Comparison page

HMC5883L vs MPU6050

Side-by-side selection notes for specs, ecosystem readiness, known issues, and data confidence. This page is generated from structured component fields instead of a hand-written article.

HMC5883L

Projects needing Magnetometer and Compass with a commonly available sensors part.

MPU6050

Projects needing 6-axis IMU and Huge ecosystem with a commonly available sensors part.

Specification Matrix

DimensionHMC5883L MPU6050

CategorySensorsSensors

MakerHoneywellTDK InvenSense

CoreNot specifiedNot specified

ClockNot specifiedNot specified

WirelessNot specifiedNot specified

Voltage3.3V3.3V

LibrariesArduinoArduino, MicroPython

Price$1.00 - $3.00$0.80 - $2.50

Known Tradeoffs

HMC5883L

Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

MPU6050

Breakout boards may use different pin labels or regulator choices
Clone modules can differ from the original datasheet part

Open Individual Model Pages

HMC5883L

Honeywell

Legacy 3-axis magnetometer used in electronic compass modules and tutorials.

China-madeSensors72% confidence

MPU6050

TDK InvenSense

Very common 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope used in robotics, balancing robots, and motion projects.

China-madeSensors90% confidence