“Want to build an IoT prototype but held back by insufficient interfaces?” “Value cost-effectiveness but worried about complexity?” “Passion for validating ideas dampened by tedious selection documentation?” Every maker has likely been stumped by hardware selection challenges before starting a project.
But no more worries! The first episode of the M5Stack "Smart Innovation, Making AI Accessible " video series is now online. Zoey from M5Stack takes you through the entire core product line in one go, from IoT projects and robot development to smart home control. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned engineer, you can find the perfect “creative partner” that makes development as easy as building blocks!
-Featured Speaker:-
Zoey Zheng(郑培吟), M5Stack Overseas Key Account Manager
As M5Stack’s Overseas Key Account Manager, Zoey focuses on global customer development and long-term market expansion. Her core work involves establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with distributors and enterprise clients. Through continuous customer interaction and ecosystem collaboration, she helps partners grow their business while expanding M5Stack’s global influence.
Core Highlight: Modular Ecosystem, Making Development Hassle-Free
M5Stack has built a plug-and-play modular hardware system specifically for IoT and rapid prototyping, completely eliminating the wiring troubles of traditional development. All main units feature a standardized design, equipped with SD card slots, Type-C ports, expansion interfaces, and buses. Simply stack expansion modules and functional bases to flexibly adapt to different application scenarios.
No complex setup, no professional soldering required—efficient from unboxing to development, letting you focus more on realizing your ideas rather than hardware debugging!
Full Series Breakdown: Choose by Need, Perfectly Match Your Project
Core Series: The All-Rounder, Ideal for Multimedia Interaction
The Core Series is M5Stack’s most feature-rich multimedia main unit, equipped with a color touchscreen, microphone, speaker, stackable battery base, and abundant interfaces—the top choice for IoT control centers, data visualization panels, and smart interactive terminals.
Core2(Classic Entry-Level): Equipped with an ESP32 dual-core processor, a 2-inch touch screen with a built-in microphone, speaker, and six-axis sensor, integrating a TF card slot, USB-C, and expansion ports, ready to use out of the box. It is a cost-effective choice for prototyping, allowing beginners to get started quickly.
CoreS3(Flagship High-Performance): Uses an ESP32-S3 dual-core processor, retains the 2-inch touch screen while adding a camera sensor and magnetometer, supports multiple expansion interfaces, and integrates visual capabilities with interactive functions to meet advanced development needs.
Tab5(Large Screen Visual): Powered by an ESP32 and P4 dual-core high-performance processor, equipped with a 5-inch high-definition touch screen, supports USB-C, TF card, external antenna, and expansion ports. It is a comprehensive upgrade over traditional small screens, especially suitable for high-performance IoT prototype development and visual interaction scenarios.
Stick Series: Lightweight and compact, a tool for portable scenarios
If you are looking for a small, lightweight, and cost-effective option, the Stick series is the perfect choice. Compared to the full-featured Core series, the Stick series focuses more on portability, designed specifically for wearable devices, portable locators, and on-site data collection scenarios.
The previous generation flagship product, the StickC-Plus2, uses an ESP32-PICO dual-core processor, features a 1.14-inch color screen, and includes an infrared transmitter, microphone, six-axis sensor, and a 200mAh battery, while also supporting USB-C and expansion ports. Its compact body packs powerful energy, making it an ideal small device for IoT sensor nodes, enabling mobile development anytime, anywhere.
Based on the market recognition of the StickC-Plus2, M5Stack has launched its latest iterative product, the STICKS3. As a compact programmable controller for remote control and IoT, it is equipped with an ESP32-S3-PICO-1-N8R8 (8MB Flash + 8MB PSRAM, supports 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi), a 1.14" LCD, a 6-axis IMU, and a programmable button; it uses the ES8311+AW8737 audio solution, integrates infrared transceiver and a 250mAh battery, suitable for smart home, AI voice assistant, and IoT project development.
Atom Series: Ultra-mini size, exclusive for embedded scenarios
The Atom series stands out with its ultra-mini size, designed specifically for space-constrained projects such as IoT nodes, smart sensor terminals, or visual interaction modules. It can be called the “little expert in embedded development.”
The representative models AtomS3R and S3R CAM both use the ESP32-S3 dual-core processor, with 8MB flash and 8MB RAM as standard.
Among them, the AtomS3R features a 0.85-inch color IPS display, a six-axis IMU, a three-axis magnetometer, and infrared emission functionality; the S3R-Cam replaces the screen with a 300,000-pixel camera that supports UVC plug-and-play. Both products can serve as embeddable smart IoT nodes, delivering powerful performance in tight spaces.
Stamp Series: Postage stamp size, tailored for customization and industrial scenarios
The Stamp series is only the size of a postage stamp and can be directly embedded into custom products and control systems, offering maximum flexibility.
The S3A main controller is the standard general-purpose model of this series, using the ESP32-S3 dual-core processor, equipped with 8MB flash, a Type-C interface, and rich GPIOs, providing powerful performance and strong compatibility. Building on this, M5Stack has also developed a range of functional terminals: the Cardputer-Adv adds a 1.14-inch display and keyboard for more convenient operation; the Dial integrates rotary knob interaction and a 1.28-inch touchscreen for ultra-high integration; the StamPLC is designed for industrial scenarios, offering interfaces such as relays, RS485, and isolated IO, which can be directly used for automation control, covering a variety of customized needs.
Special Form Factor Devices: Meeting High-End and Niche Scenarios
Beyond the general-purpose series, M5Stack also introduces two special form factor devices that precisely match AI applications and ultra-miniature control needs:
LLM630 Kit : Built for AI applications and edge computing, based on the AX630C main controller, integrating Wi-Fi 6 and a large memory combination, providing efficient AI processing capabilities whether for local inference or cloud collaboration. With the built-in StackFlow AI framework, it can be connected to the network to serve as a remote LLM inference node; through PyAXEngine, it can also run visual models like YOLO 11n locally to perform edge vision tasks such as object detection and target recognition.
Nano C6: This ultra-miniature main controller supports Wi-Fi 6 and Zigbee communication, with a built-in infrared emitter and programmable RGB LED. It is only fingertip-sized, suitable for smart home control, industrial automation, and IoT monitoring scenarios. With its Matter support, it can easily build a smart lighting control hub, enabling convenient control of Matter protocol devices.
Selection Guide: Lock in Your Ideal Host in 10 Seconds
With a wide range of product series, no need to overthink—just remember these key points:
- Choose Core for comprehensive features, handling multimedia interaction and high-performance development with ease;
- Choose Stick for portability and practicality, ideal for mobile scenarios and sensor nodes;
- Choose Atom for space-constrained environments, with an ultra-compact size for embedded needs;
- Choose Stamp for custom embedding, stamp-sized and flexible for integration into custom products and industrial scenarios;
- Choose Others for specialized computing needs, with the LLM630 Kit and Nano C6 meeting AI and ultra-compact control requirements.
Application Scenarios: No Limits for Creative Implementation
Today’s M5Stack hardware already covers the full spectrum of maker development scenarios:
- Smart Home: Use the Core series as a central hub to manage lights and air conditioning, and monitor environmental data in real time;
- Robot Development: Leverage the CoreS3’s visual capabilities with expansion modules for autonomous navigation and object recognition;
- Portable Devices: Use the Stick series to create wearable trackers and field data collection terminals for more flexible mobile development;
- Industrial Control: StamPLC provides industrial-grade interfaces, directly applicable to automation control scenarios.
Related Product Information
Core2 v1.1 K010-V11
The Core2 v1.1 is an iterative version of the second-generation host in the M5Stack development kit series. Building on the original first-generation host, it enhances functionality, upgrading to a power management chip solution of AXP2101+INA3221. Hardware features are more comprehensive, with the addition of an RTC battery to meet low-power application needs and precise timing requirements. Its main controller is equipped with the ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3, featuring two independently controllable Xtensa® 32-bit LX6 processors with a main frequency of up to 240MHz, supporting Wi-Fi. It comes with 16MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM onboard, and programs can be downloaded via the TYPE-C interface. The robust configuration meets the resource demands of complex applications. The front is equipped with a 2.0-inch integrated capacitive touchscreen, providing users with a smoother human-machine interaction experience.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K010-V1-ND
CoreS3 K128
The CoreS3 is the third-generation host in the M5Stack development kit series. Its main controller uses the ESP32-S3 solution, with a dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor at 240MHz, built-in Wi-Fi, 16MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM onboard. Programs can be downloaded via the USB Type-C interface, supporting OTG and CDC functions for easy connection of USB devices and firmware flashing. The front features a 2.0-inch capacitive touch IPS screen with a high-strength glass panel. Below the screen, a 0.3MP GC0308 camera is built-in, along with an LTR-553ALS-WA proximity sensor. The power section uses the AXP2101 power management chip with 4 power flow control loops, designed for low power consumption overall. It includes a BMI270 six-axis attitude sensor and a BMM150 magnetometer onboard, a TF-card (microSD) slot, and a BM8563 RTC chip for precise timing and sleep-timed wake-up functions. For audio output, it uses a high-fidelity 16-bit I2S amplifier chip AW88298 with a built-in 1W speaker. For audio input, it uses an ES7210 audio codec chip with dual microphone inputs. On the side of the unit, there are independent power and reset (RST) buttons, with a built-in delay circuit; long-pressing the reset button enters program download mode.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K128-ND
Tab5 K145
The Tab5 is a highly scalable, portable smart IoT terminal development device for developers, integrating a dual-chip architecture and rich hardware resources. Its main controller uses an ESP32 ‑P4 SoC based on the RISC-‑V architecture, equipped with 16MB Flash and 32MB PSRAM. The wireless module uses the ESP32-C6-MINI-1U, supporting Wi-Fi 6, and its antenna system can freely switch between a built-in 3D antenna and an external MMCX antenna interface, flexibly adapting to different deployment environments to ensure data throughput and low-latency control.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K145-ND
StickC-Plus2 K016-P2
The StickC-Plus2 is an iterative version of the StickC-Plus. Its main controller uses the ESP32-PICO-V3-02 chip, featuring Wi-Fi functionality. Inside its compact body, it integrates a rich variety of hardware resources, such as infrared, RTC, microphone, LED, IMU, buttons, and a buzzer. It uses a 1.14-inch TFT screen driven by the ST7789V2, with a resolution of 135 x 240. The battery capacity has been increased to 200mAh, and it also supports the HAT and Unit series products in terms of interfaces.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K016-P2-ND
AtomS3R C126
The AtomS3R is a highly integrated IoT programmable controller based on the ESP32-S3 main controller. It integrates the ESP32-S3-PICO-1-N8R8 main controller, built-in Wi-Fi, 8 MB on-chip Flash, and 8 MB PSRAM; features a 0.85-inch color IPS screen with a programmable button below it; includes a 5V to 3.3V circuit; has a built-in three-axis BMM150 geomagnetic sensor and a six-axis BMI270 attitude sensor; is equipped with a USB Type-C interface for power and firmware download; has one HY2.0-4P expansion port; and has six GPIO and power pins on the bottom for easy expansion. Compared to previous products, the AtomS3R’s 3D antenna has been enhanced, providing better performance and higher stability. The product dimensions are only 24.0 x 24.0 x 12.9mm, making it suitable for various embedded smart device applications.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-C126-ND
AtomS3R-CAM C126-CAM
The AtomS3R-CAM is a mini IoT programmable controller with an integrated camera, featuring the ESP32-S3-PICO-1-N8R8 main controller, built-in Wi-Fi, 8 MB on-chip Flash, and 8 MB PSRAM. It has a 5V to 3.3V power management circuit and integrates a three-axis BMM150 geomagnetic sensor and a six-axis BMI270 attitude sensor. Additionally, the product is equipped with a 0.3MP GC0308 camera, supports image capture, and has infrared emission control functionality. The camera is equipped with a protective glass to prevent dust and improve image quality. Compared to previous products, the 3D antenna of the AtomS3R-CAM has been enhanced, providing better performance and higher stability. This product comes with UVC (USB Video Class) firmware pre-installed, functioning as a plug-and-play USB camera, allowing users to use it directly via the USB interface without installing drivers. The product also includes a USB Type-C interface for power supply and firmware download, and comes with a HY2.0-4P expansion port. Six GPIO and power pins are designed on the bottom for easy expansion. The product size is only 24.0 x 24.0 x 13.5mm, suitable for embedded scenarios such as IoT device monitoring and educational development tools.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-C126-CAM-ND
Stamp-S3A S007-V033
The Stamp-S3A is a highly integrated embedded module based on Espressif ESP32-S3FN8, featuring a 240MHz Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor, integrated 8MB Flash, programmable RGB LED, and button input, with an optimized 3D antenna design for stronger wireless communication capabilities. The module provides 23 GPIOs and offers a 1.27/2.54mm pitch SMT/DIP pin header/female header compatible interface, allowing for easy integration into PCBs and helping developers quickly build applications.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-S007-V033-ND
Cardputer-Adv K132-ADV
The Cardputer-Adv is a programmable card computer, with its core using the Stamp-S3A main control module (based on ESP32-S3FN8), integrating a 1.14" LCD screen and a 56-key minimalist keyboard to support convenient interaction and input operations. For audio processing, the device integrates the ES8311 audio codec chip, paired with a high signal-to-noise ratio MEMS microphone, an NS4150B power amplifier chip, and a 1W speaker, providing excellent audio input and output capabilities. It is also equipped with a 3.5mm audio output jack for connecting external headphones or speakers. Internally, it is equipped with a large 1750mAh lithium battery, which, combined with low-power design and an independent power switch, provides good battery life. It integrates a 6-axis attitude sensor BMI270, an infrared emission tube, a microSD card slot, and reserves a HY2.0-4P Grove interface, with an EXT 2.54-14P expansion bus for sensor and other peripheral expansion. Structurally, the base contains magnets for metal adsorption, and the structure is compatible with Lego hole expansion. This product is suitable for scenarios such as rapid functional verification design by engineers, industrial control, and home control.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K132-ADV-ND
Dial v1.1 K130-V11
Dial v1.1 is a high-performance, versatile embedded development board that builds on the original Dial product with a comprehensive upgrade. The new version uses a brand new Stamp-S3A main controller, further improving system processing power and stability. At the same time, the core module antenna and buttons have been optimized, effectively enhancing wireless communication performance and user operation experience. The product features a 1.28-inch round TFT touch screen and a high-precision rotary encoder, and includes a built-in RFID detection module, RTC circuit, onboard buzzer, and under-screen buttons for device interaction and alert/wake-up functions. The power supply solution supports DC 6 to 36V wide voltage DC input, and reserves a lithium battery interface and charging circuit to meet diverse application needs. In addition, the reserved PORT.A and PORT.B interfaces facilitate the expansion of I2C and GPIO devices. This product is suitable for smart home control, IoT applications, smart wearables, access control systems, industrial control, and educational maker fields.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K130-V11-ND
StamPLC K141
StamPLC is an IoT programmable logic controller designed for industrial automation and remote monitoring. The product uses the Stamp-S3A control module, which not only provides powerful processing capabilities but also achieves efficient wireless connectivity. In terms of control, StamPLC offers 8 optocoupler-isolated digital inputs and 4 relay outputs (supporting AC/DC loads), along with GPIO.EXT and 2 HY2.0-4P interfaces, making it simple and reliable to connect various sensors and actuators. Additionally, through the onboard PWR-CAN and PWR-485 interfaces, the device can seamlessly integrate into industrial fieldbus networks for remote data transmission and centralized control. For human-machine interaction, the product is equipped with a 1.14-inch color display, RESET/BOOT buttons, 3 user buttons, and a buzzer, making it convenient for users to configure real-time parameters and monitor status, as well as to issue timely alarms in case of anomalies.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K141-ND
LLM630 Compute Kit K143
The LLM630 Compute Kit is an AI large language model inference development platform designed for edge computing and intelligent interaction applications. The kit’s motherboard is equipped with the Aixin AX630C SoC processor, integrating a high-efficiency NPU with 3.2 TOPS@INT8 computing power, providing powerful AI inference capabilities that can efficiently execute complex vision (CV) and large language model (LLM) tasks, meeting the needs of various intelligent application scenarios. The motherboard is equipped with a JL2101-N040C Gigabit Ethernet chip and an ESP32-C6 wireless communication chip, supporting Wi-Fi 6 @ 2.4 GHz. It serves as the device’s network card, providing high-speed data transmission capabilities and enabling bridging between Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-K143-ND
NanoC6 C125
The NanoC6 is a tiny, low-power IoT development board in the M5Stack development kit series. It features the ESP32-C6FH4 as the SoC, supporting wireless communication methods such as Wi-Fi 6 and Zigbee, and includes a built-in infrared transmitter for conveniently controlling infrared IoT devices. Its onboard ceramic antenna ensures a stable wireless communication connection.
M5Stack official website related development resource links
DigiKey online purchase link
DigiKey Part Number: 2221-C125-ND
Interactive Giveaway: Share your ideas and win a development kit
All M5Stack host units are ready to use out of the box, requiring no complex setup, so you can start your project development immediately. For more product details and purchasing options, visit the DigiKey M5Stack zone. Product features are subject to change. For the latest product features, please click “Read Original” to view.
Follow M5Stack to explore maker hardware, and the next hit project could be yours~ This series will continue to bring you specific project tutorials and module expansion tips, so stay tuned!