Compare Versions and Types of NodeMCU ESP8266 Boards

Let’s compare versions and types of NodeMCU ESP8266 Boards. There are two versions in the market NodeMCU V2 and V3. Both, NodeMCU has ESP8266 microcontroller on the board. The major difference is of USB-to-UART interface chip and the size. The NodeMCU Version 2 uses CP2102 and Version 3 uses CH340 chip. Apart from this Version 3 of NodeMCU is slightly bigger in size compare to version 2.
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Umesh Lokhande
BINARYUPDATES.COM
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[@roscoeferguson3829]

Helpful video! Was unsure which model to buy, but after watching this I can now make a more informed purchase. Thanks for the content.

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Roscoe, Glad it was helpful!

[@sinatajik8887]

it really helped me to decide because i was concerned that the bigger one would not fit on the bread board and it really does not. thanks for the video ❤

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Sinatajik, I'm glad to know you found this comparison of NodeMCU ESP8266 is useful. Even when I was new I struggled with bigger NodeMCU to fit into the breadboard while prototyping circuit. Thanks and best wishes!

[@kolhatkarchinmay]

Great video!! Very detailed explanation. Waiting for more embedded videos.!!

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Thank you! I'll be adding more videos in this playlist for programming ESP8266 NodeMCU Best wishes BinaryUpdates

[@floriskuipers4925]

I was unsure if i'd bought the right version and never expected there to be a clear comparison video (there usually isn't for things as specific as this). Thanks!

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Glad I could help! Thanks Floris!

[@TON-vz3pe]

​@@BINARYUPDATESHi, can we power the nodemcu v3 using 3.3v to the 3.3v pins? Or should we only use Vin?

[@FaZeWIDOW]

@@TON-vz3pepretty sure the 3.3v pin is an output pin and voltage needs to be supplied to the Vin pin

[@TON-vz3pe]

@@FaZeWIDOW Ok. So it needs above 4.5 v to work. I feel ams1117 is a shitty ldo, but not sure which one this one has. On my esp32cam, if I give 5v it heats up a lot. But on the esp8266 v3 ch340 I have, it's not heating at all. Thanks for replying.

[@bgmilover9098]

I have a V3 MCU. The problem is that code is not executing. What should I do.

[@alpadangy]

Have you talked about VU pin on esp8266, that give us 5V output?

[@yehan4436]

Is there a way to program ch340(big module) with android

[@nikhilkulal2520]

How can program nodemcu using Android phone

[@user-ft4lx7qb9g]

driver ?

[@etechbuji9762]

I had a doubt with cp2102. Some months before I bought it and programmed. When I testing suddenly the board lightup the 2indication lights and not able to use it(indication light remains always). I had tried to reprogram but program is not get uploading please help.

[@BINARYUPDATES]

I hope the board is detecting as a COM Port. Also I'll suggest consider flashing ESP firmware (factory default) may help. Good luck!

[@sharik_rahat]

what's the difference between nodemcu v2/v3 and nodemcu Lua v2/v3? i've seen a seller who has 4 options to select from, nodemcu v2, nodemcu v3, nodemcu lua v2, & nodemcu lua v3. please tell us something on it.

[@sambeard4428]

I think Lua has some firmware installed that allows you to run Lua scripts, it should be similar in terms of hardware

[@kasper6014]

With regards to the board name , what is the name that i have to select when i am codeing on Arduino app?

[@BINARYUPDATES]

I suggest Select "NodeMCU 1.0 ESP-12E Module" as a board while programming. I hope this may help. Good luck and best wishes!

[@dinismaia]

Nice explanation 😃👏👏👏

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Dinismaia, Glad you liked it Have a beautiful day!

[@cidletsgo3298]

Thank youu sooooo muchhh sir u saved me

[@moinshaikh6684]

Nice topic, because i also had confusion about both of them when i see there prices

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Thanks Moin for sharing your experience while working with different version of NodeMCU ESP8266. Have a good day!

[@WindRunner187]

Why can't I install a program on CH340 but on CP2102 it works. can you help me

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi, I hope your NodeMCU ESP8266 which has CH340 is not broken. Usually, you'll find these modules are cheaper than CP2102 based NodeMCU. In past 2 years, I have seen because of lower build quality they cause issues very often. Good luck and best wishes!

[@anithasshenoy6662]

What I really expected is the performance difference or application where each fit in. Downloading drivers is a common issue in such tech field. hence a thumps down.

[@subhogaming4524]

Which is the best node mcu cp2102 v/s ch340 I am very confused please help me??😅

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Subho, both are same if I'm at your place I may prefer to use NodeMCU ESP8266 with CP2102. But both are pretty much same as they uses ESP8266 Microcontroller. Good luck and best wishes!

[@atharvabadhe6118]

If I want to use both sides then can I use two breadboards?

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Atharva, yes sure. But very often only small version of NodeMCU ESP8266 can only fit into breadboard.

[@RohitKumar-mh1pk]

Is it codes are also varies for different versions

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Rohitkumar, codes and programming remains same for both NodeMCU. As they both uses same ESP8266 Microcontroller. Thank you!

[@mr.bianchirider8126]

Good video. I don’t know why they make those wide Node MCU’s. They are not breadboard friendly and are basically a pain to use. A few years ago I purchased one of those wide ones and it is relegated to being a AP. With the version and CP/CH info I will be able to avoid the wide one in the future.

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Yes, I totally agree with you my friend!

[@anyonecanmakeit718]

Can i upload cp2101 codes to ch340c will it work

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Yes, it will work!

[@velbond007]

hi can you make a PCB, 6 channel expandable power monitor sensor board?

[@BINARYUPDATES]

I will consider making such a PCB design tutorial in future. Thanks for the suggestions

[@yusufmujeeb9693]

Can it be used just as a serial to usb converter?

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Yusuf, I think its possible to use NodeMCU ESP8266 board to use it as a Serial USB converter as it has chip on it. Good luck and best wishes!

[@yusufmujeeb9693]

@@BINARYUPDATES i tried it already and it worked perfectly, thanks for you reply anyway

[@srashtishishodia1392]

Which is best for making wifi jammer

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Srashti, both are good. But personally, I'd like to go with smaller version of NodeMCU ESP8266 which has CP2102 chip. Good luck and best wishes!

[@alphabetg_01]

Can u plz tell the range difference

[@BINARYUPDATES]

The WiFi range will be same for both ESP8266 Modules

[@jarvisN10280]

Anyone please say which website in India is best to buy ?

[@karthiyozo20]

You from

[@jarvisN10280]

@@karthiyozo20 india tamilnadu

[@karthiyozo20]

@@jarvisN10280 OK 🤪 where in TN

[@akashjaiswal4555]

ElectronicsComp or quartzCopmonents

[@suryapratapsingh19113]

I bought ch 340 rs 151 ....& Cp chip 189

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Suryapratap, I hope your ESP32 with CH340 is working fine. I wish you good luck and best wishes!

[@virajtayade]

Which one is better suggest me

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Viraj, I suggest using ESP8266 NodeMCU with CP2102 USB to UART chip. Good luck and best wishes!

[@farhaancreation1475]

Big NODMCU is 100 rs cheaper than smaller one .

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Thank you for the information!

[@boonchinx]

You can use 2 breadboards with the bigger mcu.

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi BCTAN, Sure we can use Two breadboard for bigger version of NodeMCU ESP8266. Have a Good day!

[@planker]

I'm getting one.

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Hi Planker, NodeMCU ESP8266 is great place to start learning microcontroller and IoT. I wish you good time and success with ESP8266. Cheers!

[@KnightTamila]

I bought the bigger version of the node MCU because it was little cheaper

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Great, wish you a happy learning NodeMCU ESP8266 Best wishes and good luck! BinaryUpdates Team

[@prakash52kar]

Drivers?

[@BINARYUPDATES]

The link for drivers to download can be found in video description

[@prakash52kar]

@@BINARYUPDATES Please review your video description. 🙏🙏

[@irzfanfarizan3001]

I wish i found your video earlier now I'm about to downgraded to esp8266 from esp32 because i can not use other side of pins on breadboard

[@BINARYUPDATES]

I understand your feelings brother when there are not pins on breadboard after placing NodeMCU ESP8266. Have a beautiful day!

[@TechnoEveryday]

🆒 Excellent video! Thanks from whole 🇵🇰. If you ignore me, you'll loose a good follower.

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Thanks! 😃

[@Desicreator2789]

We are Indians so Hindi please 🙏

[@BINARYUPDATES]

Sure, I'll be soon making videos on Hindi as well for NodeMCU ESP8266 Thanks for your patience🙏