The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Yes—an ESP32 can provide wireless networking to a Raspberry Pi, but only as part of a supported Espressif ESP-Hosted setup. For a normal Linux Wi-Fi interface, the relevant project is ESP-Hosted-Linux: the ESP chip handles the wireless radio and protocol work, while the Pi runs a matching host driver and sees a standard WLAN interface. It is a software-and-hardware integration, not a matter of plugging in any ESP32 board and expecting Wi-Fi to appear.
Choose the right ESP-Hosted implementation
Espressif maintains two related approaches, and they serve different purposes. Choose based on how you want Linux or your application to control Wi-Fi—not just on the fact that both can involve a Raspberry Pi.
| What you need | Better fit | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| A regular Linux WLAN interface and familiar networking tools | ESP-Hosted-Linux | Exposes a standard Linux wireless interface, integrating with cfg80211/nl80211 so tools such as iw, wpa_supplicant, and hostapd can be used. |
| ESP-IDF APIs, application-controlled behavior, or RPC-style interaction | ESP-Hosted-MCU | Uses an RPC/API-oriented approach. Check the Linux-host example and feature support for the behavior you need. |
| Simply getting a Raspberry Pi online | Check the Pi’s existing wireless options first | Built-in Wi-Fi or a wireless USB device may be sufficient; the ESP-Hosted setup adds host-driver and co-processor integration work. |
These are not interchangeable configurations: target chips, transports, Linux integration, and available features vary by implementation and revision. The Raspberry Pi example in the MCU project demonstrates a Pi 3, 4, or 5 with an ESP32-C5, but Espressif says that example is not tied to that hardware: “The following guide demonstrates a Raspberry Pi host with an ESP32-C5 co-processor — but the solution is not tied to that hardware.”
Check target and transport compatibility before choosing a board
For ESP-Hosted-Linux, Espressif’s current project documentation lists SDIO and SPI support for multiple ESP targets, and USB for ESP32-S31. The exact supported combinations are defined by that repository’s target-and-transport matrix; do not assume that a target supported on one bus is supported on another. Review the matrix and the relevant setup guide before buying a board or planning wiring.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
The separate ESP-Hosted-MCU Linux-host examples list Raspberry Pi 3, 4, or 5 and ESP32-C5 as a demonstrated pairing, with ESP32-C6, C61, C3, C2, S2, S3, and ESP32 listed as additional co-processor examples. Its documented transport options include SDIO, SDIO plus UART, SPI, and SPI plus UART. Those MCU-project examples do not replace the Linux-specific repository’s compatibility matrix.
An ESP32-C5 development board is one possible co-processor-board category because it appears in Espressif’s Pi demonstration. That does not establish compatibility for every C5 board: verify its interface, pinout, firmware support, and connection requirements against the selected setup.
Rank #2
- Dual-Core Performance Up to 240 MHz: Run sensor processing, wireless communication, automation logic and connected-device tasks on a 32-bit dual-core ESP32 platform designed for responsive embedded and IoT projects
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2: Connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks or use Bluetooth Classic and BLE for wireless sensors, smart devices, remote controls, home automation and other connected projects
- Flexible Power-Saving Modes: ESP32 power-management features support dynamic clock scaling and low-power operating modes, helping developers reduce energy use in compatible sensing, monitoring and connected-device applications, suitable for battery-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
- USB-C Programming with CP2102: Connect through USB-C for power, sketch uploads and serial monitoring, while GPIO, UART, SPI and I2C interfaces support sensors, displays, motor drivers and other modules (USB-C cable not included)
- Over-the-Air Update Support: Configure OTA functionality through a compatible ESP-32 software framework to update deployed firmware over Wi-Fi without reconnecting the board by USB for every revision
What the ESP-Hosted-Linux setup involves
The Linux implementation requires work on both sides of the link: firmware on the ESP co-processor and a compatible Linux module and bus configuration on the Pi. At a high level, the documented flow is:
- Select a supported target and transport. Use the ESP-Hosted-Linux compatibility matrix, then follow the setup guide for that specific combination.
- Connect the hardware. Wire or connect the selected board according to the bus-specific guide; an arbitrary ESP32-to-Pi connection is not sufficient.
- Build and flash the ESP firmware. The co-processor must run firmware matching the intended host-side setup.
- Configure the Pi’s host bus and device tree. Apply the host configuration required for the selected interface and hardware.
- Build and load the matching Linux module. The module must be built for, and loaded against, the Pi’s running kernel.
- Configure the wireless function you need. After the host interface is available, proceed with station, access-point, or Bluetooth configuration using the project’s applicable instructions.
With ESP-Hosted-Linux, the aim is for Linux to expose an ordinary WLAN device such as wlan0 (the exact interface name can vary). This lets the host’s normal Linux networking stack and tools manage the connection instead of requiring an application to use ESP-IDF APIs for every Wi-Fi operation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Powerful ESP-32 Board: Unlock the world of Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced electronics with the heart of this kit: the ESP-32 board. It features a powerful dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, making it perfect for building connected, smart devices that communicate with your phone or the cloud. It's fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy programming.
- Super Starter Kit: This kit contains over 35 different modules and electronic components, including sensors, displays, motors, and input devices. From LEDs and buttons to an OLED screen, servo motor, and keypad, you have everything needed to explore a vast range of projects in one box.
- Step by Step Online Tutorial: Jump right in with our detailed, beginner-friendly tutorial. Access 30+ projects with complete code, clear circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions. Learn the fundamentals of electronics, coding, and how to utilize the ESP-32's unique capabilities without any prior experience.
- Hands-on Learning for All Skill Levels: Perfect for students, makers, engineers, and hobbyists. Start with basic circuits and coding, then progress to intermediate and advanced IoT applications. Build practical projects like weather stations, smart home controllers, remote-controlled devices, and interactive gadgets. The skills you learn are the foundation for real-world innovation.
- Quality & Great Support: Elegoo is committed to quality. We provide a clear, detailed tutorial guide, refined code, and a well-organized component kit. All modules are carefully selected for reliability and ease of use. Our dedicated technical support team and active online community are ready to help you succeed in your learning journey.
Check whether the Raspberry Pi already has Wi-Fi
For a straightforward internet connection, an ESP co-processor may be unnecessary. Raspberry Pi’s wireless documentation says Wi-Fi requires either built-in wireless or a wireless USB stick. On Raspberry Pi 3B+ onwards, Compute Module 4 onwards, and the listed keyboard computers, dual-band wireless remains disabled until a WLAN country is set. Set the country to the one where the device is being used; the setting governs regional channels and transmit behavior. See Raspberry Pi’s wireless networking documentation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Ultra-Low power consumption, works perfectly with the Arduino IDE
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
Rank #4
- 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Development Board
- Support LWIP protocol, Freertos;ESP32 is a safe, reliable, and scalable to a variety of applications
- SupportThree Modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA
- Ultra-Low power consumption, Compatible with Arduino IDE
- 1PCS 30Pin ESP32 Development Board 2.4GHz WiFi Dual Cores Microcontroller Integrated with Antenna RF Low Noise Amplifiers Filters
When this approach makes sense
- Consider ESP-Hosted-Linux when you specifically want a supported ESP co-processor to appear to Linux as a normal wireless device and use standard Linux networking tools.
- Consider ESP-Hosted-MCU when ESP-IDF APIs or application-controlled Wi-Fi behavior are a better fit, and confirm that the desired feature is supported by the Linux-host example.
- Use the Pi’s built-in wireless or a wireless USB device when the goal is simply to add ordinary Wi-Fi and those options meet your needs.
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.
