DHT11 vs DHT22: Which Temperature & Humidity Sensor to Use?
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Choose the DHT22 if you need better accuracy and a wider range, and the cheaper DHT11 if you only need rough indoor readings. Both sensors measure temperature and humidity over a single digital pin and share almost identical wiring and code, so the decision comes down to precision versus price.
How they are similar
The DHT11 and DHT22 (also sold as AM2302) both output calibrated digital data using a single-wire protocol. They use the same libraries, the same 3-pin or 4-pin breakout, and the same 3.3V–5V supply, which means you can often swap one for the other without rewiring.
- Single digital data pin (no analog reading needed)
- Work with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, and Raspberry Pi
- Need a pull-up resistor on the data line (often built into breakouts)
Where they differ
The DHT22 is the more capable sensor across every spec that matters, while the DHT11 wins only on price and a slightly faster minimum reading interval.
| Feature | DHT11 | DHT22 |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | 0–50°C | -40–80°C |
| Temperature accuracy | ±2°C | ±0.5°C |
| Humidity range | 20–90% RH | 0–100% RH |
| Humidity accuracy | ±5% RH | ±2–5% RH |
| Resolution | 1 unit | 0.1 unit |
| Sampling rate | 1 reading per second | 1 reading per 2 seconds |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Accuracy and range
The DHT22 reads to one decimal place and handles sub-zero temperatures, which matters for outdoor use or a fridge monitor. The DHT11 rounds to whole numbers and stops at 0°C, so it is fine for a room but not for cold environments.
Speed
The DHT11 can be polled once per second versus once every two seconds for the DHT22. For most logging projects this is irrelevant—temperature and humidity simply do not change that fast.
Which should you choose?
For a beginner learning to read a sensor, a classroom demo, or a simple indoor display, the DHT11 is genuinely good enough and saves you money. There is no shame in the cheaper part when the job is basic.
Choose the DHT22 when accuracy actually matters: a greenhouse, an outdoor station, a server-room alarm, or any project where you plot the data and want clean curves. If you are building something you will rely on for months, the small extra cost is worth it.
- Pick DHT11: indoor, hobby, budget, rough numbers are fine
- Pick DHT22: outdoor, sub-zero, decimal precision, data logging
If your project also needs barometric pressure or air quality, a combined sensor like the BME280 may serve you better than a dedicated DHT. Browse the full range in our sensors collection, or grab a bundle from our sensor starter kits to experiment with both. For more buying guides, see our guides.
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We stock genuine, tested DHT11 and DHT22 modules with fast shipping across India, Cash on Delivery, and a GST invoice on every order. Not sure which fits your build? Ask VoltIQ, our AI assistant, and get a recommendation in seconds.