ChipScout

Communication

SIM800L

Low-cost 2G GSM/GPRS module still used in regions where 2G networks remain available.

China-madeSIMComActiveModerate

Best For

Projects needing GSM and GPRS with a commonly available communication part.

Avoid If

You need production-grade certainty without checking the exact module vendor, pinout, and library maintenance status.

Quick Decision Notes

SIM800L is indexed as a communication part from SIMCom. ChipScout tracks it by practical maker-facing dimensions: interfaces, library readiness, estimated price, field-level sources, and whether the page is strong enough for selection rather than only lookup.

Technical Specifications

FunctionGSM / GPRSSource: SIMCom
InterfaceUARTSource: SIMCom
Network2GSource: SIMCom
Working Voltage3.4V - 4.4VSource: SIMCom

Common Use Cases

  • Maker prototypes
  • Low-cost modules
  • Educational hardware

Known Issues

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

Interfaces and Library Support

Interfaces
UART
Wireless
2G
Voltage
3.3V
Libraries
Arduino verifiedMicroPython pending
Data Integrity76% confidence
Sourcehttps://www.simcom.com/
Last verified2026-05-20
Core specsVerified
PinoutAvailable
Library supportChecked
Price rangePresent
Found a wrong spec?

Every field is meant to be source-backed. Corrections should include a datasheet URL, vendor page, module photo, or reproducible library test.

Submit correction

Source Resources

Datasheethttps://www.simcom.com/SIMComLibrarySIM800L Arduino library lookupArduino

Pinout Table

VCC3.3VPower the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.
GNDCommon groundConnect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.
TXMCU RXCross TX to RX between the module and controller.
RXMCU TXCheck whether the module is 3.3V logic before connecting to 5V boards.

Pinout is not yet source-verified. Use the table as an integration checklist, then confirm exact pins against the module vendor page before wiring hardware.

Common Wiring

VCC

Power the module from a rail that matches the breakout board, not just the bare IC.

GND

Connect ground between the controller, sensor/module, and external power supply.

TX

Cross TX to RX between the module and controller.

RX

Check whether the module is 3.3V logic before connecting to 5V boards.

Arduino Example

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.println("SIM800L GPIO wiring smoke test");
}

void loop() {
  // Replace with the maintained SIM800L library or module protocol.
  Serial.println("Read or toggle the connected signal pin.");
  delay(1000);
}
SIM800L Arduino library lookup

MicroPython Example

MicroPython support is pending. Treat community scripts as prototypes until a maintained driver is linked and tested on a known development board.

Recommended Development Boards

ESP32-C3 development board

Low-cost Wi-Fi/BLE board with enough interfaces for most sensors and modules.

Arduino Uno R4 / compatible

Good baseline for beginner wiring and library validation.

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Practical MicroPython target for I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, and ADC experiments.

Alternative Model Reasons

A7670CCommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
ATGM336HCommunicationSame-category alternative worth checking for pinout, library, and supply differences.
BC26CommunicationCompare this option when price or module availability is the deciding constraint.
CC1101CommunicationThis alternative currently has stronger source coverage and confidence in ChipScout.

Common Questions

What is SIM800L best used for?

Projects needing GSM and GPRS with a commonly available communication part.

Does SIM800L support Arduino or MicroPython?

SIM800L has verified Arduino support and MicroPython support pending verification.

What interfaces does SIM800L use?

SIM800L lists UART; wireless support is 2G.

Compare SIM800L vs A7670C

Alternatives and Related Parts

A7670C

SIMCom

4G Cat.1 cellular module used in low-cost IoT telemetry products.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

ATGM336H

Zhongke Micro

China-made GNSS module commonly used as a low-cost GPS receiver in maker projects.

China-madeCommunication74% confidence

BC26

Quectel

NB-IoT module used for low-power cellular sensor applications.

China-madeCommunication72% confidence

CC1101

Texas Instruments

Sub-GHz transceiver used in low-power wireless links and RF experimentation.

China-madeCommunication82% confidence