The best hardware hacking tools, according to hackers
4 hardware hacking tools recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
All hardware hacking tools
- Flipper ZeroPocket hardware for reading, cloning and replaying RF, RFID and IR signals, and for small projects. Common caveat: limited practical use beyond novelty.52recommend
- ESP32 Bit PiratePeople recommend it as a cheap ESP32 tool for hardware protocols, with browser control. Critics say it needs protocol handlers written by hand and suspect AI-generated code.13recommend
- Kode DotPeople recommend it as an all-in-one pocket device that needs no extra shields or cables, with built-in NFC. Critics agree the roughly $200 base price is too high.7recommend
- Bus Pirate by Dangerous PrototypesA handy hardware device, still the most popular model and actively developed and supported. Some critics find its bytecode-style syntax complex.6recommend