A kit or a board?
Start with your goal.
Choose HardwareBlocks when one of its four fixed sensors fits your project and you want an assembled input with a documented web-app interface. Choose a development board when you need different components, direct GPIO access or full control of the electronics. Choose a computer when the project needs a local operating system.
HardwareBlocks uses Seeed XIAO boards and Espressif chips. We compete with the build-it-yourself route for a prototype, while relying on those component suppliers. This is our assessment of project fit, not a benchmark or an endorsement by the manufacturers.
| Starting point | What you start with | Choose it when | Your integration work |
|---|---|---|---|
| HardwareBlocks | One assembled sensor, battery, enclosure, web app, REST and MCP | You want a fixed camera, motion, distance or climate input for an AI-assisted prototype | Your app logic, AI inference, alerts and application testing |
| ESP32 / Seeed XIAO | A microcontroller board; XIAO ESP32S3 is also used inside our kits | You need to choose sensors, pins, power and firmware yourself | Sensor integration, enclosure, power and the software/data path |
| Arduino UNO R4 WiFi | A development board with exposed I/O and Wi-Fi connectivity | You want a hands-on electronics project around the Arduino ecosystem | Choose peripherals, write firmware and connect your application |
| Raspberry Pi 5 | A single-board computer | You need a local computer for your application or a gateway | Operating system, power, sensors and application services |
Compare the whole prototype.
A bare board and an assembled kit are different purchases. Include sensors, battery, cabling, enclosure, assembly and integration time in your own comparison. We do not claim to be cheaper than a bare board or faster in every project.
HardwareBlocks kits cost 99 EUR each including VAT, plus 30 EUR shipping per EU order. One kit totals 129 EUR. Three total 327 EUR. No AI-model subscription is included. Check other suppliers’ current prices and your required accessories separately.
When another route is a better fit.
Use a custom board design if you need different sensors or production-specific electronics. Evaluate a computer-based solution if your application needs local compute beyond the documented kit interface. For GPS, cellular, waterproofing or safety-critical use, choose hardware validated for those requirements. HardwareBlocks does not currently provide them.
Manufacturer references.
Product names belong to their respective owners. Comparison reviewed 29 October 2026.
Make the first version.
Try a simulation today. Choose your physical input when you’re ready.