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Buy the Heltec V4 if you start now: it costs the same as the V3 at the low end (from $17.9 (Heltec store, Nov 5, 2026) against $17.9 (Heltec store, Nov 5, 2026)), has more flash and memory, and adds solar and GNSS connectors. Buy the V3 only if you need a 433 MHz or 470-510 MHz build, want its simpler single variant, or already have V3 cases and accessories. For range, the antenna and its height matter more than either board.
Both boards pair an ESP32-S3 with a Semtech SX1262 radio, a 0.96 inch OLED option and USB-C, and both run Meshtastic. Heltec says the V4 has nearly the same form factor and pinout as the V3 with extra pins and gold plated pins instead of silver.
| Device | Chip | Radio | GPS | Screen | Antenna | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 | ESP32-S3FN8 | SX1262 | no | 0.96" OLED 128x64 | IPEX/U.FL | $17.9 Heltec store, Nov 5, 2026 |
| Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 | ESP32-S3R2 (V4) / ESP32-S3R8 (V4-R8) | SX1262 | optional | 0.96" OLED (optional) | IPEX/U.FL | $17.9 Heltec store, Nov 5, 2026 |
Spec differences
| V3 | V4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | ESP32-S3FN8 | ESP32-S3R2, or ESP32-S3R8 for the V4-R8 |
| Flash | 8 MB | 16 MB |
| PSRAM | None (Heltec FAQ) | 2 MB (R2) or 8 MB (R8) |
| LoRa chip | SX1262 | SX1262 |
| TX power | 21 dBm (21 +/- 1) | 28 +/- 1 dBm high-power version; 22 dBm low-power version |
| Bands | 433, 470-510, 863-870, 902-928 MHz options | Store options 863-870 or 902-928 MHz; low-power spec lists 433-510 |
| GNSS | None on board | 1.25 x 8 pin GNSS interface, power switchable |
| Solar | Not listed | 1.25 x 2 pin solar input, 4.7 to 6 V |
| Battery | SH1.25-2 lithium connector with charger | 1.25 x 2 pin lithium, 3.3 to 4.4 V |
| Low power | Not listed | "Less than 20 uA" (conditions not stated) |
| Price from | $17.9 (Heltec store, Nov 5, 2026) | $17.9 (Heltec store, Nov 5, 2026) |
Prices above are the lowest option on each product page. The V4 range runs to about $27.50 with extra options, and the V3 to $19.90.
What the extra transmit power means
The 28 dBm figure is for the high power version of the V4. The Meshtastic docs repeat it. More output does not add range one for one: doubling distance in free space needs about 6 dB, so 7 dB more transmit power is a large step on paper but only helps when the other side can also hear you and your antenna is high. A weak receiver and a short cable still limit you. The range calculator shows the effect.
It also matters legally. Rules limit power at the antenna in most regions: Germany allows 500 mW ERP on 869.4-869.65 MHz, the US allows up to 1 W conducted in the 902-928 MHz band. Meshtastic's tx_power setting of 0 means use the default legal maximum for the region, and the docs accept 0 to 30 dBm. Read is Meshtastic legal before setting a manual value. Heltec itself warns that some V3 code may not map directly to V4 output power.
V4-R8: the pinout trap
The V4-R8 has more PSRAM and different pins. Heltec lists changes for Vext_Ctrl, VGNSS_Ctrl and the LED, and removes the GNSS_RST and ADC_Ctrl pins. The Meshtastic docs warn: do not flash the standard V4 firmware onto a V4-R8. Check the exact variant before you click anything in the web flasher. Third-party accessories made for the V3 may not fit or work on the V4.
Everyday issues from the docs
The Meshtastic page notes that the V3 may have trouble charging a battery over a USB-C to USB-C cable, so use a USB-A to USB-C cable. It also says the V3 lacks ESD protection on the CP2102 USB-to-serial chip, so handle the USB port with care. V3.1 changed the power circuit and antenna filter values and uses the same firmware as V3. The Meshtastic docs do not list a battery-charging caveat for the V4.
Heltec recommends a stable 5 V supply of at least 600 mA for the V3 if it reboots.
Power draw
Both are ESP32 boards, which draw more than nRF52 boards in use. Heltec states "less than 20 uA" for the V4 but does not say in what mode, and no documented figure exists for the V3. Do not treat either as a long-battery node; see ESP32 vs nRF52 if battery life matters.
What is not included
Neither board comes with a battery or case, according to the product data. The V4 GNSS module is sold separately. Plan for a case, a LiPo and a proper antenna. The setup guide lists what to buy first.
Which one should you pick?
- Heltec V4: most new buyers, fixed home nodes, solar projects, anyone who wants GNSS or the high power option.
- Heltec V3: you need 433 MHz or 470-510 MHz, you already own V3 accessories, or you find one at a lower price.
- Neither: pick an nRF52 device for a pocket or hiking node. Use the device finder.
Questions people ask
Is the Heltec V4 better than the V3 for Meshtastic?
On paper, yes: more flash and PSRAM, a higher power option, and GNSS and solar connectors. For most users the practical range gain comes from the antenna and its height.
Can I flash V3 firmware on the V4?
No. Use the firmware built for your board. The V4-R8 also needs its own build, not the standard V4 one.
Does the Heltec V4 have GPS?
No GPS is on the board. It has a GNSS interface for an add-on module, which is sold separately.
Which band should I buy?
Pick by country: 863-870 MHz in Europe, 902-928 MHz in the US. See frequencies by country.
Sources
Specs and prices were checked on the dates shown. Prices change often: check the shop before you buy.
- Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 - 2026-11-05
- Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 - 2026-11-05
- Meshtastic docs: Heltec LoRa32 V3 and V4 - 2026-11-05
- Meshtastic LoRa configuration (tx_power) - 2026-11-05
- Bundesnetzagentur Vfg. 91/2025 - 2026-11-05
- 47 CFR 15.247 - 2026-11-05