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Choose the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W if your project needs built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; choose the Pico 2 if it does not. Both use the RP2350 and share the same headline processor, SRAM, and flash specifications. The W model’s defining difference is its integrated wireless subsystem—not a faster processor.
What is different between the Pico 2 and Pico 2 W?
The Pico 2 and Pico 2 W are boards built around the same RP2350 microcontroller platform. The Pico 2 W adds a radio subsystem for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; the standard Pico 2 has no integrated wireless radio. That is the main buying distinction. For a project that does not need wireless, the shared core specifications mean you do not need to choose the W model for a CPU or memory upgrade.
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| Feature | Raspberry Pi Pico 2 | Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W | Practical significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | RP2350 | RP2350 | The same microcontroller platform underlies both boards. |
| Processor options | Dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V processors, up to 150 MHz | Dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V processors, up to 150 MHz | The W designation does not indicate a faster CPU. |
| SRAM | 520 KB | 520 KB | The stated onboard SRAM capacity is shared. |
| Flash | 4 MB | 4 MB | The stated onboard flash capacity is shared. |
| Wi-Fi | No integrated Wi-Fi | Single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n | The W can join a wireless network without a separate radio module. |
| Bluetooth | No integrated Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2; documentation includes LE Central and Peripheral roles and Bluetooth Classic | Use the W for Bluetooth projects only after confirming that its software stack supports the roles and profiles your project needs. |
| Pre-soldered headers | Standard board has no pre-soldered headers; a with-headers variant exists | Standard board has no pre-soldered headers; a with-headers variant exists | Check the exact product variant if you want to plug the board into a breadboard without soldering. |
The specifications above describe the boards, not a guaranteed project outcome. Actual wireless behavior depends on the radio environment, antenna placement, and the software support available for the feature you intend to use.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIt helps to separate the shared platform from the added radio. Both boards give you the same stated RP2350 foundation, processor choices, SRAM, and flash. The W model adds a way to communicate wirelessly; it does not change the stated processor speed or memory capacity. That distinction prevents a common buying mistake: paying for the W because it sounds like a higher-performance model when the project actually has no wireless requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- RPi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (pre-soldered header (color-coded)), Based on Official RP2350 Chip, Dual-core & Dual-architecture Design. Upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- Onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip, supports WIFI 4 wireless and Bluetooth 5.2.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
Likewise, the table is not a complete prediction of how a finished device will behave. The figures identify supported hardware capabilities. Your program still needs to use those capabilities, and real wireless results depend on how the board is installed and what is around it. For a project decision, first identify whether the device must connect to a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device; then verify software support and physical layout if wireless is involved.
When should you buy the Pico 2 W?
Buy the Pico 2 W when built-in wireless is part of the design and you want the radio on the board rather than adding a separate module. It is the straightforward starting point for networked prototypes and Bluetooth-connected devices, subject to checking software compatibility for the particular connection method you need.
- Wi-Fi-connected sensors: Choose the W if the device needs to send readings over a local wireless network or communicate with a network service.
- Networked controllers: The W is the relevant option when a controller needs to exchange data over Wi-Fi rather than operate only through its wired connections.
- Web-connected prototypes: Pick the W when network access is a core feature of the prototype. The board’s Wi-Fi is single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n.
- Bluetooth projects: The W is the one with Bluetooth 5.2. Raspberry Pi documentation describes LE Central and Peripheral roles as well as Bluetooth Classic, but those capabilities do not by themselves guarantee support for every profile, library, or application. Check the stack and role required by your project before committing to a design.
Wireless being present does not mean every wireless application is plug-and-play. The board specification establishes the radio capability, while the project still needs suitable firmware and software. If a project depends on a specific Bluetooth profile, connection role, or network library, verify that support in the development environment you plan to use.
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The practical advantage of choosing the W is that the radio is already part of the board. For a project that needs wireless, this avoids starting with the standard Pico 2 and separately planning for a radio module. It also keeps the buying decision aligned with the feature you actually need. The documents identify the Pico 2 W’s radio as an Infineon CYW43439 connected to the RP2350 over SPI; this is useful when you are working close to the hardware, but most buyers can simply treat it as the W board’s integrated wireless subsystem.
Think through the full path from requirement to implementation. A Wi-Fi-connected sensor needs more than a board with Wi-Fi: its firmware must handle the intended network communication, and the device must be placed where its radio can operate. A Bluetooth prototype likewise needs a compatible role, profile, and software stack. If any of those details are central to the project, confirm them before buying rather than assuming that a Bluetooth version number guarantees every desired connection.
The W model is especially straightforward for an early prototype when the requirement is still being tested: if wireless is a core part of the question you are trying to answer, starting with onboard radio keeps that feature in scope without requiring a separate module decision. That is a project-planning advantage, not a claim that every module or software setup would be difficult to use with the standard board.
When is the standard Pico 2 the better choice?
Choose the Pico 2 when your design does not need integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It has the same stated RP2350 platform, processor options, SRAM, and flash as the W board, so there is no documented CPU or memory advantage to buying the W for an offline project.
Typical reasons to select the standard board include a project that exchanges data through wired connections, a prototype whose requirements exclude wireless, or a design where a separate radio module is already planned. In the last case, compare the requirements of the intended module and software separately; the shared RP2350 specifications alone do not establish that any particular module will be a drop-in fit.
Rank #2
- This is the latest RPi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (with color-coded pre-soldered header), which is upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip,features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Using Official RP2350 Chip. Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
- 26 x multi-function GPIO pins. 2 x SPI, 2 x I2C, 2 x UART, 3 x 12-bit ADC, 16 x controllable PWM channels. Temperature sensor.
Not needing wireless is a useful way to simplify the board decision. It does not establish a particular price saving: current prices and stock vary by seller and region, and the official price statements available for these boards are not a current side-by-side retail quote.
For an offline controller, a wired prototype, or another design that does not call for a radio, the standard Pico 2 already has the shared core specifications listed above. There is no need to treat the W as an automatic upgrade simply because it includes more features. A feature that the project will not use does not create a documented CPU, SRAM, or flash advantage.
If wireless may be added later, decide whether that possibility is a real project requirement or only a maybe. If it is a real requirement, the W may be the simpler starting point because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are integrated. If not, the standard board keeps the decision focused on the needs established today. If you are planning a separate radio module, check its own electrical, software, and integration requirements rather than assuming that any module will work as a direct substitute for the W radio.
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Not on the basis of the documented processor and memory specifications. Both boards use RP2350, offer dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V processor options at up to 150 MHz, and list 520 KB SRAM and 4 MB flash. The Pico 2 W adds wireless hardware; the specifications do not frame that addition as a CPU upgrade.
Choose between the boards based on connectivity and assembly needs, not an assumed speed difference. The available specifications do not establish a general application benchmark or a wireless throughput comparison, so they cannot support a claim that one board is faster for all workloads.
In practical terms, an application that does not use wireless should not be assigned a performance advantage on the basis of the W label. Conversely, a project that needs wireless has a feature the standard Pico 2 lacks in integrated form. These are different selection criteria: processor and memory figures are shared, while onboard connectivity differs.
The two boards’ shared platform also makes it easier to think about the choice as a feature decision rather than a generational one. The documented comparison gives the same processor options and memory figures for both. It does not give a benchmark showing that one is faster for a particular task, nor does it provide a general speed figure for Wi-Fi transfers. Avoid treating the radio specification as a promise of application performance.
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Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz 802.11n
The Pico 2 W’s documented Wi-Fi is single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n. That identifies the supported band and standard; it is not a promise of a particular range, data rate, or connection quality in a finished device. Placement, obstacles, nearby equipment, antenna conditions, and network configuration affect real-world results.
Rank #3
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- Switchable Cores: Allows users to choose between dual industry-standard Arm Cortex-M33 cores and dual open-hardware Hazard3 cores
- Compatibility: Delivers a significant performance boost, while retaining software- and hardware-compatible with the 1 series
- Detailed Tutorial: Provides step-by-step guide with MicroPython, C and Processing (Java) Code (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- Example Projects: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations (Need extra items)
For a buyer, the useful takeaway is that the W offers 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi onboard. Do not read “802.11n” or “2.4 GHz” as a guarantee that a device will reach a particular distance or transfer data at a particular rate. The official specifications cited here do not provide a measured range or throughput comparison between the boards. For an installation where signal quality matters, evaluate the actual enclosure, antenna surroundings, and intended operating environment.
Bluetooth 5.2 capability still depends on software
The documented Bluetooth version is 5.2. Raspberry Pi also documents Bluetooth LE Central and Peripheral roles and Bluetooth Classic. Those labels describe capabilities at the board and radio level; they should not be treated as confirmation that every profile, device, or software library is supported. If interoperability is essential, check the exact profile and connection role against the software stack you will use.
Make that compatibility check specific. Write down the type of Bluetooth connection your application requires, the role the Pico 2 W must take, and any profile or library the firmware needs. Then verify that the intended software environment supports those requirements. The presence of Bluetooth 5.2 is useful information, but a version number alone does not answer whether a particular accessory, application, or library will work.
The same reasoning applies to Wi-Fi: the board has documented Wi-Fi capability, but the project still needs suitable firmware and network support. A hardware specification helps narrow the board choice; it does not remove the need to confirm the software path that will implement the feature.
The radio is a separate subsystem on the board
Raspberry Pi documents the W model’s wireless interface as an Infineon CYW43439 connected to the RP2350 over SPI. This matters most when developing a carrier board, using signals that overlap with other board functions, or diagnosing a lower-level hardware integration. For an ordinary purchase decision, the practical consequence is simply that the W includes the radio hardware and the standard Pico 2 does not.
Some wireless interface signals share pins with other board functions, and the clock and other interface signals can constrain when associated functions are used. This is not usually a reason to avoid the W for a basic project, but it is a reason to consult the board documentation when designing a carrier or combining wireless use with functions that depend on shared signals. If you are wiring a straightforward prototype, the simple buying distinction remains the presence or absence of integrated wireless.
What should you know about antenna placement?
If you are designing a carrier board or enclosure around the Pico 2 W, allow the onboard antenna to sit in free space where possible. Raspberry Pi’s documentation warns that metal underneath or near the antenna can reduce gain and bandwidth. Treat that as a placement constraint to consider during mechanical design, rather than as a published measurement of range or throughput.
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- Leave the antenna area unobstructed where possible.
- Assess the assembled enclosure and carrier layout in the actual operating environment; the cited antenna guidance does not specify a guaranteed performance distance.
This guidance is most relevant when your design puts the board inside a case, attaches it to a carrier, or positions other materials close to the antenna. A radio may be present on the board and still be affected by its surroundings. Plan the antenna area during mechanical layout rather than waiting until an enclosed prototype performs differently than expected.
Rank #4
- Latest Version: Higher core clock speed, double memory, more powerful Arm cores, optional RISC-V cores (compared to the 1 series) (This W version has onboard wireless LAN and Bluetooth)
- 3 Sets of Codes: MicroPython, C and Processing (Java), Processing codes run on computers to provide graphical interfaces
- 767-page Detailed Tutorial in Total: Provides step-by-step guide with basic electronics knowledge (The download link can be found on the product box) (No paper tutorial)
- 119 Projects from Simple to Complex: Each project has schematics, wiring diagrams, complete code and detailed explanations
- 224 Items in Total: Includes commonly used electronic components, modules, sensors, wires and other compatible items
Do not translate the antenna note into a numeric range estimate. The cited documentation says that nearby or underlying metal can reduce gain and bandwidth; it does not establish how far a particular Pico 2 W will communicate in a given room or enclosure. The best practical check is to assess the assembled design in the location where it will operate.
Will either board plug into a breadboard?
Do not assume the board you are buying arrives ready to plug in. The standard Pico 2 and Pico 2 W variants do not have pre-soldered headers, while with-headers variants are available. Check the exact item or SKU before ordering. If the board lacks headers, plan to solder compatible 0.1-inch through-hole header pins if your setup requires breadboard connections.
This is an assembly difference, not a wireless or processor difference. Decide whether you need headers before checkout, especially if you want to begin with a breadboard and do not intend to solder.
A with-headers version may be the convenient choice when you want plug-in breadboard connections without doing the soldering yourself. If you select a board without headers, account for the pins and soldering step in your setup plan. The board name alone is not enough to tell you which physical variant a seller is offering, so examine the exact product description and images or SKU before ordering.
Breadboard, jumper wires, and other prototyping accessories may be useful for a hands-on GPIO project, but they are not required to decide between the Pico 2 and Pico 2 W. The key question at checkout is whether the board itself includes the headers you need. Confirm compatibility and variant details rather than assuming every listing includes the same assembly.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much do the boards cost?
Raspberry Pi’s Pico 2 product page states availability from $5, while the Pico 2 W launch announcement stated a $7 price. These are official statements, but they are not a verified current, regional side-by-side quote. Treat the W figure as a historical launch price rather than a promise of what a retailer charges today. Check current local listings, stock, and whether headers are included before buying.
Those figures are useful as context, not as a final checkout comparison. Retail prices, availability, and included board variants can differ by seller and region. A with-headers version may also be listed differently from a version without pre-soldered headers. Compare the exact items you could actually buy, including the header situation, rather than assuming the launch announcement is a current price or that all listings are equivalent.
There is no documented current price comparison here that establishes the amount you will save by choosing one board. Decide first whether the integrated radio is needed, then compare the local prices and stock for the appropriate variants. If you need breadboard-ready pins, include that assembly requirement in the comparison.
Best Value
- This is the latest Pi Pico 2 W Microcontroller Board (with yellow pre-soldered header), which is upgraded hardware from Pico 2 with wireless communication, onboard antenna, onboard Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip,features 2.4GHz 802.11n WIFI and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Using Official RP2350 Chip. Adopts unique dual-core and dual-architecture design: dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor and dual-core Hazard3 RISC-V processor, flexible clock running up to 150 MHz.
- 520KB of SRAM, and 4MB of on-board Flash memory.
- Castellated module allows soldering direct to carrier boards. USB 1.1 with device and host support. Low-power sleep and dormant modes. Drag-and-drop programming using mass storage over USB.
- 26 x multi-function GPIO pins. 2 x SPI, 2 x I2C, 2 x UART, 3 x 12-bit ADC, 16 x controllable PWM channels. Temperature sensor.
Which board should you buy? A quick decision path
- List the required connections. If your project needs Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and you want the radio integrated on the board, start with the Pico 2 W. If it needs neither, the standard Pico 2 is the direct fit.
- For Bluetooth, identify the exact requirement. Confirm whether you need LE Central, LE Peripheral, Bluetooth Classic, and the specific profile or software library your project uses. The documented radio capabilities do not guarantee every software feature.
- Check assembly needs. If you need breadboard-ready pins, select a with-headers variant or plan to solder headers yourself. Verify the exact listing rather than relying on the board name alone.
- For an enclosure or carrier design, account for the antenna. Leave its area in free space where practical and keep nearby metal in mind.
- Check local availability and price. The published official figures are not a current regional comparison; use the listing available to you and confirm the board variant.
A concise way to apply that checklist is to start with a real requirement, not a feature list. If the device must join a Wi-Fi network or communicate over Bluetooth, choose the W as the integrated-radio option and verify the software details that matter to your use case. If it operates without wireless, the standard Pico 2 shares the documented processor and memory specifications. If an external radio module is already part of the plan, assess that module on its own merits and compatibility rather than treating the W as automatically necessary or assuming the module is a drop-in replacement.
Then make the physical and purchasing checks. Confirm whether headers are already soldered if you expect to use a breadboard. For a carrier or enclosure, consider antenna clearance and nearby metal. Finally, compare local listings, stock, and the exact board variant. These steps address the meaningful differences without assuming an unverified speed advantage or current price premium.
Bottom-line comparison
The Pico 2 W is the choice for an RP2350 board with integrated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2. The standard Pico 2 is the choice when those radios are unnecessary. Their documented processor, SRAM, and flash specifications are shared, so decide on connectivity first, then verify the header variant and any software-specific wireless requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and Pico 2 W?
The Pico 2 W adds integrated single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2. Both boards use RP2350 and share the documented processor options, 520 KB SRAM, and 4 MB flash.
Is the Pico 2 W faster than the Pico 2?
The documented processor and memory specifications are the same: both offer dual Cortex-M33 or dual Hazard3 RISC-V processors up to 150 MHz, 520 KB SRAM, and 4 MB flash. The W model’s documented difference is its wireless subsystem, not a CPU upgrade.
Does the Pico 2 have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
The standard Pico 2 does not have integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The Pico 2 W is the version with the integrated wireless subsystem.
Can Pico 2 W use Bluetooth Classic as well as Bluetooth LE?
Raspberry Pi documents Bluetooth 5.2, LE Central and Peripheral roles, and Bluetooth Classic for Pico 2 W. Confirm that the particular profile, role, and software stack your project needs are supported.
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Do Pico 2 and Pico 2 W include soldered headers?
The standard versions do not have pre-soldered headers, but with-headers variants are available. Check the exact listing or SKU; if you buy a version without headers and need breadboard connections, plan to solder compatible 0.1-inch through-hole pins.
What is the launch price of Pico 2 W?
Raspberry Pi’s launch announcement stated a $7 price for Pico 2 W. That is a historical launch figure, not a current regional retail quote; check local listings and stock before purchasing.
Where should I place the Pico 2 W antenna?
For carrier-board or enclosure designs, leave the onboard antenna in free space where possible. Raspberry Pi documentation warns that metal underneath or near it can reduce gain and bandwidth; it does not specify a guaranteed communication range.
The Bottom Line
Choose Pico 2 W when you need onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; choose Pico 2 when you do not. Their documented processor and memory specifications are shared. Check software compatibility for wireless projects and verify whether your exact listing includes headers.
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