Buy LoRa radio - complete buying guide
Everything you need to know before buying a LoRa radio for MeshCore in the Netherlands. From budget tips to recommended shops – make the right choice.
How to buy a LoRa radio for emergency communication?
Want to buy a LoRa radio for emergency communication without internet in the Netherlands? Then you're in the right place with this complete buying guide. We explain what to look for, which shops are reliable, what devices cost, and which mistakes to avoid.
Note: LocalMesh does not sell devices itself. We are an independent citizen initiative that helps you make the right choice. All recommendations are based on experiences from the Dutch MeshCore community.
Whether you have a budget of €35 or want to invest €130 in a premium device – this guide helps you step by step in choosing and ordering your first MeshCore emergency radio.
Step by step: buying your first LoRa radio
Follow these 5 steps to choose and order the right LoRa radio:
Step 1: Determine your budget
LoRa radio devices for MeshCore cost between €35 and €130. For beginners we recommend €50-€70 (for example the Heltec V3). Want GPS and long battery life? Count on €80-€100. For a budget repeater, €35-€45 is enough.
Tip: Start with one device. Test the network in your area in the Netherlands. Buy a second device later for family or as a repeater.
Step 2: Choose the right device
Main choices: Do you want a screen (OLED or e-ink)? Do you need GPS for location sharing? How much battery life is important? Check our top 5 devices comparison for details.
Most popular choice: Heltec LoRa 32 V3 (€50-€65) – complete, user-friendly, lots of community support.
Step 3: Choose a reliable webshop
You can buy LoRa radios via Aliexpress (cheapest, 2-4 weeks delivery), Amazon (more expensive, faster delivery), or directly from manufacturers like RAK Wireless or Heltec. See below for details per shop.
Note: Always check reviews and seller ratings. Choose sellers with 95%+ positive feedback and many sales.
Step 4: Order accessories with it
Do you already have an antenna? Standard antennas are often short (3-5cm). A longer antenna (15-20cm) gives more range. Also useful: waterproof case (€10-€20), extra battery (18650), and a USB-C cable for charging.
Tip: Order accessories with the same order to save shipping costs.
Step 5: Wait for delivery and install firmware
Delivery times: 2-4 weeks from China (Aliexpress), 1-2 weeks from Europe (Amazon). After receiving, install the MeshCore firmware via the web installer. This takes 5 minutes. See the installation guide for step-by-step explanation.
Need help? The Dutch community is happy to help via Telegram. You can also ask questions there before you buy.
Where can you buy LoRa radio devices?
There are four main options to buy LoRa radio devices. Each has pros and cons:
1. Aliexpress (cheapest)
Aliexpress is the cheapest option. You order directly from China from manufacturers or large sellers. Prices are 20-40% lower than Amazon. Perfect if you're not in a hurry.
Advantages: Lowest prices, largest selection, often free shipping.
Disadvantages: Long delivery time (2-4 weeks), sometimes customs costs, less consumer protection.
Tips: Choose "Choice" products (faster delivery), check seller rating (95%+).
2. Amazon (faster)
Amazon sells LoRa radios via third parties. More expensive than Aliexpress, but faster delivery and better customer service. Some sellers ship from Europe.
Advantages: Faster delivery (1-2 weeks), easy returns, good customer service.
Disadvantages: 20-40% more expensive than Aliexpress, smaller stock.
Tips: Filter on "Prime" or "shipping from EU" for fast delivery.
3. RAK Wireless (premium)
RAK Wireless is a manufacturer of professional LoRa devices. The RAK WisBlock Meshtastic Starter Kit is modular and high quality. Order directly from the manufacturer.
Advantages: Best quality, professional support, expandable with sensors.
Disadvantages: More expensive (€90-€130), mainly for advanced users.
Tips: Check the RAK Wireless website for starter kits specifically for Meshtastic/MeshCore.
4. Dutch webshops (future)
Currently there are no specialized Dutch webshops selling MeshCore devices. As the network grows in the Netherlands, we expect Dutch shops will start offering this.
Interested? If you have a webshop and want to sell MeshCore devices, contact us via the contact page.
Budget options: from budget to premium
Budget
€35-€50
Minimal setup: device without screen, use via smartphone. Perfect for first test or as repeater.
- ✓ Heltec Wireless Stick Lite V3 (€35-€45)
- ✓ Works fine, only operated via smartphone
- ✗ No standalone use (no screen)
Standard
€50-€70
Best price-quality ratio. Complete device with screen, perfect for beginners.
- ✓ Heltec LoRa 32 V3 (€50-€65)
- ✓ OLED screen, WiFi, Bluetooth
- ✓ Most recommended by community
Premium
€80-€130
Maximum features: GPS, long battery life, e-ink screen, or modular design.
- ✓ T-Beam Supreme (GPS, €75-€90)
- ✓ T-Echo (e-ink, 7-14 days, €80-€100)
- ✓ RAK WisBlock (modular, €90-€130)
Useful accessories to order with it
These accessories make your LoRa radio more complete and suitable for emergency use:
1. Longer antenna (868 MHz)
Standard antennas are short (3-5cm). A 15-20cm antenna gives more range. Note: must be suitable for 868 MHz (Europe). SMA or u.FL connector depending on your device.
Price: €5-€15
2. Waterproof case
Protect your device from rain, dust and shocks with a waterproof IP67 case. Especially important if you use it as an outdoor repeater.
Price: €10-€20
3. Extra batteries (18650)
For devices like the T-Beam you can use replaceable 18650 batteries. Useful to have spare batteries during prolonged crises.
Price: €5-€10 per battery
4. Solar panel (small)
A small solar panel (5-10W) with USB output can charge your LoRa radio without power. Perfect for prolonged blackout situations.
Price: €15-€30
5. Powerbank
A large powerbank (20,000+ mAh) can power your LoRa radio for multiple weeks. Essential part of your emergency kit.
Price: €20-€40
Common mistakes when buying
❌ Ordering wrong frequency
Note: For Europe you need 868 MHz. Not 915 MHz (US) or 433 MHz. Always check product specifications!
❌ Old chip version (SX1276)
Older devices have the SX1276 chip (less range). Buy devices with the new SX1262 chip for better range and battery life.
❌ Not ordering antenna with it
Some devices are delivered without antenna. Check if it's included, otherwise your radio won't work!
❌ Too low seller rating
On Aliexpress: only choose sellers with 95%+ positive feedback and at least 100+ sales. Otherwise risk of fake products.
❌ Expectations about range
Expect ~1km in the city, 10+ km in open field in the Netherlands. Not 15-20km in urban areas. Be realistic about range.
❌ Not installing firmware beforehand
Some devices come with old or no firmware. Download immediately after receiving the latest MeshCore firmware via the web installer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy LoRa radios in the Netherlands?
Currently there are no specialized Dutch webshops. You can order via Aliexpress (cheapest, 2-4 weeks), Amazon (faster, more expensive), or directly from manufacturers. LocalMesh does not sell devices itself.
How much does a LoRa radio cost?
Budget options start at €35 (without screen). Standard devices with screen cost €50-€70. Premium devices with GPS and extra features cost €80-€130.
What is the delivery time from China?
From Aliexpress, delivery takes on average 2-4 weeks. Amazon deliveries from Europe are faster (1-2 weeks). Choose "Choice" products on Aliexpress for faster shipping.
Do I have to pay import costs?
For orders under €150 you usually don't pay extra import costs (VAT is often already included). Always check with the seller if all costs are included.
Which device is best for beginners?
For beginners we recommend the Heltec LoRa 32 V3 (€50-€65). It has a screen, is easy to set up, and has lots of community support. See our top 5 devices for alternatives.
Can I return a LoRa radio?
At Amazon you have 30 days return policy. At Aliexpress this is more difficult (you often have to return to China). Always check the return policy before ordering.
Ready to order your LoRa radio?
With this complete buying guide you know exactly what to look for when buying a LoRa radio for MeshCore in the Netherlands. Start with a budget of €50-€70 (Heltec V3) or go for premium with GPS and long battery life (T-Echo or T-Beam).
Become part of the growing mesh network in the Netherlands. Order your device and join.