the project needs either, choose Pico 2 W or plan a separate radio solution.
- Assuming a Bluetooth version guarantees a specific application. Check the role, profile and software-stack support required by the actual device pair.
- Ignoring pin sharing in a more complex design. The W board’s wireless interface uses SPI signals, and some signals share pins with other functions. Check assignments before designing the carrier or allocating peripherals.
- Putting metal close to the antenna without considering the effect. Raspberry Pi notes that nearby or underlying metal can reduce gain and bandwidth. Account for antenna clearance in the layout where possible.
- Ordering the wrong header variant. The standard version lacks pre-soldered headers; inspect the exact SKU if you need plug-in connections.
- Using launch pricing as a current quote. Compare current regional listings instead of assuming the historical $7 Pico 2 W launch price still applies.
Which one should you buy?
Buy Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W when onboard 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.2 is part of your project and its documented capabilities and software support fit your needs. Buy Raspberry Pi Pico 2 when you do not need integrated wireless and want the same listed RP2350 platform specifications without the onboard radio. In either case, make the last check on header status and the exact sales listing before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
No. Standard Pico 2 has no integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Pico 2 W adds single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2.
Is Pico 2 W faster or does it have more memory than Pico 2?
The documented CPU options and memory figures are shared: both use RP2350, offer dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V processors up to 150 MHz, and list 520 KB SRAM and 4 MB flash. The W model’s distinguishing feature is integrated wireless, not a documented CPU or memory upgrade.
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Can Pico 2 W connect to any Bluetooth device?
Not necessarily. Raspberry Pi documents Bluetooth 5.2, LE Central and Peripheral roles, and Bluetooth Classic, but a particular project still depends on the supported software stack, profile or service, and counterpart device. Check those requirements before choosing.
Do Pico 2 and Pico 2 W come with headers soldered on?
The standard boards do not have pre-soldered headers, though with-headers variants exist. Check the exact listing or SKU if you need to plug the board into a breadboard or socket.
How much do Pico 2 and Pico 2 W cost?
Raspberry Pi’s Pico 2 product page says it is available from $5, while the Pico 2 W launch announcement stated $7. The latter is historical launch pricing, not a guaranteed current retail quote. Check current regional listings, shipping and the exact header variant.
Can metal near Pico 2 W’s antenna affect wireless performance?
Yes. Raspberry Pi advises keeping the antenna in free space where possible; metal underneath or nearby can reduce gain and bandwidth. The guidance does not establish a specific range or throughput for a particular enclosure.
The Bottom Line
Choose Pico 2 W if your design needs onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and its radio and software support match your project. Choose Pico 2 if it does not; the boards share the documented RP2350 platform and memory figures. Before ordering, verify current regional pricing and whether the exact SKU includes pre-soldered headers.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
