Hardware Comparison
Compare popular devices for MeshCore and Meshtastic. All devices listed work with both protocols.
Quick Recommendations
Best Budget
Heltec V3
$18-25
Best All-Around
T-Beam Supreme
$45-55
Best Battery Life
T-Echo / RAK
nRF52840 based
Best Standalone
T-Deck
Keyboard + display
Full Comparison
| Device | Price | Chip | Display | Battery | GPS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heltec LoRa 32 V3 Heltec | $18-25 | ESP32-S3 | 0.96" OLED | No (JST connector) | No | Budget nodes, beginners |
LILYGO T-Beam Supreme LILYGO | $45-55 | ESP32-S3 | Optional OLED | 18650 holder | Yes (L76K) | Mobile/tracking use |
LILYGO T-Echo LILYGO | $55-65 | nRF52840 | 1.54" E-Ink | Built-in 850mAh | Yes (L76K) | Ultra low power |
LILYGO T-Deck LILYGO | $55-70 | ESP32-S3 | 2.8" LCD Touch | Built-in 1300mAh | Optional | Standalone messenger |
RAK WisBlock (4631) RAK Wireless | $30-50 | nRF52840 | Optional module | JST connector | Optional module | Custom builds, solar nodes |
Seeed Wio Tracker 1110 Seeed Studio | $40-50 | nRF52840 | No | Built-in 400mAh | Yes | Asset tracking |
All devices use the SX1262 LoRa radio and support both MeshCore and Meshtastic. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Device Details
Heltec LoRa 32 V3
Heltec
Best for: Budget nodes, beginners
- Cheapest option
- Good community support
- USB-C
- No built-in battery
- Small display
LILYGO T-Beam Supreme
LILYGO
Best for: Mobile/tracking use
- Built-in GPS
- 18650 battery slot
- Expandable
- Higher cost
- Larger size
LILYGO T-Echo
LILYGO
Best for: Ultra low power
- Best battery life
- E-ink display
- Compact
- Slow display refresh
- Less community support
LILYGO T-Deck
LILYGO
Best for: Standalone messenger
- Full keyboard
- Large touch display
- All-in-one
- Higher power draw
- Bulky
RAK WisBlock (4631)
RAK Wireless
Best for: Custom builds, solar nodes
- Ultra low power
- Modular design
- Pro quality
- Requires assembly
- Higher learning curve
Seeed Wio Tracker 1110
Seeed Studio
Best for: Asset tracking
- Compact
- Built-in sensors
- Pre-enclosed
- No display
- Small battery
ESP32 vs nRF52840
ESP32-S3
- + More processing power and memory
- + WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity
- + Larger community and more examples
- - Higher power consumption
- - Less efficient deep sleep
Best for: Base stations, nodes with power access, development
nRF52840
- + Ultra-low power consumption
- + Excellent deep sleep (microamps)
- + Bluetooth Low Energy
- - No WiFi
- - Less processing power
Best for: Battery-powered nodes, solar repeaters, portable devices
Ready to get started?
Check out our getting started guides for step-by-step setup instructions.