Waveshare has introduced a compact ESP32-C5 development board that combines a built-in touchscreen, modern wireless connectivity, and several onboard sensors, making it a promising option for smart home dashboards, IoT controllers, and connected DIY projects.
The new ESP32-C5 2.8-inch IPS capacitive touch display development board is designed for makers who want a small, all-in-one platform without needing to add a separate screen or input interface. Its integrated 2.8-inch IPS display offers a 240 x 320 resolution, while capacitive touch support allows users to build more intuitive controls for connected devices, automation panels, sensor monitors, and other embedded applications.
At the center of the board is the ESP32-C5-WROOM-1 module. This chip is based on the RISC-V architecture and can run at up to 240 MHz. It is compatible with ESP-IDF and the Arduino IDE, giving developers flexibility whether they prefer a professional development framework or a more beginner-friendly programming environment.
Although this board is not intended for heavy computing tasks, it is well suited for lightweight smart interfaces and connected systems. Possible uses include smart home control panels, environmental monitoring stations, simple media control displays, wireless sensor hubs, and compact IoT terminals.
Connectivity is one of the biggest strengths of this ESP32-C5 board. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, along with Bluetooth 5, ZigBee 3.0, and Thread. This broad wireless support makes it especially useful for smart home projects where multiple communication standards may be required. With ZigBee and Thread onboard, the board can fit into modern home automation ecosystems more easily than many basic microcontroller display boards.
Power and programming are handled through USB-C, which keeps setup simple. The board also includes an integrated charging circuit for a 3.7 V battery, allowing it to be used in portable or semi-wireless projects. Waveshare offers the board at a base price of $26, while a bundle including a battery is listed at $27, making the battery package only slightly more expensive.
The board is also designed to work with external sensors and actuators, which expands its usefulness for custom IoT builds. In addition to expansion options, it includes several built-in components that add value right out of the box. These include an SHTC3 temperature and humidity sensor, a QMI8658 motion sensor with gyroscope and accelerometer functions, an integrated microphone, and a microSD card slot for storage.
With its touchscreen interface, built-in sensors, battery support, and strong wireless feature set, the ESP32-C5 2.8-inch touch display board is an attractive option for developers looking to build compact smart devices. It brings together many features that usually require multiple add-on modules, helping reduce wiring, save space, and speed up prototyping.
For hobbyists, makers, and embedded developers working on smart home or IoT projects, this new Waveshare board offers a practical balance of affordability, connectivity, and convenience in a compact form factor.
