What is The Best Device For Meshtastic?
We talked about Meshtastic in the other post What is Meshtastic? - Full Guide on How To Get Started. In today's post, we will go over the best Meshtastic device for you guys. We will talk about each model's pros and cons and which one you should go with.
Meshtastic supports a range of hardware devices with LoRa capabilities. These are a selection we selected from our experience with Meshtastic:
LILYGO T-Echo Meshtastic: The T-Echo is like an all-in-one package. It's got a backlit E-Ink screen, 5.0 Bluetooth, GPS, a newer SX1262 chip, and an 850 mAh battery packed into a sleek case—no fuss, no soldering needed. Thanks to the nRF52840, it keeps going without stressing over power.
In the Lora game, think of the T-Echo as the Baofeng counterpart—simple and efficient. And surprise! It's not just about Meshtastic; this gem throws in some extras like NFC and some versions come with BME280 sensor for Telemetry Like Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity. So, if you're into hassle-free connectivity, the T-Echo's got you covered with all the essentials.
Pros:
- nRF52840 which is far more power efficient than ESP32
- GPS
- Battery Included
- E-Ink Screen
- Newer Lora Chip
- With Case - Ready To Use Product
- Some Versions Come With BME280 Sensor for Telemetry Like Pressure, Temperature, and Humidity
Cons:
- Little Pricy
- No Wifi
- Stock is Limited
- Screen Little Bit Fincky
- No Easy Upgradability/ Customizability
| Name | MCU | Radio | WiFi | BT | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Echo | nRF52840 | SX1262 | NO | 5.0 | YES |
LILYGO Meshtastic T-Beam: Meet the T-Beam—your go-to for a feature-packed experience. It's got an ESP32 microcontroller, a LoRa radio module, an OLED display, and a GPS unit, plus a slot for an 18650 battery (not included). It is the go-to choice for most people who want to get started.
What's awesome? The price is nice, and with a case, you're all set. Just a heads up: watch out for the screen. Some versions come without it attached. Opt for the one with the screen already soldered, and you're good to go!
Pros:
- Ready To Go
- Battery Holder
- Reasonable Price
- GPS
- Wifi
- Newer Loda Chip
- Wide User Base
- SMA Antenna Connector
Cons:
- Battery Not Included
- No Case Included
- Little Large Form Factor
- ESP32 Hungry Power Consumption
- No Upgradability/ Customizability
| Name | MCU | Radio | WiFi | BT | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Beam v0.7 | ESP32 | SX1276 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | YES |
| T-Beam v1.1 | ESP32 | SX1276 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | YES |
| T-Beam with M8N | ESP32 | SX1276 SX1262 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | YES |
| T-Beam S3-Core | ESP32-S3 | SX1262 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5.0 | YES |
| T-BeamSUPREME | ESP32-S3 | SX1262 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 5.0 | YES |
WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit: Enter the WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit—built upon the versatile WisBlock modular platform by RAKwireless. This kit is the epitome of modularity and customization for Meshtastic applications. With WisBlock, you have the power to mix and match different modules, tailoring your setup to fit specific project needs.
Considered the gold standard for beginners and enthusiasts alike, it not only gets you started but also keeps the door wide open for upgrades. The flexibility this setup offers is nothing short of remarkable. The WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit includes the WisBlock Base (RAK19007) and WisBlock Core (RAK4631), making it THE combo to reckon with.
The nRF52840 chip at the core ensures power efficiency, coupled with Bluetooth for convenient message sending via your phone. What sets it apart is the RAK19007 WisBlock Base, unleashing a world of possibilities to integrate a variety of sensors into your setup. This kit is the perfect blend of power, flexibility, and potential—an ideal choice for those who want to dive into the Meshtastic world with a future-proof setup.
RAK1910 GPS
RAK12500 GPS
RAK18001 Buzzer
RAK13002 IO
RAK14001 RGB LED
RAK12002 RTC
RAK1901 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
RAK1902 Barometric Pressure Sensor
RAK1906 Environment Sensor
RAK12013 Radar Sensor
RAK13800 Ethernet Module
The beauty of the WisBlock Kit lies in its user-friendly design—no soldering skills or prior experience required. Just pop a module into any empty slot on the board, and you're ready to start measuring. It's that simple.
While it doesn't come with a built-in GPS, yet you can leverage your phone's GPS or opt for the Addon Module to seamlessly integrate GPS functionality into the board. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your experience based on your preferences and project requirements. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the WisBlock Kit opens up a world of possibilities without the hassle.
Pros:
- Crazy Easy Upgradability / Customizability
- nRF52840 which is far more power efficient than ESP32
- Newer Lora Chip
- Lots and Lots for Modules
- The Price is Very Reasonable
Cons:
- IPEX Antenna Connector
- No Battery Slot (Only Battery Connector)
- Assembly Needed but Very User Friendly
- No Case Included
- No Screen Included
- No GPS (Add-On)
| Name | MCU | Radio | WiFi | BT | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAK4631 | nRF52840 | SX1262 | NO | 5.0 | add-on |
| RAK11200 | ESP32 | add-on | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | add-on |
| RAK11310 | RP2040 | SX1262 | NO | NO | add-on |
Heltec v3 LoRa : Heltec brings simplicity and affordability to the forefront with its compact LoRa modules featuring built-in OLED displays—enter the Heltec Lora v3. Striking a perfect balance between price and features, it stands out as an excellent choice for Meshtastic enthusiasts on a budget.
Priced competitively, it's a wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. The absence of GPS, coupled with the ESP32 and BT 4.2, makes it an attractive device for those eager to explore Meshtastic without a hefty investment.
However, it's essential to note that while the Heltec Lora v3 is a cost-effective entry point, Heltec doesn't offer a straightforward path for easy upgradability or customizability. But if you're comfortable using your phone's GPS and are looking for an affordable way to dive into Meshtastic, the Heltec Lora v3 is a solid contender that won't break the bank.
Pros:
- Very Cheap
- Ready To Go
- IPEX to SMA Included
- Newer Loda Chip
- Wide User Base
- Wifi
- Plugin Battery Connector
Cons:
- ESP32 Hungry Power Consumption
- No Case Included
- No GPS
- No Upgradability / Customizability
- No Battery Slot (Only Battery Connector)
| Name | MCU | Radio | WiFi | BT | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LoRa32 V2.1 | ESP32 | SX127x | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | NO |
| LoRa32 V3 | ESP32 | SX1262 | 2.4GHz b/g/n | 4.2 | NO |
We hope our detailed review has provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision on the best device for your needs. At Adrelien, our top recommendation, unsponsored, goes to the WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit. Its easy Lego-like building experience makes it a standout choice for both beginners and enthusiasts.
We'd love to hear about your decision! Drop a comment below to let us know which device you've chosen or if you have any questions. Your feedback is important to us, and we're here to assist in any way we can. Happy exploring!