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If you've started exploring ESP32 projects, you've probably noticed that most tutorials use Arduino. But Arduino isn't the only way to program an ESP32.
MicroPython has become an increasingly popular alternative, allowing makers to write code using a simplified version of Python while still taking advantage of the ESP32's powerful features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and MQTT connectivity.
For many beginners, MicroPython offers a more approachable way to get started with embedded development. For experienced developers, it can significantly speed up prototyping and testing. Whether you're building a smart home sensor, an MQTT-connected device, or a custom dashboard, MicroPython makes it possible to create sophisticated projects with surprisingly little code.
In this guide, we'll explain what MicroPython is, why it's so popular on ESP32 boards, how MQTT fits into the picture, and how MicroPython compares to standard Python when building real-world projects.
What is MicroPython and why is it popular on ESP32?
MicroPython is an open-source implementation of Python designed specifically for microcontrollers and embedded devices. It allows makers to use familiar Python syntax on hardware with limited memory and processing power, making embedded development more accessible to beginners and experienced developers alike.
Why was MicroPython created?
Traditional Python was designed for computers and servers, which typically have far more memory and processing power than microcontrollers.
MicroPython was created to bring many of Python's features to smaller devices by optimizing the language for constrained hardware. This allows developers to write simple, readable code while still building projects that run efficiently on microcontrollers.
What can you build with MicroPython?
MicroPython is flexible enough to power a wide range of projects, including:
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IoT devices
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Smart home sensors
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Weather stations
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Dashboards
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Robotics projects
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Data loggers
Its simplicity makes it particularly popular for prototyping and educational projects, while its hardware support allows makers to build surprisingly capable systems.
Why is ESP32 a popular choice for MicroPython?
The ESP32 is one of the most popular microcontroller platforms for MicroPython development.
It combines processing power with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it ideal for connected devices and IoT applications. Unlike many microcontrollers, the ESP32 can connect directly to networks without requiring additional wireless hardware.
ESP32 and MicroPython: a powerful combination
The combination of ESP32 and MicroPython gives makers an easy way to build connected projects without learning low-level programming languages.
Boards such as the Nula Mini ESP 32 offer excellent MicroPython support while providing modern features such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE, and low power consumption. This makes them ideal for smart home devices, MQTT projects, environmental monitoring systems, and other wireless applications.
Why use MicroPython on ESP32?
The combination of MicroPython and ESP32 has become increasingly popular because it removes much of the complexity traditionally associated with embedded development. Instead of spending hours configuring toolchains or debugging low-level code, makers can focus on building projects and testing ideas.
Easier to learn than traditional embedded programming
One of the biggest reasons people choose MicroPython is familiarity. If you've ever written Python before, the learning curve is surprisingly gentle.
Instead of dealing with lengthy setup procedures and more complex syntax, you can often get a project running with just a few lines of code. This makes MicroPython particularly attractive for students, hobbyists, and developers who want to move from software into hardware projects.
Faster development and prototyping
MicroPython encourages experimentation.
Because code can be tested quickly and modified without lengthy compile times, it's easy to iterate on an idea until it works exactly as intended. This rapid development cycle is one of the reasons MicroPython has become so popular for proof-of-concept projects and smart home devices.
Built for connected devices
The ESP32's built-in wireless connectivity is where MicroPython really shines.
With just a few libraries, you can connect to Wi-Fi, send MQTT messages, host a simple web server, or communicate with cloud services. Tasks that once required significant networking knowledge can often be implemented with only a handful of commands.
This makes the ESP32 an excellent platform for:
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Home Assistant integrations
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MQTT sensors
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Environmental monitoring
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Smart switches and controllers
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Remote dashboards
From sensors to e-paper dashboards
MicroPython isn't limited to simple sensor projects. Many makers use it to build complete interfaces and displays that present information in a more user-friendly way.
For example, an ESP32 running MicroPython can collect data from sensors, receive updates through MQTT, and display everything on an e-paper screen such as the Inkplate 10. Because e-paper only consumes power when refreshing the display, it's particularly useful for dashboards, weather stations, and smart home status panels that need to run continuously.
Best MicroPython projects for ESP32
One of the biggest advantages of MicroPython is that you can start building useful projects almost immediately. Thanks to the ESP32's built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, many projects require only a few components and a small amount of code.
Whether you're interested in smart homes, IoT devices, or interactive displays, there are plenty of MicroPython projects that can help you learn while creating something practical.
Build a Wi-Fi weather station
A weather station is one of the most popular beginner projects for MicroPython.
Using sensors for temperature, humidity, and air pressure, an ESP32 can collect environmental data and display it locally or send it to a dashboard over Wi-Fi. It's a great way to learn about sensors, networking, and data visualization in a single project.
Create a smart home sensor
MicroPython makes it easy to build sensors that integrate with Home Assistant and other smart home platforms.
For example, you can create devices that monitor:
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Temperature
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Humidity
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Motion
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Door and window status
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Air quality
These projects introduce many of the concepts used in larger home automation systems.
Build an MQTT temperature monitor
If you're learning MQTT, a temperature monitoring project is an excellent place to start.
An ESP32 can collect readings from a sensor and publish them to an MQTT broker, allowing Home Assistant, Node-RED, or custom dashboards to display the data in real time. This project is particularly useful for understanding how connected IoT devices communicate with each other.
Create an e-paper dashboard
E-paper displays are a perfect match for MicroPython projects because they consume very little power while remaining easy to read.
Using the Inkplate 6 color, you can create dashboards that display:
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Weather forecasts
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Home Assistant status information
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MQTT sensor readings
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Calendar events
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Energy usage data
Because the display only consumes power when refreshing, it's ideal for always-on information panels.
Build a custom Home Assistant device
Many makers use MicroPython to create devices that extend their Home Assistant setup.
For example, an ESP32 running MicroPython can collect data from multiple sensors and display it on an e-paper device such as the Inkplate 6 flick. You could use it to show room temperatures, upcoming calendar events, weather updates, or the status of your smart home devices.
Because e-paper displays only consume power when refreshing, they're ideal for always-on dashboards that remain visible throughout the day.
Monitor your plants automatically
Plant monitoring projects are a great introduction to sensors and automation.
An ESP32 can measure soil moisture levels and send alerts when plants need watering. More advanced setups can also track temperature, humidity, and light exposure to provide a complete overview of growing conditions.
Track energy usage around your home
Another practical MicroPython project is an energy monitoring system.
By collecting power consumption data and sending it to Home Assistant or an MQTT dashboard, you can better understand how electricity is being used throughout your home. These projects combine data collection, networking, and visualization, making them an excellent way to expand your MicroPython skills while creating something genuinely useful.
Why Soldered boards are ideal for MicroPython projects
One of the reasons MicroPython has become so popular is that it lowers the barrier to entry for embedded development. Instead of focusing on complex toolchains and low-level programming, makers can spend more time building, experimenting, and bringing ideas to life.
At Soldered, that's exactly the kind of experience we aim to support. Boards such as the Nula Mini ESP32 6 combine powerful ESP32 hardware with modern features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE, and low power consumption, making them an excellent foundation for MicroPython projects.
Whether you're creating an MQTT-connected sensor, a Home Assistant integration, a weather station, or an e-paper dashboard using displays such as the Inkplate 10 or Inkplate 6 flick, MicroPython provides a fast and approachable way to develop connected devices.
Combined with detailed documentation, free technical support from engineers, and a growing ecosystem of maker-friendly hardware, Soldered gives you everything you need to start learning, prototyping, and building real-world MicroPython projects with confidence.
Frequently asked questions about MicroPython on ESP32
What is MicroPython?
MicroPython is a lightweight implementation of Python designed for microcontrollers and embedded devices. It allows makers to write Python-like code on hardware such as the ESP32, making development faster and more accessible.
Is MicroPython the same as Python?
Not exactly. MicroPython is based on Python but optimized for devices with limited memory and processing power. While the syntax is very similar, some Python libraries and features are not available in MicroPython.
Can ESP32 run MicroPython?
Yes. The ESP32 is one of the most popular platforms for MicroPython development thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and strong community support.
Why is MicroPython popular on ESP32?
MicroPython makes ESP32 development easier by providing clean, readable code and rapid prototyping capabilities. Combined with the ESP32's wireless connectivity, it's an excellent choice for IoT and smart home projects.
Does MicroPython support MQTT?
Yes. MicroPython supports MQTT through several libraries, allowing ESP32 devices to publish and receive messages from MQTT brokers. This makes it easy to integrate with Home Assistant, Node-RED, and other IoT platforms.
Which is better for MicroPython: ESP32 or Raspberry Pi Pico?
Both are excellent options, but they serve slightly different purposes. The ESP32 is often preferred for IoT projects because it includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Raspberry Pi Pico is a popular low-cost option for learning embedded programming and electronics.
Can MicroPython connect to Wi-Fi?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of using MicroPython on ESP32 is that connecting to Wi-Fi is straightforward, making it easy to build connected devices, web servers, and MQTT-based projects.
