When you’re developing a new electronic product, the microcontroller is one of the most important cost decisions you’ll make.
It’s often one of the pricier parts on your board, and the choice affects performance, power, and long-term cost.
The good news is that there are now more low-cost options than ever before.
Some are unbelievably cheap, but not all of them are good deals once you look closer. A few come with trade-offs that can cost you far more in the long run.
In my latest video, I count down the Top 10 Cheapest Microcontrollers in 2026 and explain which ones are worth using in a real product.
Top 10 Cheapest Microcontrollers in 2026
I’ve also built (and significantly expanded again) a special Microcontroller Selector Tool that will tell which microcontroller is best for your product. You can access it directly here without reentering your email address.
Cheers,
John Teel
Founder / Lead Engineer
Predictable Designs
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P.S. If you need engineering support and design reviews so you can avoid costly mistakes before production, we're here for you inside The Hardware Academy.
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