You, too, can build this cute ESP32 internet radio controllable with just a dial

Credit: ShebinJoseJacob Published Nov 8, 2026, 3:12 AM EST Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary This minimal Wi-Fi internet radio is built with an ESP32-S3, OLED, and a rotary dial. Turn the dial to change volume; press it to cycle internet radio presets. Arduino firmware uses ESP32-audioI2S and Adafruit SH110X; add stream URLs easily. The humble radio may not be as popular as it once was, but that doesn't mean it's entirely useless. In fact, if you're in the mood to get tinkering, you can build your own radio that plays only what you want to listen to. Now, someone has released the plans for a cute minimalistic Wi-Fi internet radio that uses an ESP32-S3 which only uses a dial to control what station you're on. So, if you're looking for a fun little device to sit on your desk and play music, look no further. This ESP32-S3 radio gives you new tunes with the turn of a dial No need to go through radio frequencies, either Over on the ESP32 subreddit, user ShebinJoseJacob shared what they've been working on. It's called the DIY Wi-Fi Internet Radio, and it's a small device with an OLED screen, an ESP32-S3, and a rotary encoder. When you turn the dial, it adjusts the volume; press the dial in, and it'll switch to the next station. Of course, it doesn't use actual FM radio stations; instead, it's based on internet radio. As such, getting it set up with your favorite stations is pretty easy: The firmware is Arduino-based and uses the ESP32-audioI2S and Adafruit SH110X libraries. On power-up it joins Wi-Fi and starts playing right away. Stations are a simple list in the code, so adding your own stream URLs is easy. The current presets are BBC World Service, Swiss Jazz, Classic FM, Lo-Fi Hip Hop and a few more.DIY Wi-Fi Internet Radio If you'd like to make your own, you can check out all the instructions and details over on the DIY Wi-Fi Internet Radio website.