CB Radio vs LoRa Mesh Network
CB radio is proven technology. LoRa mesh is the future. Which fits your emergency communication needs better?
Old vs new emergency radio technology
CB radio (Citizens Band) has been around since the 1950s and is still popular with truckers and preppers. It's simple, affordable and works without license. But is this old technology still the best choice?
LoRa mesh network technology (via MeshCore) is modern emergency communication. It combines long range with smart networking, privacy, text messaging and low power. Is this the future of emergency radio in the Netherlands?
What is CB radio?
CB radio (Citizens Band) is license-free two-way radio technology with 40 channels. You can voice communicate with anyone within range on the same channel. Popular with truckers, events and outdoor enthusiasts.
Advantages CB radio
- ✓
Simple: Plug-and-play, ready to use
- ✓
Affordable: From €50-150
- ✓
Voice: Direct voice communication
Disadvantages CB radio
- ✗
Limited range: Usually 5-10km max
- ✗
No privacy: Anyone can listen
- ✗
Large and heavy: Not portable
What is LoRa mesh network?
LoRa (Long Range) is modern radio technology used in a mesh network. Devices communicate not only directly, but also via repeaters. Messages automatically hop through the network to destination.
Advantages LoRa mesh
- ✓
Greater range: ~1-10km direct, unlimited via mesh
- ✓
Privacy: End-to-end encryption
- ✓
Text messages: Not just voice, also text and location
- ✓
Very efficient: Battery lasts weeks
CB Radio vs LoRa Mesh: Direct Comparison
| Feature | CB Radio | LoRa Mesh (MeshCore) |
|---|---|---|
| Communication type | Voice only | Text, data, location |
| Range | 5-10km direct | 1-10km + unlimited via mesh |
| Privacy | No (open channel) | Yes (E2E encrypted) |
| Offline messages | No | Yes (delivered later) |
| Battery life | 8-24 hours | Days to weeks |
| Size | Large, heavy | Small, portable |
Why LoRa mesh is more modern than CB radio
Mesh networking
Messages hop via repeaters. With CB you must be within direct range. LoRa mesh is much more flexible.
Privacy by default
CB: anyone can listen. LoRa: end-to-end encryption for private messages. Real privacy.
Text messages
CB is voice only. LoRa offers text, location, small data. Much more possibilities.
Smartphone interface
LoRa works via your smartphone. CB needs physical handset. More modern and intuitive.
Extreme battery life
LoRa is extremely efficient. CB devices last max 24 hours, LoRa weeks.
Smart routing
LoRa mesh automatically finds best route. CB is dumb broadcasting without intelligence.
Frequently asked questions
Isn't CB radio more reliable because it's simpler?
Simpler yes, but that doesn't make it more reliable. LoRa is also very reliable, but with many more capabilities. It's modern, proven technology.
Can I also send voice with LoRa?
LoRa is primarily for text and data. For voice, CB is better. That's why some people combine both: CB for voice, LoRa for text/data/coordination.
What does LoRa cost compared to CB?
CB: €50-150 for good set. LoRa: €50-80 for device. Similar in price, but LoRa offers much more functionality. See devices page for details.
Which is better for preppers?
LoRa is more modern and future-proof. The growing mesh network in the Netherlands becomes stronger. CB stays the same. For serious preppers: have both.
Is LoRa harder to use than CB?
Initial setup is slightly more complex (pairing via Bluetooth). But after that it's as easy as WhatsApp. CB is plug-and-play but more limited.
Choose modern technology
CB radio is proven but dated technology. LoRa mesh network is the future of emergency communication. Smarter, more modern, more versatile.