CrowPanel development boards are highly integrated, ESP32-based boards with built-in displays. They stand out for their high quality, excellent documentation, and free YouTube learning videos.
The basic series uses the ESP32S with 4MB flash memory and resistive touch, while the advanced series features the more powerful ESP32-S3 with 16MB flash memory and capacitive touch. Both are available in multiple display sizes.
This is the backside of a CrowPanel Advance:
The CrowPanel lineup is a versatile solution for different audiences:
- Beginners: The CrowPanel Advanced includes a microphone, amplifier, speaker, and touch display, making it easy to explore a wide range of examples without a steep learning curve.
- Advanced Users: Many essential peripherals are already integrated, especially in the advanced series, allowing for compact, reliable devices without custom PCB design.
- Industry: CrowPanels serve as cost-effective, all-in-one modules that are easier to integrate than custom solutions.
Overview
What sets CrowPanels apart from other development boards:
- Integrated Touch Display: Every CrowPanel includes a built-in touch display, from 2.4” up to 7”.
- Rich Peripherals: The CrowPanel Advance integrates peripherals like a microphone, speaker, RTC, and more, supporting compact designs and hands-on learning right out of the box.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Free, detailed YouTube video tutorials make self-learning and exploration straightforward, saving time and frustration.
| Product | Free Video Learning Tutorial |
|---|---|
| CrowPanel Basic | YouTube |
| CrowPanel Advanced | YouTube |
Battery Support
All CrowPanel boards support rechargeable LiIon batteries, which can be connected directly. The built-in charger automatically charges the battery when the panel is powered via USB-C.
Basic Series
The original basic Elecrow CrowPanel Display HMI uses the classic ESP32S microcontroller, 4MB flash, and resistive touch displays in various sizes.
| Size | 2.4 | 2.8 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 7.0 | ESP32 Terminal-3.5 RGB Display | ESP32 Terminal-3.5 SPI Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | yes |
| Resolution | 320×240 | 320×240 | 480×320 | 480×272 | 800×480 | 800×480 | 480×320 | 480×320 |
| Touch Type | Resistive | Resistive | Resistive | Resistive | Capacitive | Capacitive | Capacitive | Capacitive |
| Main Processor | ESP32-WROOM-32-N4 | ESP32-WROOM-32-N4 | ESP32-WROVER-B | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N4R2 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N4R8 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N4R8 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-2 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-2 |
| Frequency | 240MHz | 240MHz | 240MHz | 240MHz | 240MHz | 240MHz | 240MHz | 240MHz |
| Flash | 4MB | 4MB | 4MB | 4MB | 4MB | 4MB | 16MB | 16MB |
| SRAM | 520KB | 520KB | 520KB | 512KB | 512KB | 512KB | 512KB | 512KB |
| ROM | 448KB | 448KB | 448KB | 384KB | 384KB | 384KB | 384KB | 384KB |
| PSRAM | / | / | 8MB | 2MB | 8MB | 8MB | 8MB | 8MB |
| Display Driver | ILI9341V | ILI9341V | ILI9488 | NV3047 | IL16122 + IL15960 | EK9716BD3 + EK73002ACGB | ILI9488 | ILI9488 |
| Screen | TFT | TFT | TFT | TFT | TFT | TFT | TFT | TFT |
| Type Interface | 1UART0, 1UART1, 1I2C, 1GPIO, 1*Battery | 1UART0, 1UART1, 1I2C, 1GPIO, 1*Battery | 2UART0, 1I2C, 1GPIO, 1Battery | 1UART0, 2UART1, 2GPIO, 1Battery | 2UART0, 2GPIO, 2I2C, 1Battery | 2UART0, 2GPIO, 2I2C, 1Battery | 1UART, 1Analog, 1IIC, 1Digital, 1*Battery | 1UART, 2Analog, 1IIC, 2Digital, 1*Battery |
| Speaker Jack | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| TF Card Slot | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Active Area | 36.72×48.96mm | 43.2×57.6mm | 48.96×73.44mm | 95.04×53.8mm | 108×64.8mm | 153.84×85.63mm | 49.79×73.63mm | 49.79×73.63mm |
This series quickly gained popularity among DIY/makers, smart home enthusiasts, and industry users who needed a highly integrated module.
Advanced Series
With the advent of newer, more powerful processors, Elecrow introduced the advanced CrowPanel Advance, featuring the ESP32-S3, quadrupled flash memory (16MB), and numerous other significant enhancements.
| Feature | Remark |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | ESP32-S3 replaces the ESP32S |
| Memory | 16MB flash memory (up from 4MB) |
| Display | Brightness increased from 175 cd/m² to 400 cd/m² |
| Touch | Capacitive panels (true finger touch) instead of resistive (stylus required) |
| Voice/Audio | Built-in microphone, amplifier, and speaker for AI, speech recognition, hands-free, audio |
| Wireless | Supports plug-in modules: LoRa/Meshtastic, Thread, Zigbee, Matter, WiFi, BT |
| RTC | Real-Time Clock included on models 3.5” and larger |
Caveat: Display Size
There are two groups of panels with key functional differences:
| Display Size (Inch) | Resolution | Secondary USB-C Port |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4, 2.8, 3.5 | 480×320 | yes |
| 4.3, 5.0, 7.0 | 800×480 | no |
- Higher Resolution: Starting at 4.3”, displays offer much better resolution.
- Secondary USB-C Port: Only the smaller displays (3.5” and below) include a secondary USB-C port for connecting peripherals (like keyboards or mice), allowing the ESP32-S3 to act as a USB host or device. This useful connector is missing on larger boards, despite having more space. If you need USB device/host features, choose a 3.5” or smaller model.
Wireless Plug-In Modules
Optional plug-in wireless modules greatly expand CrowPanel capabilities:
- Meshtastic: Turn your panel into a long-range digital mesh text transceiver (firmware adjustments required; the large display enables features like on-screen keyboards).
- Smart Home: Add radio modules to create advanced smart home controllers for devices like garage doors or garden lights.
- Thread/Zigbee/Matter/WiFi6: Add the appropriate module as a co-processor for the latest wireless protocols.
Currently available add-on modules:
| Driver | Wireless | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| SX1262 | LoRa | Meshtastic, long-range data transmission |
| nRF24L01+ | 2.4GHz | ISM band data transmission |
| ESP32-H2 | Thread/Zigbee/Matter | Modern connectivity |
| ESP32-C6 | WiFi 6 | Enhanced wireless connectivity |
Important:
- Radio modules must be selected at order time and are not sold separately.
- All radio modules are optional.
- Only one radio module can be used at a time.
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(content created May 19, 2025)