Arduino Board Ranges Explained: Core, Maker/MKR, and Pro

Arduino’s board ranges cater to every maker, from beginners to professionals. Whether you're learning the basics, building IoT devices, or tackling industrial-grade projects, Arduino has a solution. This guide explains the Core, Maker/MKR, and Pro ranges, helping you find the perfect board for your needs.
               
Core Range:

Arduino UNO Rev3 (UNO R3): Still Relevant

The UNO R3 remains a classic choice for beginners due to its simplicity, reliability, and wide support. With 14 digital pins, 6 analog inputs, and USB connectivity, it’s perfect for learning the basics of electronics and coding. Its extensive community ensures ample resources and tutorials.

Arduino UNO R4 WiFi: The Connected Upgrade

The UNO R4 WiFi builds on the R3 with modern enhancements, including a 32-bit microcontroller for more processing power, higher memory, and built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth capabilities. This makes it ideal for IoT projects or advanced prototyping while retaining the ease of use of the UNO series.

Arduino UNO R4 Minima: Compact and Affordable

The UNO R4 Minima offers the same powerful upgrades as the UNO R4 WiFi, minus the wireless connectivity, making it a budget-friendly option for those who want enhanced performance without extra features. It’s great for beginners seeking a versatile board with a lower price point.

Arduino Nano: A compact board perfect for breadboard projects and space-constrained applications, featuring 14 digital pins and 8 analog inputs.

Arduino Micro: Similar to the Nano but with additional USB functionality for creating custom input devices like keyboards or game controllers.

Arduino Leonardo: Offers USB communication for projects requiring custom HID (Human Interface Device) functionalities like joysticks.

Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3: Ideal for complex projects requiring many pins (54 digital, 16 analog) and ample memory, such as robotics or automation.

               
Maker / MKR Range:

Maker/MKR boards are designed for IoT and connected projects, featuring built-in connectivity options and low-power designs suitable for battery-powered applications. 

Arduino MKR WiFi 1010: Offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a go-to for IoT projects like smart home devices or remote monitoring.

Arduino Nano 33 IoT and Nano 33 IoT with headers: Compact and IoT-ready with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless cloud connectivity.

Arduino Nano ESP32 and Nano ESP32 with headers: Powered by the ESP32, these boards combine compact size with powerful wireless capabilities for advanced IoT development.

              

Pro Range ( coming soon ):

Pro boards from the Portenta range are designed for industrial and advanced applications, offering powerful processing, cutting-edge connectivity, and robust hardware for professional use. These boards are ideal for AI, robotics, and IoT systems requiring high performance and reliability.

Portenta H7: A high-performance board with dual-core processing, enabling it to run real-time tasks and AI workloads simultaneously. Perfect for robotics, machine learning, and multimedia applications.

Portenta X8: Combines an ARM processor with a Linux-capable microprocessor, making it ideal for industrial IoT, edge computing, and secure data processing. It offers advanced connectivity options for complex applications.

Portenta Machine Control: Designed for automation and control, this board is built for industrial-grade solutions. It features built-in relays, voltage monitoring, and robust interfaces for precision and reliability in professional environments.

Arduino’s diverse range of boards ensures there’s a perfect fit for every project, from simple prototypes to industrial-grade applications. Whether you’re just starting out, exploring IoT, or developing professional systems, Arduino offers the tools to bring your ideas to life. With Core boards for versatility, Maker/MKR boards for connectivity, and Pro boards for advanced capabilities, the possibilities are endless. Explore the range today and take the next step in your maker journey!