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Detailed Comparison
L298N vs L293D: Which Motor Driver Should You Use?
Both are popular H-bridge motor drivers, but they have key differences in power handling. Find out which one suits your motors.
L298N Motor Driver
VS
L293D Motor Driver
L298N Motor Driver
The L298N is a high-current dual H-bridge motor driver capable of driving two DC motors or one stepper motor.
L293D Motor Driver
The L293D is a quadruple half-H driver IC with internal flyback diodes. It is compact and ideal for low-power applications.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | L298N Motor Driver | L293D Motor Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | Dual Full H-Bridge | Quadruple Half-H |
| Operating Voltage | 5V - 35V | 4.5V - 36V |
| Peak Current | 2A per channel | 1.2A per channel |
| Continuous Current | 2A per channel | 600mA per channel |
| Logic Voltage | 5V | 5V |
| Heat Sink | Included on module | None (IC package) |
| Voltage Drop | ~2V | ~1.4V - 1.8V |
| Price (India) | ₹80 - ₹150 | ₹30 - ₹60 |
L298N Motor Driver
Pros
- Higher current capacity (2A)
- Comes with built-in heat sink
- Onboard 5V regulator for logic
- Screw terminals for easy wiring
- Suitable for larger BO motors
Cons
- ~2V voltage drop reduces motor power
- Gets hot under heavy load
- Larger physical size
- Older bipolar transistor technology
L293D Motor Driver
Pros
- Very low cost
- Compact DIP-16 IC package
- Built-in flyback diodes
- Good for small toy motors
- Easy to integrate on PCB
Cons
- Low current (600mA continuous)
- Overheats with larger motors
- No heat sink included
- Not suitable for high-torque motors
Our Recommendation
Choose **L293D** for small hobby motors drawing less than 600mA (like toy car motors). Choose **L298N** for larger BO/geared motors, robotics, or any motor drawing up to 2A.
The Verdict
For most Arduino robotics projects using BO motors, the L298N is the standard choice. The L293D is fine for very small, low-power applications.