Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 Review
An in-depth review of the Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 for Meshtastic and MeshCore mesh networking, based on real-world use across portable nodes, base stations, and fixed relays.
We’ve tested a lot of LoRa hardware while building out our mesh network. Some boards are great for one specific thing. Others just work no matter what you throw at them.
The Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 is firmly in that second category.
This isn’t a spec sheet review. We’ve been running these boards in the field with both Meshtastic and MeshCore-as portable nodes, base stations, and fixed relays. Here’s what we’ve learned.
Why This Board Works
The V3 doesn’t have one killer feature. It’s just well balanced.
Out of the box you get:
- ESP32-S3 - plenty of horsepower for modern mesh firmware
- SX1262 LoRa radio - solid, consistent RF performance
- USB-C - for power and flashing (finally, no more micro-USB)
- Onboard LiPo charging - plug in a battery and go
- Built-in OLED - actually useful, not just a gimmick
That combination means you can go from unboxing to a working mesh node in minutes.
Note: The OLED alone is worth it. Being able to check node status without pulling out your phone saves a surprising amount of time during deployment.
Running Meshtastic
Meshtastic support is rock solid on this board.
Flashing works first try. Bluetooth pairing is reliable. Once configured, it just runs. We’ve had V3 nodes running for weeks without touching them.
The display really shines when you’re deploying nodes. Adjusting antenna position? You can see signal changes in real time. Placing a relay? Confirm it’s working before you walk away.
Running MeshCore
MeshCore is newer and still evolving, but the Heltec V3 has been a great platform for testing it.
The hardware has never been the limiting factor. When something doesn’t work, it’s always a firmware or config issue-not the board. That kind of reliability matters when you’re trying to evaluate new software.
Range and RF Performance
Here’s the thing about range: it depends on your antenna and placement, not the board.
The V3’s SX1262 radio performs exactly as expected. When we get poor range, it’s because of:
- Bad antenna choice
- Poor placement (too low, obstructed)
- Environmental factors
When those are handled well, links are stable and repeatable. That’s what you want-predictable behavior you can plan around.
Expanding the Board
One thing we really appreciate: the V3 doesn’t lock you in.
You can start simple and add capabilities as needed:
Physical controls - We’ve added rotary encoders to some nodes for quick navigation without needing a phone. The ESP32-S3 handles it without breaking a sweat.
Sensors - BME280 and BME680 environmental sensors work great over I2C. Temperature, humidity, pressure-all displayable on the OLED or transmitted over the mesh.
GPS - Not built in, but easy to add when you need it. Nodes that don’t need location tracking stay smaller and cheaper.
The board adapts to your use case instead of forcing one on you.
Power Reality Check
Let’s be clear: this is not an ultra-low-power board.
It’s ESP32-based, so it’s going to draw more than something like a RAK with an nRF chip. But for most use cases, that’s fine.
For fixed installations, USB power works great. For portable use, a small LiPo gets you through a day easily. The onboard charging circuit has been reliable.
Tip: If you need week-long battery life on a tiny cell, look at the RAK WisBlock or LilyGO T-Echo. If you need a flexible general-purpose node, the Heltec is hard to beat.
How It Compares
We pick hardware based on the job, not the brand. Here’s where the V3 fits:
vs. TTGO T-Beam - The T-Beam has built-in GPS, which is great if you need it. But the Heltec is smaller and the integrated display makes it better for base stations and compact builds.
vs. LilyGO T-Echo - The T-Echo is more power-efficient with its e-ink display. But the Heltec is cheaper and more flexible for experimentation.
vs. RAK WisBlock - RAK’s modular system is powerful but takes longer to configure. The Heltec is faster to deploy when you’re iterating.
The Downsides
Two things to know:
Bluetooth range is limited. Fine for configuring a node on your desk. Don’t expect to manage it from across the house.
Battery life is “fine.” Not exceptional. This is expected for ESP32 and hasn’t been a real problem for us.
Final Verdict
The Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 has become our default recommendation for people getting into mesh networking.
It works. It’s affordable. It’s flexible enough to grow with you as you learn.
We’re genuinely curious what a V4 might look like. Heltec has built something practical here, and we’ll keep testing their boards as the ecosystem evolves.
Ready to build your first node? Check out our MeshCore Getting Started Guide or Meshtastic Getting Started Guide.
Featured image courtesy of Heltec Automation. Case by Muzi Works.
