{"id":118502,"date":"2026-08-13T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reichelt.com\/magazin\/?p=118502"},"modified":"2026-08-13T11:08:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:08:52","slug":"small-boards-big-possibilities-seeeds-xiao-microcontroller-boards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reichelt.com\/magazin\/en\/guide\/small-boards-big-possibilities-seeeds-xiao-microcontroller-boards\/","title":{"rendered":"Small boards, big possibilities: SEEED\u2019s XIAO microcontroller boards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Setting up your first IoT project? Designing a prototype for a start-up? Integrating smart sensors? All this and much more is possible with SEEED\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> compact XIAO microcontrollers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 offering the perfect balance of performance and price for hobbyists and prototyping projects alike. But what distinguishes the different models, and how do you choose the right one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are XIAO boards?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>XIAO is a range of microcontroller boards<\/a><\/strong> based on different processor architectures, each of which has its own strengths. ARM Cortex is widely used and impresses with its mature ecosystem and ultra-low power consumption. RISC-V features an open, licence-free architecture with integrated IoT capabilities, making it ideal for projects that wish to avoid licence-based solutions. Xtensa, on the other hand, delivers high computing power for demanding tasks. The low-power design ensures efficient energy management across every model, making the boards an attractive option for long-term projects too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All XIAO boards have one thing in common: their ultra-compact nature. Measuring just 21 x 17.8 mm, they are roughly the size of a thumbnail (hence the name \u2018ThumbSized\u2019). However, their small size does not compromise their performance. Depending on the model, they offer various storage capacities and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Zigbee. Another advantage is the price. The XIAO boards are affordable enough for hobby projects, yet scalable enough for professional applications. This gives them a wide range of applications, from hobby projects and professional prototypes to energy-efficient standalone applications and networked IoT systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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