ESP 32 Mega-Confusion

Hi @dazza,

   Each ESP32 ic is a small surface mount component, a few mm square in size. Until comparatively recently it consisted of one design. It has now expanded in a whole family with one, two or three processor 'cores' and at least two different processor types. If that is what you want, then I suggest you go to the Expressif website and start exploring. I haven't checked, but I think the 'raw' chip has little or no non-volatile memory.

The next level up is a module in the 20-30mm square size range, with a metal lid, and castellated solder contacts around three sides. Some versions have a WiFi/Bluetooth antenna built into the end. There are many variations of parts under the metal lid, but they usually include memory, etc. Again the Expressif website is good place to start as they detail 'suggested' configurations, but other options are also available. Wikipedia has at least one summary page of commonly available modules.

The third level are the small boards, with pins (or at least plated holes) at 0.1 inch pitch. Some, but maybe not all, are probably described as development boards.

I think you need to study the differences to find the most appropriate level ... personally I would start at the dev board level to get familiar with the technology, before heading towards the single chip level.

Buying from Banggood, Aliexpress etc. is a bit of a lottery. Cloned parts are very common, and others may be more dubious. If you are looking to make a product to sell, or will be used in a safety critical area, then mainstream distributors like Digi-key, etc maybe more appropriate. This forum is intended for 'amateur projects' who understand the risks, typically have more modest budgets and accept the odd purchase will prove to be a dud. As such we probably use a mixture of suppliers, including both of the above types.

PS I just noticed you mention Ebay and Amazon -- personally I would generally put them in roughly the same category as Banggood etc. in terms of the actual products --- most of what I have seen is the same --- commonly they seem to be the same products, but some may be held in your local country and hence (depending upon your location) delivered in days, instead of weeks. This difference often reflects in a higher price, although lower postage costs, Prime,  etc. sometimes makes this route a better deal. Of course, Ebay and Amazon also offer items from local sources, whilst Banggood, etc., specialise in the China area, so in principle Ebay and Amazon could offer a wider choice, but I have seen little evidence of this in the UK for most of the items we are discussing, probably because they originate in the China area.

Best wishes, Dave

@davee Thank you for your detailed reply. 

Yes I do have an ESP 32-Wrove Dev board and I have purchased a USB to Jtag interface board, for debugging code

My location is Australia, the Island where nothing comes, except cheap Chinese parts flow, hence my hunt for 'Quality' part sourcing. 

I might have to reach out to Espressif and find a 'distro' in Singapore or HK.