Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 vs Nano ESP32: SAMD21 vs ESP32-S3 for IoT Projects

The Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 and Arduino Nano ESP32 are both compact connected Arduino boards, but internally they are completely different generations of hardware.

The MKR WiFi 1010 uses:

The Nano ESP32 instead uses:

So the fundamental difference is:

Quick Comparison

Feature	MKR WiFi 1010	Nano ESP32
Main application processor	SAMD21 Cortex-M0+	ESP32-S3 in NORA-W106
CPU clock	48 MHz	Up to 240 MHz
CPU architecture	32-bit Cortex-M0+	Dual-core Xtensa LX7
Program Flash	256 KB internal	16 MB external Flash
Internal SRAM	32 KB	512 KB
External RAM	No application PSRAM	8 MB PSRAM
Logic voltage	3.3 V	3.3 V
Wi-Fi	2.4 GHz via NINA-W102	2.4 GHz integrated in ESP32-S3
Bluetooth	Bluetooth / BLE via NINA-W102	Bluetooth LE 5.x
Analog inputs	7	8
True DAC	Yes, 10-bit A0	No true DAC
PWM	13 documented pins	5 documented board PWM pins
UART	1 external	2
I2C	1	1
SPI	1	1
USB connector	Micro-USB	USB-C
Native USB	Yes	Yes
Li-Po charger	Yes	No
Secure element	ATECC508	No separate ATECC on board
Form factor	MKR, 61.5 × 25 mm	Nano, 45 × 18 mm

The Nano ESP32 Is Much Faster

The MKR WiFi 1010’s main processor is:

The Nano ESP32 uses:

Clock speed alone does not tell the whole story, but the ESP32-S3 is in a completely different performance class.

Where the Extra CPU Performance Matters

Nano ESP32 has much more headroom for:

• JSON processing;
• large web servers;
• HTTPS/TLS;
• multiple network connections;
• image processing;
• audio DSP;
• complex user interfaces;
• larger state machines;
• MicroPython;
• machine-learning workloads.

A simple temperature sensor does not need that performance, but larger IoT applications can use it.

RAM Difference Is Enormous

MKR WiFi 1010:

Nano ESP32:

This is one of the most important differences between the boards.

Why RAM Matters More Than CPU for Many IoT Projects

Network applications often need memory for:

• TLS certificates;
• HTTP buffers;
• JSON documents;
• web pages;
• MQTT queues;
• sensor histories;
• image buffers;
• BLE data structures.

On a 32 KB SAMD21 system, memory planning becomes important very quickly.

The Nano ESP32’s PSRAM makes much larger applications practical.

Flash Difference

The SAMD21 provides:

while Nano ESP32 provides:

on the NORA-W106 module.

That gives much more room for:

• large libraries;
• web assets;
• firmware partitions;
• OTA updates;
• filesystem storage.

MKR WiFi 1010 Also Has External Data Flash

Arduino’s current MKR WiFi 1010 datasheet also documents:

on the board.

This is useful as external storage, but it is not equivalent to:

on the Nano ESP32.

Different Wireless Architectures

On MKR WiFi 1010:

On Nano ESP32:

The Nano architecture eliminates the separate application-to-radio co-processor layer.

Wi-Fi Capability

Both provide:

which is enough for most:

• MQTT;
• HTTP;
• Arduino Cloud;
• Home Assistant;
• local web server;
• sensor telemetry.

Bluetooth Difference

MKR WiFi 1010 uses the NINA-W102 module for Bluetooth/BLE.

The Nano ESP32 uses the ESP32-S3’s:

radio.

The ESP32-S3 does not provide classic Bluetooth BR/EDR in the way the original ESP32 did.

MKR NINA Boards Now Support Concurrent Wi-Fi + BLE

Arduino updated NINA-based firmware and libraries in 2026 so supported NINA-W102 boards such as MKR WiFi 1010 can now use:

simultaneously in the same sketch when the required firmware and libraries are up to date.

That removes an important historical limitation of the older NINA architecture.

Both Boards Use 3.3 V Logic

Electrically, both are:

so neither should receive arbitrary 5 V logic signals.

This makes moving many sensors between them easier than moving from a 5 V UNO or Mega.

GPIO Current Is Very Different

MKR WiFi 1010 has a documented maximum of:

Nano ESP32’s current Arduino specification lists approximately:

per I/O pin under the board’s documented conditions.

Even on Nano ESP32, do not use GPIO as a power supply for motors, relays or large LEDs.

Analog Inputs

MKR WiFi 1010 exposes:

Nano ESP32 exposes:

The Nano therefore has one extra external analogue input.

MKR WiFi 1010 Has a True DAC

This is one area where the older MKR board has a genuine hardware advantage.

A0 on MKR WiFi 1010 is:

and provides a true:

Nano ESP32 Has No True DAC

The ESP32-S3 does not include the classic ESP32’s two 8-bit DACs.

If a Nano ESP32 project needs a true analogue output, use:

• external I2C DAC;
• external SPI DAC;
• PWM plus low-pass filtering;
• audio codec.

PWM Is Architecturally Different

Arduino’s official Nano ESP32 board specification lists:

in the standard Nano pinout.

At the ESP32-S3 level, the LEDC peripheral is flexible and can route PWM functions to suitable GPIO, but board-level Arduino documentation should be followed for the standard mapping.

MKR WiFi 1010 documents:

through the SAMD21 timers.

UART

MKR WiFi 1010 exposes one external hardware UART:

Nano ESP32 exposes:

at the board/platform level.

That gives Nano ESP32 more flexibility for:

• GPS;
• modems;
• other MCUs;
• serial sensors.

I2C Layout

MKR WiFi 1010:

Nano ESP32:

Code using:

can remain similar, but the physical wiring changes.

SPI Layout

MKR WiFi 1010:

Nano ESP32:

Again, software using:

is portable, but the wires move.

Native USB on Both Boards

The SAMD21 and ESP32-S3 both support native USB-device operation.

This allows both boards to support:

• USB serial;
• HID;
• custom USB device functions.

Nano ESP32 Uses USB-C

Nano ESP32 has:

while MKR WiFi 1010 uses:

For a new design, USB-C is generally more convenient and uses the modern connector ecosystem.

Nano ESP32 Supports USB Serial/JTAG

The ESP32-S3 includes:

in addition to its native USB OTG capabilities.

This can simplify debugging and firmware development.

MKR WiFi 1010 Has a Built-In Li-Po Charger

This is one of its biggest advantages.

The MKR board includes:

Arduino recommends:

for the supported battery.

Nano ESP32 Has No Battery Charger

Nano ESP32 can run from an external power source, but it does not provide:

or the MKR-style battery connector.

A portable Nano ESP32 project therefore needs an external:

• battery charger;
• power-management board;
• regulated battery supply.

Nano ESP32 Has a Wider VIN Range

Arduino currently specifies Nano ESP32 nominal input voltage as:

while MKR WiFi 1010 expects a regulated:

input, with approximately:

on VIN.

MKR WiFi 1010 Includes a Secure Element

The board has a dedicated:

hardware crypto device for:

• private-key storage;
• device identity;
• certificates;
• cloud authentication.

Nano ESP32 Relies on ESP32 Security Features

Nano ESP32 does not need a separate ATECC chip for every security use case because the ESP32-S3 itself provides security functions such as:

• secure boot support;
• Flash encryption support;
• hardware cryptographic acceleration;
• eFuse-backed device configuration.

The security architecture is therefore different rather than simply absent.

Nano ESP32 Is Much Smaller

Nano ESP32 measures:

MKR WiFi 1010 measures:

The Nano is significantly easier to fit into:

• small enclosures;
• robots;
• wearables;
• compact sensors;
• breadboard prototypes.

Nano ESP32 Is Breadboard-Friendly

The Nano format is designed to straddle a standard solderless breadboard.

The MKR format is wider and more oriented toward:

• MKR shields;
• carrier boards;
• battery-powered IoT devices.

MKR WiFi 1010 Has the MKR Shield Ecosystem

MKR-compatible accessories include:

• MKR ETH Shield;
• MKR CAN Shield;
• MKR Relay Proto Shield;
• MKR Motor Carrier;
• MKR IoT Carrier.

If a project already depends on MKR hardware, this can outweigh Nano ESP32’s much greater processing power.

MKR WiFi 1010 Has an Eslov Connector

The board includes a:

connector carrying:

• I2C SDA;
• I2C SCL;
• 5 V;
• GND;
• wake signal.

Nano ESP32 does not include this connector.

Nano ESP32 Supports MicroPython

Arduino explicitly positions Nano ESP32 as a board for:

development.

The combination of:

makes it much more comfortable for Python than a 32 KB SAMD21 system.

Nano ESP32 Has an RGB LED

In addition to the built-in LED, Nano ESP32 includes an onboard:

which can be useful for:

• network status;
• BLE status;
• error indication;
• user feedback.

ESP-NOW Is a Nano ESP32 Advantage

Because the board is based on ESP32-S3, it can use:

for direct low-overhead peer-to-peer communication between compatible Espressif devices.

MKR WiFi 1010 does not provide the same native ESP-NOW ecosystem.

Which Is Better for a Simple Battery Sensor?

MKR WiFi 1010 can be easier because:

are already built in.

You do not need an additional battery-management board.

Which Is Better for a Web Server?

Nano ESP32.

The:

give far more space for:

• HTML;
• CSS;
• JavaScript;
• JSON;
• TLS buffers;
• multiple clients.

Which Is Better for Home Assistant and MQTT?

Both can do it.

For simple MQTT telemetry, the MKR WiFi 1010 is more than capable.

For:

• larger MQTT payloads;
• local web UI;
• BLE + Wi-Fi;
• many integrations;
• ESPHome-style workloads;

Nano ESP32 has much more headroom.

Which Is Better for True Analogue Output?

MKR WiFi 1010.

It has:

Nano ESP32 needs an external DAC or PWM/filter solution.

Which Is Better for Portable Wi-Fi Projects?

The answer depends on whether you value:

Which Is Better for New General IoT Projects?

Nano ESP32 offers much more processing and memory headroom in a smaller package.

MKR WiFi 1010 remains attractive when the design specifically benefits from:

• Li-Po charging;
• true DAC;
• ATECC508 secure element;
• MKR shields;
• Eslov.

Software Ecosystem Difference

MKR WiFi 1010 uses:

Nano ESP32 uses:

This means code using high-level Arduino APIs may migrate easily, but low-level platform-specific libraries will not.

Decision Table

Requirement	Better fit
Highest CPU performance	Nano ESP32
Most RAM	Nano ESP32
Most Flash	Nano ESP32
Smallest board	Nano ESP32
Breadboard use	Nano ESP32
USB-C	Nano ESP32
MicroPython	Nano ESP32
ESP-NOW	Nano ESP32
Li-Po charger	MKR WiFi 1010
Battery connector	MKR WiFi 1010
True DAC	MKR WiFi 1010
MKR shields	MKR WiFi 1010
Eslov connector	MKR WiFi 1010
Dedicated secure element	MKR WiFi 1010
Basic Wi-Fi sensor	Either

Quick Reference

Final Thoughts

The MKR WiFi 1010 and Nano ESP32 target similar connected projects, but the Nano ESP32 is a much newer and more powerful computing platform.

Choose Nano ESP32 when you need:

• maximum CPU performance;
• large RAM;
• large Flash;
• USB-C;
• small size;
• MicroPython;
• ESP-NOW;
• larger web/network applications.

Choose MKR WiFi 1010 when you need:

• built-in Li-Po charging;
• battery connector;
• true DAC output;
• dedicated ATECC secure element;
• MKR shields;
• Eslov I2C connectivity.

The most important difference is architectural:

For a new general-purpose Wi-Fi/BLE project where battery charging and true DAC output are not required, Nano ESP32 provides vastly more processing and memory headroom.

For detailed pin mapping, see our MKR WiFi 1010 pinout guide, Arduino Nano ESP32 pinout guide and Arduino MKR boards comparison.