MeshCore supported chipsets
Discover which microcontroller platforms support MeshCore and choose the best hardware for your mesh network node
Which chipsets does MeshCore support?
MeshCore firmware is designed to run on multiple microcontroller platforms. Your chipset choice determines not only the performance and power consumption of your node, but also capabilities like WiFi support, battery life, and processing speed.
There are three main platforms that MeshCore officially supports: ESP32 (Espressif), nRF52 (Nordic Semiconductor), and STM32 (STMicroelectronics). Each platform has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications.
Three main platforms for MeshCore
Each chipset platform has unique strengths:
ESP32
The most popular platform for MeshCore. Powerful, affordable and widely available with WiFi and Bluetooth built-in.
nRF52
Extremely energy-efficient platform from Nordic. Perfect for battery-powered nodes with long runtime.
STM32
Powerful ARM-based platform. Used in professional applications where reliability is crucial.
ESP32: The most popular platform
The ESP32 chipset from Espressif is by far the most popular platform for MeshCore nodes. The combination of powerful dual-core processor, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, low price, and wide availability makes it the ideal choice for most users.
ESP32 variants
ESP32 (original)
The classic ESP32 chip. Dual-core 240 MHz, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth Classic + BLE. Used in devices like Heltec LoRa32 V3, TTGO T-Beam, and LilyGo T-Echo.
ESP32-S3
Newer version with better performance. Dual-core 240 MHz, improved WiFi, BLE only (no Bluetooth Classic). Used in Heltec V4 and other new devices.
ESP32-C3
Budget variant with RISC-V processor (single-core 160 MHz). WiFi and BLE support. Suitable for simple nodes without heavy processing needs.
ESP32-S2
Single-core variant focused on WiFi. No Bluetooth support. Less commonly used for MeshCore due to missing BLE.
nRF52: Energy-efficient alternative
The nRF52 chipset from Nordic Semiconductor is designed with energy efficiency as the top priority. With power consumption 5-10x lower than ESP32, these chips are ideal for battery-powered nodes that need to last months to years.
nRF52 models
nRF52840
The most commonly used variant for MeshCore. 64 MHz ARM Cortex-M4, 256 KB RAM, 1 MB Flash. Extremely energy-efficient (microamps in sleep mode). Used in RAK WisBlock boards.
nRF52833
Slightly simpler model with 128 KB RAM. Also very energy-efficient but less memory available for more complex applications.
Compare chipset platforms
| Feature | ESP32 | nRF52 | STM32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power consumption | Average (160-260 mA active) | Very low (4-20 mA active) ✓ | Low-average |
| Price | Low (€2-5 per chip) ✓ | Average (€5-8 per chip) | Average-high |
| Availability | Very wide ✓ | Good | Good |
| WiFi support | Yes, built-in ✓ | No | No |
| Performance | High (dual-core) | Average (single-core) | High (model dependent) ✓ |
| Best for | General use, beginners | Battery-powered, low-power | Industrial, professional |
Which chipset should you choose?
🎯 Choose ESP32 if you...
...are a beginner, want widely available hardware, need WiFi functionality, or simply want the most popular and best-supported option. 95% of users choose ESP32.
🔋 Choose nRF52 if you...
...are building a solar-powered repeater, need extremely long battery life (months to years), or want to build a compact low-power node.
🏭 Choose STM32 if you...
...have an industrial application, require high reliability, or need specific STM32 features. Less common for hobby use.
Frequently asked questions about chipsets
Which chipset is best for beginners?
ESP32 is by far the best choice for beginners. It's affordable, widely available, well-documented, and most MeshCore devices use ESP32. Devices like Heltec LoRa32 V3/V4 and LilyGo T-Deck are all ESP32-based.
Can I switch between chipsets?
No, the chipset is built into the hardware device. You can update the MeshCore firmware, but you cannot switch from ESP32 to nRF52 without buying new hardware.
Why does ESP32 have WiFi but nRF52 doesn't?
ESP32 has built-in WiFi+Bluetooth radios, which is convenient but also consumes more power. nRF52 focuses on ultra-low-power Bluetooth and omits WiFi to maximize battery life. For MeshCore you use LoRa for communication, WiFi is optional.
Are all MeshCore features available on every platform?
Most core features (LoRa messaging, encryption, routing) work on all platforms. Some features like WiFi MQTT bridge are only available on ESP32. nRF52 has longer battery life through better sleep modes.
Which chipset has the best range?
Range is not determined by the chipset but by the LoRa radio module (typically SX1262 or SX1276) and the antenna. An nRF52 with good antenna has the same range as an ESP32 with the same radio and antenna.
Can I build my own MeshCore node with these chipsets?
Yes! You can buy an ESP32 or nRF52 development board, connect a LoRa module (SX1262/SX1276), and flash MeshCore firmware. For beginners, it's easier to buy a ready-made device like Heltec or LilyGo.
Choose the right chipset for your project
ESP32 is the standard choice for most users due to price, availability, and features. nRF52 excels in energy efficiency for battery-powered nodes. STM32 is for professional applications.