Perhaps you're new to electronics and programming. Maybe you're a pro, but you've never worked with CircuitPython. Working with CircuitPython is super simple, but requires that you have a CircuitPython compatible microcontroller. Some boards are better than others for getting started than others. So which one do you choose?
This page contains all of the beginner CircuitPython compatible boards and a bit about the features of each one. You're ready to get started, now to figure out what features will work best for you!
The Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, running the ATSAMD21 microcontroller, is the perfect board for beginners to electronics and programming. It has tons built in: ten RGB NeoPixel LEDs, an accelerometer, temperature, light and sound sensors, mini speaker, two buttons, a slide switch, IR transmitter and receiver, little red LED, and eight alligator-clip friendly GPIO pads, seven of which can act as touch pads.
This is an excellent beginner choice that does not require any soldering.
The Adafruit Circuit Playground Bluefruit, running the Bluetooth LE capabile nRF52840, is an all-in-one board designed to get you started with programming an electronics. It's loaded with all kinds of LEDs, sensors and inputs, including an accelerometer, light, temperature, and sound sensors, touch pads, buttons, switch, NeoPixel LEDs, speaker, and more. Additional capabilities can be added via the alligator clip friendly pads.
This is an excellent beginner choice that does not require any soldering.
Circuit Playground Express or Bluefruit?
There are two great Circuit Playground options for using CircuitPython. So which one is better for you? You'll be fine with either, but here a few key differences that may drive you one way or the other.
- The Circuit Playground Express has more support in MakeCode / Code.org and the SAMD21 is a more universal processor. Theres a lot more example codes for it. However, it's an older chip so not as powerful, has less RAM, and of course, does not have Bluetooth LE wireless
- The Circuit Playground Bluefruit does not have an IR transceiver (for remote control projects) because it has BLE instead. The processor is more powerful, has tons more memory which comes in handy with CircuitPython projects as they grow. However, its a newer chip, and does not have full MakeCode support, Code.org CS Discoveries support, or as many projects.
It also has Bluetooth LE connectivity so it can wirelessly connect to computers, phones, tablets and other devices.
Easily interface to STEMMA QT / Qwiic sensors and breakouts.
The Adafruit QT Py uses an RP2040 microcontroller, has 11 GPIO pins, a built in RGB NeoPixel LED, and a USB Type C connector, in the same size, form factor and pinout as the Seeed Xiao. There is 8MB of flash for CircuitPython and file storage. The built in STEMMA QT connector makes it super simple to use any of the available STEMMA QT sensors and breakouts with no soldering required.
This is a good choice if you want an easy way to interface to STEMMA QT / Qwiic connected sensors without a lot of expense.
The Adafruit Feather M4 Express is running the ATSAMD51 microcontroller. With some light soldering, this board enables you to use the many FeatherWings available, which provides a ton of possibilities without a lot of wiring necessary. It has 21 GPIO pins, a little red LED and an RGB NeoPixel LED. You can power it with and charge a lipoly battery.
A good choice if you want access to Feather ecosystem and its many FeatherWing add-on boards. The board is very powerful and runs CircuitPython very nicely.
The Adafruit Feather RP2040 uses the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. With some light soldering, this board enables you to use the many FeatherWings available, which provides a ton of possibilities without a lot of wiring necessary. It has 21 GPIO pins, a little red LED and an RGB NeoPixel LED. You can power it with and charge a lipoly battery. It also has a STEMMA QT connector to ass many solderless plug in sensors and displays.
A good choice if you want access to Feather ecosystem and its many FeatherWing add-on boards. The board is very powerful and runs CircuitPython very nicely at a price point lower than the M4. It also has the STEMMA QT port useful for adding many types of sensors and displays without soldering.
The Adafruit Metro M4, featuring the ATSAMD51 microcontroller, is a development board in the Metro form factor. It boasts 25 GPIO pins, along with four indicator LEDs and an RGB NeoPixel LED. It can be powered via USB using the micro USB connector, or through the DC jack. The great thing about this board is that it's compatible with Arduino Shields, meaning there are a ton of possibilities available without a lot of wiring necessary.
This board can also be used with the examples from the Metro Experimenter's Guide.
A good choice if you want something in the classic Arduino UNO form factor for use with the many available Arduino shields. The board is very powerful and runs CircuitPython very nicely.
This kit does require some soldering to attach the header pins to the Itsy Bitsy M4. It also requires building up each circuit to use the various components. However, this does allow you to gain more experience by being more hands on with the hardware.
This a good choice if you are comfortable soldering and building circuits and want a more hands-on experience. The board is very powerful and runs CircuitPython very nicely.
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