Arduino Nano Every
The Arduino Nano Every is a budget classic Arduino in the Nano form factor, running an ATMega4809 AVR at 20MHz with 48KB flash and 6KB SRAM. It is the simplest and cheapest Arduino Nano available, ideal for learning basic electronics and programming without the complexity of modern ARM or ESP32 boards.
Best as the cheapest Arduino Nano for absolute beginners, skip for any project needing wireless, speed, or significant memory.
Where to Buy
Pros
- Cheapest official Arduino Nano — lowest entry point into the Arduino ecosystem
- Simple 8-bit AVR architecture is easiest to learn and debug
- 5V logic level compatible with most hobby sensors and modules
- Extensive tutorial library — every beginner Arduino course works with AVR
Cons
- 20MHz 8-bit AVR is extremely slow by modern standards
- Only 6KB SRAM and 48KB flash — severely limiting for anything beyond basic projects
- No WiFi, no Bluetooth, no USB-OTG — completely wired with Micro-USB
- Micro-USB instead of USB-C — already outdated at launch
The Simplicity Argument
The Nano Every exists because sometimes simpler is better. The 8-bit AVR architecture has one core, one clock, no DMA, no RTOS, and no peripheral complexity. Code runs line by line, exactly as written. For a first-time programmer blinking an LED or reading a button, this predictability is valuable.
Compare this to an ESP32-S3 where the WiFi stack runs on a separate core, interrupts fire from multiple peripherals, and memory management includes both SRAM and PSRAM. The Nano Every has none of that complexity — it is a direct path from code to hardware.
Full Specifications
Processor
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Architecture | AVR |
| CPU Cores | 1 |
| Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
Memory
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Flash | 0.048 MB |
| SRAM | 6 KB |
| eeprom | 256 bytes |
I/O & Interfaces
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| GPIO Pins | 22 |
| ADC Channels | 8 |
| SPI | 1 |
| I2C | 1 |
| UART | 1 |
| USB | Micro-USB (UART bridge) |
Power
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 7-21 V |
| operating_voltage | 5 V |
Physical
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45 x 18 mm |
| Form Factor | Arduino Nano |
Who Should Buy This
Simplest possible Arduino. 5V logic works with all beginner sensor kits. AVR architecture has the most beginner tutorials. Cannot be bricked by incorrect configuration.
No wireless capability. The ESP32-C3 offers WiFi, BLE 5.0, and 8x the processing power at a similar price point.
Better alternative: ESP32-C3-DevKitM-1
Simple PWM output, 5V logic, and the Arduino Servo library handle this perfectly. No need for a more powerful board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arduino Nano Every still worth buying?
Only for absolute beginners or projects that specifically need 5V AVR simplicity. For any new project with even modest requirements, the ESP32-C3 or Arduino Nano ESP32 are better investments at similar prices.
Arduino Nano Every vs Nano ESP32: what is the difference?
The Nano ESP32 has a dual-core 240MHz ESP32-S3 with WiFi, BLE, 16MB flash, and 8MB PSRAM. The Nano Every has a single 20MHz AVR with no wireless and 48KB flash. They share the Nano form factor but the ESP32 is vastly more capable.
Can the Nano Every connect to WiFi?
Not natively. You would need an external WiFi module like an ESP-01 connected via serial, which adds cost and complexity. For WiFi projects, use a board with built-in wireless.
Why does the Nano Every use Micro-USB instead of USB-C?
The Nano Every was designed as a budget board with older components. The USB-UART bridge chip uses Micro-USB. The newer Arduino Nano ESP32 and Uno R4 both use USB-C.
How much code can the Nano Every hold?
48KB of flash holds roughly 1,500-2,000 lines of typical Arduino code. Complex libraries can fill this quickly — the WiFi library alone would exceed the flash capacity, which is why it has no wireless.