- CapibaraZero is a DIY, open-source alternative to Flipper Zero based on ESP32-S3.
- It supports common wireless protocols like NFC, Sub-GHz, IR, WiFi, Bluetooth and BadUSB attacks.
- Compatible with off-the-shelf boards like LilyGO T-Embed CC1101 and Arduino Nano ESP32.
- The firmware is under active development and available for free on GitHub.
If you’ve been following the world of hacking gadgets, you’ve probably come across the famous Flipper Zero. It’s a sleek, powerful multi-tool designed for pentesters, hardware hackers, and RF enthusiasts. But there’s a catch — it’s not cheap. With a price tag nearing $169 and limited availability in some regions, many budget-conscious tinkerers have been looking for alternatives. Enter CapibaraZero.
This community-driven, open-source project is gaining attention as a low-cost Flipper Zero alternative that you can build yourself using common ESP32 hardware. Let’s dive deep into what CapibaraZero is, how it works, what hardware it supports, and how you can get started.
What is CapibaraZero?
CapibaraZero is an open-source firmware project designed to turn ESP32-based hardware boards into multifunctional tools for wireless communication analysis, hacking, and experimentation. The project was originally born out of the need for a more accessible alternative to the Flipper Zero — a device known for its capabilities like NFC cloning, IR control, BadUSB, WiFi network attacks, and more.
The core idea is simple: leverage affordable ESP32-S3 boards, with optional modules like ST7789 displays, PN532 NFC chips, Sub-GHz transceivers, and IR transmitters/receivers to replicate much of Flipper’s functionality. The entire firmware is free to download on GitHub, and everything about the project is community-driven, from the docs to the roadmap.
Hardware Requirements and Supported Boards
The power of CapibaraZero lies in its flexibility. The firmware is built with modularity in mind, meaning that different hardware configurations are supported depending on what features you’d like to use. Some of the key supported platforms include:
- LilyGO T-Embed CC1101: This is the most recommended board for beginners. It comes preloaded with many components that work right out of the box with CapibaraZero. It features a ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U module, 1.9-inch IPS display, CC1101 transceiver, PN532 NFC module, MicroSD card slot, IR transceiver, and much more.
- Arduino Nano ESP32: A compact board with USB and WiFi/Bluetooth interfaces. While it works with CapibaraZero firmware, you’ll need to add external modules if you want NFC or Sub-GHz capabilities.
- ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1: Another affordable development board that can run the firmware, again requiring external modules for full functionality.
To replicate most of the Flipper Zero’s features, it is recommended to use the LilyGO T-Embed CC1101, available on AliExpress for around $67 or Amazon for about $60. This is less than half the cost of the Flipper, making it a very attractive option.
Key Features of CapibaraZero
CapibaraZero offers a variety of tools and protocols commonly used in the world of cybersecurity and hardware hacking. The following functions are already implemented as part of the firmware:
- WiFi Attacks: Including sniffing, EvilPortal, and deauthentication attacks, made possible by the integrated functions in the ESP32-S3.
- Bluetooth (BLE) Tools: Support for BLE sniffing, advertising spam, and connections.
- BadUSB: Emulates HID devices like keyboards to inject commands. Supported by the native USB OTG support of the ESP32-S3.
- NFC/RFID: Using the PN532 chip, CapibaraZero can emulate, read, and clone NFC cards.
- Sub-GHz RF Communication: With the TI CC1101 chip, the board can interact with low-frequency devices such as garage doors and car remotes.
- Infrared (IR): Send and receive IR signals, including controlling commercial devices like TVs or fans.
Some features and attack types are still under development, but the active community and open repository show constant updates and improvements.
Flipper Zero Explained: The Ultimate Guide to the Geek Multi-tool
Open Source & Documentation
One of the main advantages of CapibaraZero is its open-source nature. The code is freely available on GitHub, and users are encouraged to contribute, report bugs, and suggest new features. If you want to build your own device, the developers have provided detailed documentation on the official documentation site.
The documentation includes instructions on:
- Assembling compatible hardware
- Flashing the firmware
- Configuring modules like NFC, IR, and RF
- Roadmap and future features
It even has a digital “playground” that allows you to simulate how CapibaraZero works, making it easier for new users to understand the ecosystem before they get started.
Reasons for Its Growing Popularity
There are several reasons why CapibaraZero is gaining increasing attention on hacker and tech forums, including Reddit and Hackaday. First, it is an economic alternative to the Flipper Zero with many of the same capabilities. But also, it is modular and open, allowing users to customize it in their own way.
It also responds to concerns about the accessibility of tools. Some governments and institutions have tried to legislate or ban devices like the Flipper Zero due to perceived security risks. CapibaraZero, being completely open and DIY, is in a gray area that is more difficult to regulate, demonstrating the futility of banning tools that anyone can build at home.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
As with any hacking tool, it is essential to emphasize responsible and ethical use. Like the Flipper Zero, CapibaraZero is intended for legitimate purposes such as penetration testing, reverse engineering, and hardware debugging — on your own systems or on those for which you have permission to analyze.
Attempting to clone RFID cards, interfere with signals, or inject commands into devices without consent can be illegal and unethical. The CapibaraZero documentation itself warns users to only use these tools on their own hardware or in controlled environments for educational testing.
Community and Ecosystem
The project has fostered a growing online community. Discussions about CapibaraZero can be found on forums like /r/esp32 on Reddit, and social media mentions are on the rise, especially among makers and cybersecurity enthusiasts on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. Many users have contributed code, created custom modules, and shared guides for assembling compatible devices.
The best part is that, since it’s all open-source, you can fork the firmware, modify the interface, add custom payloads, or even design new hardware schematics to suit your needs. This level of freedom is not offered in the same way by the Flipper Zero, despite its advantages.
Furthermore, the community receives regular coverage from specialized tech sites, such as Hackaday, which highlights innovative and unconventional projects, including CapibaraZero.
Is CapibaraZero for You?
If you are a maker, a cybersecurity enthusiast, or just curious about wireless hacking tools and don’t want to spend more than $169 on a Flipper Zero, CapibaraZero is a very interesting option. Thanks to its open-source nature and lower hardware requirements, it opens doors to experimentation, learning, and customized projects.
Whether you are interested in RF signal testing, NFC emulation, or simply looking for a new device to experiment with, CapibaraZero offers a flexible and low-cost way to explore wireless protocols and security your way. And with the official firmware constantly evolving, you’ll probably be able to add new features in the future.
CapibaraZero represents a significant shift in how the maker community builds and shares DIY security tools. With some affordable components and a bit of curiosity, it is possible to recreate many basic functions of premium tools like the Flipper Zero — and even develop new ones. You can find more information and start building your own project on the official documentation site.