Similar to Espressif's previous ESP8266, ESP32 is an 802.11 b/g/n/e/i 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi-compatible microcontroller, but adds support for Bluetooth v4.2 BR/EDR and Bluetooth low energy (BLE, BT4.0, Bluetooth Smart), and nearly 30 GPIO. The ESP32’s power performance, RF performance, robustness, versatility, features, and reliability make it the ideal choice for IoT and connected projects.

SparkFun calls it the ESP32 Thing because it is the perfect foundation for Internet of Things projects. The "Thing" does everything from blinking an LED to posting data with web services and can be programmed just like any microcontroller. The ESP32 Thing can also be programed via the Arduino IDE by installing the ESP32 Arduino Core.

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing is a fully encompassing development board with everything necessary to program, run, and develop a connected project. In addition to the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth SoC, the Thing includes an FTDI FT231x USB to serial UART on board providing easy programming and communication with the microcontroller. Also, the board features a LiPo charger for quick implementation of battery-powered, mobile applications for a truly wireless project.

SparkFun has designed in a trace antenna to further simplify usage and the breadboard friendly layout allows quick access to the 28 broken-out multiplexed GPIO of the ESP32 SoC. These IO allow up to: