Meshtastic Devices
A look at node solutions from leading manufacturers in the space Heltec, LILYGO, RAK Wireless, B&Q Consulting and Raspberry Pi
Meshtastic Compatible Devices
In an age where communication is largely dependent on traditional infrastructure like the power grid, internet, cellular networks, and satellites, the concept of free, long-range communication that operates independently is nothing short of revolutionary. Imagine being able to send texts and exchange crucial information across vast distances without relying on any external infrastructure. Meshtastic, an open-source project, offers precisely that – a way to level up your communication plan with long-range, off-grid capabilities.
Important Hardware Considerations:
SX1262 vs SX1276 vs SX1278
Perhaps the most important consideration when deciding on a device for your Meshtastic node is the transceiver chip, most devices use either a SX1262 or SX127x transceiver, but too Meshtastic veterans there is only one choice. The SX1262 offers considerably better Receive Sensitivity and Power Consumption, luckily almost every current device offered by the main manufacturers now features SX1262 chips, but keep an eye out, and actively avoid old and new stock with SX127x chips.
Transceiver | Receive Sensitivity | Standby Current | Receive Current | Transmit Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SX1262 | -148 dBm | 4.8 mA | 11mA | 139 mA (+22dBm) |
SX1276 | -139 dBm | 10.3 mA | 10.6 mA | 120 mA (+20dBm) |
SX1278 | -139 dBm | 10.3 mA | 14 mA | 120 mA (+20dBm) |
ESP32 vs nRF52 vs RP2040
Another important consideration is which MCU Microcontroller powers your node, the main deciding factor, unless Bluetooth or WiFi is essential, is a trade-off between power consumption and features. Consider your node’s main use case and pick the most suitable MCU for your specific requirements.
Chip | WiFi | Bluetooth | Store CSV Files | Power Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ESP32 | Yes | Yes | Yes | High |
nRF52 | No | Yes | No | Low |
RP2040 | Yes | Not Supported | Yes | Low |
Meshtastic Device Manufactures:
Heltec
Heltec offers a range of Meshtastic compatible devices Such as the Heltec V3, Heltec Wireless Tracker, and the recently announced Heltec Capsule Sensor V3. Currently all of Heltecs offerings are SX1262 and ESP32 based boards, however avoid the Heltec V2.x, as these devices used the SX127x and were notoriously finicky and performed poorly compared to the V3.
Heltec’s current offering of devices offers great value for money, because of this and their greater inventory of stock in recent times compared to other manufacturers, has meant that Heltec devices are currently powering a huge amount of the Meshtastic network.
LILYGO
LILYGO has been perhaps the biggest player in the Meshtastic market for some time now, although this lead has likely been reduced in recent times, and they have by far the biggest product offering of one of the manufacturers in the space. The LILYGO T-Beam is at this point synonymous with Meshtastic and has no less than 6 variants powering a huge amount of the overall Meshtastic Mesh Network.
RAK Wireless
RakWireless, through their WisBlock platform, offers the option of building a Meshtastic node based on a modular approach. Customers can pick and choose the individual components for their node and because of this modularity RAK can offer at least one solution powered by each of the three MCU Microcontroller options
See my overview of the RAK Meshtastic Starter Kit
B&Q Consulting (Nano Gx & Station G1 Devices)
B&Q Consulting manufactures a small range of devices targeted at the Meshtastic enthusiast. These devices are priced at the upper end of the market but offer increased performance for those seeking the most capable Meshtastic Nodes
Raspberry Pi & Waveshare
For those who like to mesh about with electronics, you have the option of building a Meshtastic node based on a Raspberry Pi Pico, and a Waveshare LoRa expansion board, however, bear in mind this route is less documented, with fewer resources and guides readily available but it is an interesting avenue for those who like to tinker
Recommended Devices
For all applications, it is recommended to stick with devices using the SX1262 chipset, and for any use cases requiring WiFi, the only current option is an ESP32 based
For stationary nodes with access to AC power, I recommend an ESP32-powered device, as they have slightly more features and capability and power considerations are not a worry for a node with access to an AC power source.
For Mobile nodes or fixed nodes without AC power, it is recommended to go for a nRF52 powered device due to their much lower power consumption and only slightly fewer features than their ESP32-based counterparts
Recommended Devices:
- Fixed Location with AC Power: Heltec V3
- Fixed Location using Solar Power: RAKWireless WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit
- Mobile Node: LILYGO T-Echo
Where to Buy?
Whenever possible it’s recommended to buy these devices directly from the manufacturer, either on their website or their official store pages on marketplaces such as Amazon, this is because you are guaranteed to be buying a genuine item as well as in most cases the lowest price per unit, however, as these boards are all manufactured overseas this route will often have the longest shipping times.
If you want convenience it is best to buy from a reputable source you will pay more for the device but your node will be up and running ASAP, as well as a quicker turnaround time should you have to return or replace a device for whatever reason. Just be sure the seller is reputable within the Meshtastic community.
Comparison of Meshtastic Compatible Devices
The chart below lists every Meshtastic-compatible device released so far, and allows you to easily sort, search, and filter by feature
Some off the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I will receive a small % of a sale if you decide to purchase anything, this helps to support me making content for the site and YouTube Channel. This is at NO additional cost to yourself
More Meshtastic
Device | Wifi | Bluetooth | GPS | MCU | Radio Module | Antenna Mount | Battery / Connector | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heltec LoRa32 V2.1 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | No | ESP32 | SX127x | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | Discontinued |
Heltec V3 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | No | ESP32 | SX1262 | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
Heltec Wireless Tracker | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1262 | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
Heltec Wireless Stick Lite V3 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | No | ESP32 | SX1262 | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
Heltec Wireless Paper | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | No | ESP32 | SX1262 | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
Heltec Capsule V3 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | (add on required) | ESP32 | SX1262 | Built in Antenna | 250mAh Built in Battery | |
LILYGO T-Beam V0.7 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1276 | SMA & IPEX | Single Cell 18650 Holder | Discontinued |
LILYGO T-Beam V1.1 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1276 | SMA & IPEX | Single Cell 18650 Holder | Discontinued |
LILYGO T-Beam M8N | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1276 SX1262 | SMA & IPEX | Single Cell 18650 Holder | Discontinued |
LILYGO T-Beam S3-Core | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1262 | SMA & IPEX | Single Cell 18650 Holder | Discontinued |
LILYGO T-Beam Supreme (M) | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1262 | SMA & IPEX | Single Cell 18650 Holder | |
LILYGO T-Echo (M) | No | 5 | Yes | nFR52840 | SX1262 | Built in Antenna | 850mAh Removable Battery | |
LILYGO T-Deck | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | No | ESP32 | SX1262 | IPEX 1.0 | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
LILYGO T-Watch S3 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | No | ESP32 | SX1262 | Built in Antenna | 470mAh Removable Battery | |
LILYGO LoRa32 V1 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | No | ESP32 | SX127x | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | Discontinued |
LILYGO LoRa32 V1.3 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | No | ESP32 | SX127x | IPEX | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
LILYGO LoRa32 V2.1-1.6 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | No | ESP32 | SX127x | SMA | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
RAK WisBlock Core RAK4631 | No | 5 | (add on required) | nRF52840 | SX1262 | IPEX | NA | |
RAK WisBlock Core RAK11200 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | (add on required) | ESP32 | (add on required) | IPEX | NA | |
RAK WisBlock Core RAK11310 | No | No | (add on required) | RP2040 | SX1262 | IPEX | NA | |
Nano G1 Explorer | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1262 | Built in PCB Antenna | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
Nano G2 Ultra | No | 5 | Yes | nRF52840 | SX1262 | Built in PCB Antenna | JST Micro 1.25mm | |
Station G2 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5 | Yes | ESP32 | SX1262 | SMA | NA | |
Raspberry Pi Pico & Waveshare LoRa Hat | 2.4GHz b/g/n | No | No | RP2040 | SX1262 | SMA | NA |
