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Explore the best Meshtastic devices with our guide! From the all-in-one T-Echo to the feature-rich T-BeamSUPREME and modular WisBlock starter kit, find the product that fits your needs. Find out the pros, cons, and top recommendations. Choose wisely and dive into the world of Meshtastic today!
Meshtastic I talked about Meshtastic in another post. – A complete guide on how to get started. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at the best Meshtastic devices for you. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each model and which model you should choose.
Meshtastic supports a variety of hardware devices with LoRa capabilities. Here are my picks based on my experience with Meshtastic:
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The Semtech SX1262 transceiver is newer than the SX1276 and offers improved receive and transmit performance.
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ESP32-based devices require more power to operate, but are typically a cheaper alternative that works well when running on house power or for applications that require a handset and WiFi connection that only requires a day or two of runtime.
LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic: T-Echo is like an all-in-one package. The E-Ink screen, GPS, and battery are housed in a stylish case with no fuss or soldering required. Thanks to the nRF52840, it operates continuously without stressing about power.
Think of T-Echo as Baofeng’s counterpart in the Lora game, it’s simple and efficient. And it’s amazing! This isn’t just about Meshtastic. This gem offers additional features like NFC. So, if you want hassle-free connectivity, T-Echo has all your essentials covered.
Advantages:
- nRF52840 is much more power efficient than ESP32
- GPS
- Battery included
- E-ink screen
- Latest LoRa Chip
- Case included – ready to use product
disadvantage:
- Little Pricey
- No Wi-Fi
- Stock is limited
- Screen Little Bit Pinky
- No easy upgrades/customization possibilities
| name | MCU | radio | Wi-Fi | BT | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ceiling | nRF52840 | SX1262 | no | 5.0 | yes |
Liligo Meshtastic T-BeamSUPREME: Meet T-Beam for a feature-rich experience. It has an ESP32 microcontroller, a LoRa wireless module, an OLED display, a GPS unit, and a slot for an 18650 battery (not included). This is the choice that most people who want to get started make.
What’s so great about it? The price is reasonable, and with the case, you’re all set. Note: Watch your screen. Some versions come without attachments. Just choose one that has the screen already soldered on!
Advantages:
- ready to go
- battery holder
- reasonable price
- GPS
- Wi-Fi
- Latest Roda Chip
- Broad user base
- SMA antenna connector
disadvantage:
- Batteries are not included
- Case not included
- Small large form factor
- ESP32 hungry power consumption
- Non-upgradeable/non-customizable
WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit: Meet the WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit, built on RAKwireless’ versatile WisBlock modular platform. This kit is the epitome of modularity and customization for Meshtastic applications. WisBlock allows you to mix and match different modules to tailor your setup to your specific project needs.
Considered the gold standard for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this product not only helps you get started but also opens the door for upgrades. The flexibility this setup provides is truly amazing. The WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit includes the WisBlock Base (RAK19007) and WisBlock Core (RAK4631), making it a combo worth considering.
The nRF52840 chip at the core ensures power efficiency and combined with Bluetooth allows you to conveniently send messages via mobile phone. What sets it apart is the RAK19007 WisBlock Base, which opens up a world of possibilities for integrating a variety of sensors into your setup. This kit offers the perfect combination of performance, flexibility and potential, making it the ideal choice for those who want to dive into the world of Meshtastic with a futuristic setup.
RAK1910 GPS
RAK12500 GPS
RAK18001 Buzzer
RAK13002 I
RAK14001 RGB LED
RAK12002 RTC
RAK1901 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
RAK1902 barometric pressure sensor
RAK1906 Environmental Sensor
RAK12013 radar sensor
RAK13800 Ethernet Module
The advantage of the WisBlock kit lies in its user-friendly design. No soldering skills or prior experience required. Just plug the module into an empty slot on the board and you’re ready to start measuring. It’s that simple.
Although there is no built-in GPS, you can utilize your phone’s GPS or select an add-on module to seamlessly integrate GPS functionality into the board. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience based on your preferences and project requirements. So whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, the WisBlock kit opens up a world of possibilities without any hassle.
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Advantages:
- Incredibly easy upgradability/customizability
- nRF52840 is much more power efficient than ESP32
- Latest LoRa Chip
- Lots and lots for modules
- The price is very reasonable
disadvantage:
- IPEX antenna connector
- No battery slot (battery connector only)
- Assembly required but very user friendly
- Case not included
- Screen not included
- No GPS (extra feature)
| name | MCU | radio | Wi-Fi | BT | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAK4631 | nRF52840 | SX1262 | no | 5.0 | Add-ons |
| RAK11200 | ESP32 | Add-ons | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | Add-ons |
| RAK11310 | RP2040 | SX1262 | no | no | Add-ons |
Heltec v3 LoRa: Heltec prioritizes simplicity and affordability with its compact LoRa modules with built-in OLED displays. Meet Heltec Lora v3. Striking the perfect balance between price and features, this product is a great choice for Meshtastic enthusiasts on a budget.
It’s a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on performance at a competitive price. The lack of GPS combined with ESP32 and BT 4.2 makes it an attractive device for those who want to explore Meshtastic without much investment.
However, it is important to note that while the Heltec Lora v3 is a cost-effective entry point, Heltec does not offer a simple path for easy upgrades or customization. However, if you’re looking for a way to comfortably use your phone’s GPS and use Meshtastic at an affordable price, the Heltec Lora v3 is a solid contender that won’t break the bank.
Advantages:
- very cheap
- ready to go
- Includes IPEX-SMA
- Latest Roda Chip
- Broad user base
- Wi-Fi
- plug-in battery connector
disadvantage:
- ESP32 hungry power consumption
- Case not included
- No GPS
- Non-upgradeable/non-customizable
- No battery slot (battery connector only)
We hope that our detailed review has provided you with valuable insight to help you make an informed decision on which device will best suit your needs. Adrelien recommends the WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit as a non-sponsored product. The Lego-like easy building experience makes it a great choice for beginners and hobbyists alike.
Meshtastic DIY – How to Build Your Own Meshtastic Node ESP32 and Lora Radio
“Create your own Meshtastic LoRa node with our easy DIY guide. A complete step-by-step process for building a custom mesh communications system.
We’d love to hear about your decision! If you know which device you chose or have any questions, please leave a comment below. Your feedback is important to us and we will help you in any way we can. Have fun exploring!