Overview
The ESP32-WROOM-32 is Espressif's flagship WiFi/Bluetooth module, widely cloned and sold on AliExpress at remarkably low prices. This dossier evaluates the viability of these generic modules for various use cases.
Authenticity Analysis
Testing across 10 modules from 3 different sellers revealed:
- 8/10 modules appeared to be genuine Espressif silicon based on chip markings and RF performance
- 2/10 modules showed inconsistent behavior suggesting potential remarked chips
- All modules programmed successfully with ESP-IDF and Arduino frameworks
Batch Variance
Quality varies significantly between sellers and even between orders from the same seller. Always test new batches before deployment.
Performance Testing
WiFi Range Test
Tested at 2.4 GHz in open environment:
| Distance | Signal Strength | Packet Loss |
|---|---|---|
| 10m | -45 dBm | 0% |
| 25m | -62 dBm | 0.1% |
| 50m | -75 dBm | 2.3% |
| 100m | -85 dBm | 15% |
Power Consumption
active_wifi_tx: 240mA
active_wifi_rx: 95mA
modem_sleep: 20mA
light_sleep: 0.8mA
deep_sleep: 10uARecommendations
For prototyping and learning: Excellent choice. The low cost allows experimentation without financial concern.
For production: Consider purchasing from authorized distributors (Mouser, DigiKey) where authenticity is guaranteed. The price difference is minimal for commercial applications.