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The default preset is LONG_FAST: 250 kHz bandwidth, spreading factor 11, about 1,070 bits per second. Slower presets reach farther but keep each message on air longer. All nodes on a mesh must use the same preset, so change it only when your whole group agrees.
Preset table
| Preset | Bandwidth | SF | Coding rate | Data rate | Airtime, 50 B | Airtime, 200 B | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SHORT_TURBO | 500 kHz | 7 | 4/5 | 21,880 bps | 26 ms | 81 ms | - |
SHORT_FAST | 250 kHz | 7 | 4/5 | 10,940 bps | 53 ms | 163 ms | - |
SHORT_SLOW | 250 kHz | 8 | 4/5 | 6,250 bps | 95 ms | 290 ms | - |
MEDIUM_TURBO | 500 kHz | 9 | 4/5 | 7,030 bps | 90 ms | 259 ms | - |
MEDIUM_FAST | 250 kHz | 9 | 4/5 | 3,520 bps | 181 ms | 519 ms | - |
MEDIUM_SLOW | 250 kHz | 10 | 4/5 | 1,950 bps | 341 ms | 955 ms | - |
LONG_TURBO | 500 kHz | 11 | 4/8 | 1,340 bps | 443 ms | 1,328 ms | - |
LONG_FAST * | 250 kHz | 11 | 4/5 | 1,070 bps | 641 ms | 1,747 ms | - |
LONG_MODERATE | 125 kHz | 11 | 4/8 | 340 bps | 2,036 ms | 6,361 ms | - |
LITE_FAST | 125 kHz | 9 | 4/5 | 1,760 bps | 361 ms | 1,037 ms | - |
LITE_SLOW | 125 kHz | 10 | 4/5 | 980 bps | 682 ms | 1,911 ms | - |
NARROW_FAST | 62.5 kHz | 7 | 4/6 | 2,280 bps | 242 ms | 771 ms | - |
NARROW_SLOW | 62.5 kHz | 8 | 4/6 | 1,300 bps | 435 ms | 1,369 ms | - |
TINY_FAST | 15.6 kHz | 7 | 4/5 | 680 bps | 847 ms | 2,611 ms | - |
TINY_SLOW | 15.6 kHz | 8 | 4/6 | 330 bps | 2,236 ms | 7,159 ms | - |
The star marks the default. Data rates, bandwidth, spreading factor and coding rate come from the Meshtastic radio settings page. Airtimes are our calculation with the Semtech LoRa formula (explicit header, CRC on) for a 50 byte and a 200 byte packet, so real packets with Meshtastic overhead will differ a little. The docs' link budgets assume 22 dBm and 0 dB antenna gain.
What the settings mean
- Bandwidth: wider is faster but less sensitive. Presets range from 500 kHz (TURBO) down to 15.6 kHz (TINY).
- Spreading factor (SF): higher is slower and more sensitive. LONG_FAST uses SF11, SHORT_FAST uses SF7.
- Coding rate: error correction. Higher denominators survive interference better but cost speed.
- Link budget: how much loss the link can survive, in dB. LONG_FAST is listed at 153 dB, SHORT_FAST at 143 dB, LONG_MODERATE at 156 dB.
Why every node must share a preset
Radios using different presets cannot decode each other. A node on SHORT_FAST will not hear a mesh on LONG_FAST even beside it. Setting a region leaves the node on a default preset, which may not match your local mesh. Ask the local community what they use, and see setup.
Range vs airtime
A longer airtime means more collisions on a busy mesh and, in Europe, more of your 10% duty cycle spent per message. The 10 dB difference between LONG_FAST and SHORT_FAST link budget is a rough guide to range. The trade is described in the range calculator page.
When to change the default
- Dense city with many nodes: consider MEDIUM_FAST or SHORT_FAST so the channel is less crowded. This is common community practice; the docs' table does not give a rule.
- Sparse mountains, long links: LONG_MODERATE or MEDIUM_SLOW offer more link budget, at the cost of speed.
- Narrowband presets: LITE presets work only in EU_866. NARROW presets work in EU_N_868 and some amateur regions. TINY presets work in the 2 m amateur regions.
- TURBO presets (500 kHz): not legal in every region, according to the notes in the docs.
LONG_SLOW and VERY_LONG_SLOW are not in the current docs table; they exist in older firmware and we have not verified whether they were removed.
Questions people ask
What is the best Meshtastic preset?
There is no single best. LONG_FAST is the default and what most public meshes use. Pick another only if your group has a reason.
Can nodes with different presets talk?
No. They must match.
What is the difference between LongFast and LongModerate?
LONG_MODERATE uses 125 kHz bandwidth and a higher coding rate: slower (340 bps against 1,070 bps) with 156 dB budget against 153 dB.
Is a faster preset always better?
No. Faster presets lose range, because they listen with less sensitivity.
Sources
Specs and prices were checked on the dates shown. Prices change often: check the shop before you buy.
- Meshtastic: radio settings and presets - 2026-11-05
- Meshtastic: LoRa configuration - 2026-11-05
- Semtech SX1261/2 datasheet (mirror) - 2026-11-05