diff --git a/sys/include/net/gnrc/udp.h b/sys/include/net/gnrc/udp.h
index 37528d87e8..b3f59ee8e4 100644
--- a/sys/include/net/gnrc/udp.h
+++ b/sys/include/net/gnrc/udp.h
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ extern "C" {
  * @brief   Default stack size to use for the UDP thread
  */
 #ifndef GNRC_UDP_STACK_SIZE
-#define GNRC_UDP_STACK_SIZE     (THREAD_STACKSIZE_DEFAULT)
+#define GNRC_UDP_STACK_SIZE     (THREAD_STACKSIZE_SMALL)
 #endif
 /** @} */