Best Microprocessors of 2025

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Microprocessors are essential components in modern technology, used in everything from computers to cars. These small but powerful chips are responsible for processing and executing instructions, making them critical to the operation of many devices. With advances in technology, microprocessors have become increasingly efficient and versatile, allowing for greater functionality and performance. Whether you're designing a new product or upgrading an existing one, choosing the right microprocessor is crucial to its success. With a wide range of options available, from low-power embedded processors to high-performance multicore chips, there is a microprocessor to meet every need in the industrial and scientific sectors.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HiLetgo AD9833 Signal Generator Module Cover #TOP 1
HiLetgo AD9833 Signal Generator Module
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AITRIP ESP32 Development Board (3PCS) Cover #TOP 2
AITRIP ESP32 Development Board (3PCS)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
DBParts New for 2 Pcs Z80 CPU Microprocessor IC ZILOG DIP-40 Z84C0020PEC Z80CPU Z80-CPU Cover #TOP 3
DBParts New for 2 Pcs Z80 CPU Microprocessor IC ZILOG DIP-40 Z84C0020PEC Z80CPU Z80-CPU
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 9 Microprocessors

#TOP 1

HiLetgo AD9833 Signal Generator Module

3-01-1617
HiLetgo AD9833 Signal Generator Module Cover
HiLetgo AD9833 Programmable Microprocessors Serial Interface Module GY-9833 Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator Module

The HiLetgo Signal Generator is a versatile module that can produce sine, triangle, and square wave signals within a frequency range of 0-12.5MHz. With a compact size of 17 * 12mm, it operates on a 2.3V to 5.5V power supply and features an SPI interface line for easy connectivity. This module is ideal for electronics enthusiasts and professionals who need a customizable waveform generator for various applications. You can benefit from its wide frequency range, compact design, versatile waveform options, and convenient SPI interface for seamless integration into your projects.

What We Like
Wide Frequency Range
Compact Size
Versatile Waveforms
#TOP 2

AITRIP ESP32 Development Board (3PCS)

15363
3PCS
AITRIP ESP32 Development Board (3PCS) Cover
ESP-WROOM-32 ESP32 ESP-32S Development Board 2.4GHz Dual-Mode WiFi + Bluetooth Dual Cores Microcontroller Processor Integrated with Antenna RF AMP Filter AP STA Compatible with Arduino IDE (3PCS)

The AITRIP ESP32 Development Board is a versatile microcontroller with 2.4GHz Dual Mode WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. It supports LWIP protocol and Freertos, offering three modes: AP, STA, and AP+STA. With ultra-low power consumption and compatibility with Arduino IDE, the ESP32 is both safe and reliable for various applications. The integrated antenna RF AMP filter enhances signal strength and connectivity, making it ideal for IoT projects and wireless communication solutions.

What We Like
Dual WiFi + Bluetooth
LWIP Protocol Support
Low Power Consumption
#TOP 3

DBParts New for 2 Pcs Z80 CPU Microprocessor IC ZILOG DIP-40 Z84C0020PEC Z80CPU Z80-CPU

DBParts
Z84C0020PEC
DBParts New for 2 Pcs Z80 CPU Microprocessor IC ZILOG DIP-40 Z84C0020PEC Z80CPU Z80-CPU Cover
DBParts New for 2 Pcs Z80 CPU Microprocessor IC ZILOG DIP-40 Z84C0020PEC Z80CPU Z80-CPU

Features
Speed: 20MHz
Processor Type: Z80
Voltage: 5V
Supplier Device Package: 40-PDIP
Mounting Type: Through Hole
#TOP 4

JAMECO GB171 IC Grab Bag

JAMECO
GB171
JAMECO GB171 IC Grab Bag Cover
JAMECO GB171 IC Grab Bag Microprocessors RAM Proms EPROMs CPUs and Misc. DIPs

JAMECO Microprocessors Grab Bag, by JAMECO, is a collection of 50 assorted ICs including microprocessors, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, PROMs, EPROMs, and CPUs from the 8000 Series. This grab bag offers a variety of components essential for electronics projects. The microprocessors provide the brains for your circuits, while the RAMs and PROMs store data efficiently. The EPROMs allow for reprogramming, and the CPUs ensure smooth operation. With this grab bag, you have a diverse selection of components to experiment with and bring your electronic creations to life.

What We Like
Diverse components collection
Essential for electronics projects
Allows for reprogramming
#TOP 5

NVX XSBI500 Microprocessor-Controlled 500 Amp, Dual Sensing Smart Relay Battery Isolator

NVX
xsbi500
500 Amp
NVX XSBI500 Microprocessor-Controlled 500 Amp, Dual Sensing Smart Relay Battery Isolator Cover
NVX XSBI500 Microprocessor-Controlled 500 Amp, Dual Sensing Smart Relay Battery Isolator

Features
Does Not Create A Voltage Drop To The Second Battery Like Conventional Isolators
Mobile Audio Relay And Battery Isolator. Great For Isolating A Second Batter Making It Dedicated To The Stereo System
Switching Power: 10 - 16 VDC
Draws Less Than 1 Amp When On
500 Amps At 12V Continuous Power Handling. 700 Amps Surge Power Handling
#TOP 6

SparkFun ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini - ESP32-PICO-V3-02 Embedded, Xtensa Dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, Operating Voltage: 3.0-3.6V, Board Dimensions: 1.5in x 0.70in

DEV-23386
SparkFun ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini - ESP32-PICO-V3-02 Embedded, Xtensa Dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, Operating Voltage: 3.0-3.6V, Board Dimensions: 1.5in x 0.70in Cover
SparkFun ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini - ESP32-PICO-V3-02 Embedded, Xtensa Dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor, Operating Voltage: 3.0-3.6V, Board Dimensions: 1.5in x 0.70in

Features
With Two Individually Controllable CPU Cores, Adjustable CPU Clock Frequency, A Co-Processor That Can Be Used In Situations That Require Minimal Computing Power, As Well As A Rich Set Of Peripherals Such As Capabilities For An External SD Card Interface, Capacitive Touch Sensors, ADC, DAC, Two-Wire Automotive Interface, To Ethernet, High-Speed SPI, UART, I²S, And I²C, This Board Is A Powerhouse In A Tiny Little Package.
Say Hello To The Next Generation Of Pro Mini Boards - The SparkFun ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini Houses The Powerful ESP32 Pico Mini From Espressif.
The Sleep Current Of The ESP32 Chip Is Less Than 5μA, Making It Suitable For Battery-Powered And Wearable Electronics Applications. The Module Supports A Data Rate Of Up To 150Mbps And 20dBm Output Power At The Antenna To Ensure The Most Comprehensive Physical Range. Note: Unlike Other ESP32 Boards, This Device Requires User Interaction To Program. To Program The Device, Hold Down GP0 While Resetting It. This Is A Simple Process, But It Is Not Automatic.
Features: CPU And On­Chip Memory, ESP32-PICO-V3-02 Embedded, Xtensa Dual-Core 32-Bit LX6 Microprocessor, Up To 240 MHz, 448KB ROM For Booting And Core Functions, 520KB SRAM For Data And Instructions, 16KB SRAM In RTC, 8MB SPI Flash, 2MB PSRAM.
Also Features: Integrated Components On Module, 40 MHz Crystal Oscillator, Antenna Options, ESP32-PICO-MINI-02: On-Board PCB Antenna, Operating Conditions, Operating Voltage/Power Supply: 3.0 ~ 3.6 V, Operating Ambient Temperature: –40 ~ 85 °C, 1x Vertical Qwiic Connector.
#TOP 7

NOYITO AD9833 Programmable Microprocessor Serial Interface Module Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator

AD9833
NOYITO AD9833 Programmable Microprocessor Serial Interface Module Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator Cover
NOYITO AD9833 Programmable Microprocessor Serial Interface Module Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator

Features
The Output Frequency And Phase Are Programmable Software That Can Be Easily Adjusted. No External Components Are Necessary. The Frequency Register Is 28 Bits Wide: The Clock Frequency Is 25 MHz, Which Can Achieve A Resolution Of 0.1 Hz; The AD9833 Has A Clock Frequency Of 1 MHz And Can Be Tuned To A Resolution Of 0.004 Hz.
The AD9833 Is A Low Power, Programmable, Sinusoidal Waveform Generator With Triangular And Square Wave Outputs. Generation Is Required In Various Types Of Waveform Detection, Implementation, And Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Applications.
The AD9833 Is Written Through The Serial Interface Line. The Serial Interface Operates At Clock Frequencies Up To 40 MHz And Is Standard Compatible With DSP And Microcontrollers. The Device Operates From A 2.3 V 5.5 V Supply.
The AD9833 Has A Standard Serial Interface That Allows The Device To Be Directly Connected To Different Microprocessors. The Device Uses An External Serial Clock To Write Data Or Information To The Control Device.
The AD9833 Has A Power-Down Function (SLEEP). This Allows The Unused Portion Of The Device To Be Turned Off, Thereby Minimizing The Power Consumption Portion, For Example, Turning Off The DAC When The Output Clock Is Generated.
#TOP 8

Pack of 1 MC68000P10 Microprocessor Chip MC68000 DIP64

FENXINCHIP
MC68000P10
Pack of 1 MC68000P10 Microprocessor Chip MC68000 DIP64 Cover
Pack of 1 MC68000P10 Microprocessor Chip MC68000 DIP64

Features
Variable Length Stack
8-Bit Parallel Processing
Maskable Interrupt Vector
#TOP 9

AITRIP 4PCS AD9833 Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator Programmable Microprocessors Serial Interface Module

AD9833
AITRIP 4PCS AD9833 Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator Programmable Microprocessors Serial Interface Module Cover
AITRIP 4PCS AD9833 Sine Square Wave DDS Signal Generator Programmable Microprocessors Serial Interface Module

Features
The AD9833 Has A Power-Down Function (SLEEP). This Allows The Unused Portion Of The Device To Be Turned Off, Thereby Minimizing The Power Consumption Portion, For Example, Turning Off The DAC When The Output Clock Is Generated.
The AD9833 Is A Low Power, Programmable, Sinusoidal Waveform Generator That Needs To Be Generated In Various Types Of Waveform Detection, Implementation, And Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Applications.
With Power Down Function (SLEEP). This Allows The Unused Portion Of The Device To Be Turned Off, Thereby Minimizing The Power Consumption Portion, For Example, Turning Off The DAC When The Output Clock Is Generated.
The Output Frequency And Phase Are Programmable Software That Can Be Easily Adjusted. No External Components Are Necessary. The Frequency Register Is 28 Bits Wide: The Clock Frequency Is 25 MHz, Which Can Achieve A Resolution Of 0.1 Hz; The AD9833 Has A Clock Frequency Of 1 MHz And Can Be Tuned To A Resolution Of 0.004 Hz.
The AD9833 Has A Standard Serial Interface That Allows The Device To Be Directly Connected To Different Microprocessors. The Device Uses An External Serial Clock To Write Data Or Information To The Control Device.
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are microprocessors used for?

The microprocessor is the central unit of a computer system that performs arithmetic and logic operations, which generally include adding, subtracting, transferring numbers from one area to another, and comparing two numbers. It's often known simply as a processor, a central processing unit, or as a logic chip.

2. What is microprocessor and example?

A microprocessor is an integrated circuit (IC) which incorporates core functions of a computer's central processing unit (CPU). It is a programmable multipurpose silicon chip, clock driven, register based, accepts binary data as input and provides output after processing it as per the instructions stored in the memory.

3. Is a CPU a microprocessor?

Many admins use CPU and microprocessor interchangeably, but the reality is that while a CPU is essentially a microprocessor, not all microprocessors are CPUs.

Editor's Notes

During our microprocessor research, we found 16 microprocessor products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,635 customer reviews through our big data system to write the microprocessors list. We found that most customers choose microprocessors with an average price of $13.89.

The microprocessors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of microprocessors, including HiLetgo, AITRIP, DBParts, JAMECO, NVX. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 863 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.