Meshtastic vs MeshCore
Looking for Meshtastic? Discover why MeshCore is the superior choice for mesh networks in the UK
What is Meshtastic?
Meshtastic is an open-source mesh network project that uses LoRa radio technology for communication without the internet. It has become popular because it offers an affordable way to send messages over long distances without relying on mobile or internet networks.
If you're looking for information about Meshtastic, you're probably interested in:
- ✓ Communication without internet or mobile network
- ✓ Long-range communication with LoRa technology
- ✓ Mesh network where messages are forwarded via other devices
- ✓ Affordable hardware (from £40)
- ✓ No monthly costs or subscriptions
Good news! You get all these benefits with MeshCore too – but better, more efficient and more reliable. Read on to find out why.
Why is MeshCore better than Meshtastic?
LocalMesh has deliberately chosen MeshCore. Here's why:
MeshCore
Smart routing (Path Discovery)
Finds and remembers the best route for each message
Efficient network usage
Only necessary messages are sent
Scalable
Works excellently in large, busy networks
Better reliability
Messages arrive faster and more reliably
Lower battery consumption
Fewer unnecessary transmissions
Meshtastic
Flooding routing
Sends every message to all devices
Wasteful
Many unnecessary transmissions
Scaling problems
Becomes slow with many users
Less reliable
Messages can get lost in busy networks
Higher battery consumption
Sends many unnecessary messages
The fundamental difference
Meshtastic uses "flooding" – this means every device forwards every message to all neighbours, who forward it to their neighbours, and so on. This works in small networks, but becomes inefficient and problematic as more users join.
MeshCore uses "path discovery" – it actively searches for the best route to the recipient and remembers it. Messages are only sent via the optimal route. This is much more efficient, reliable and scales excellently to large networks.
Same hardware, better software
Here's the good news: all hardware suitable for Meshtastic also works with MeshCore!
All Meshtastic devices are compatible
On AliExpress and other webshops you'll see many LoRa devices with the text "suitable for Meshtastic". These devices are all also suitable for MeshCore!
Important to know: It's about the hardware (the ESP32 chip and LoRa radio module). The software (firmware) can be changed very easily. A device sold with Meshtastic can be converted to MeshCore within minutes.
🛒 Popular devices on AliExpress
- ✓ Heltec V3 - Often sold as "Meshtastic" but works perfectly with MeshCore
- ✓ LilyGO T-Beam - With GPS, ideal for tracking
- ✓ LilyGO T-Echo - Compact device with screen
- ✓ RAK WisBlock - Modular system
All these devices are often advertised for Meshtastic, but the hardware is identically suitable for MeshCore.
⚙️ Important specifications
Look for these features when buying:
- → ESP32 chip - This is the processor
- → LoRa SX127x or SX126x - This is the radio module
- → 868 MHz for Europe/UK - Correct frequency band
- → Optional: GPS - For location tracking
If a device has these specs and is sold for Meshtastic, it works 100% with MeshCore.
Super easy flashing to MeshCore
Already have a Meshtastic device? No problem! Switching to MeshCore is simple.
Flashing in 3 simple steps
Go to the MeshCore website
Visit meshcore.co.uk and look for the "Flash Firmware" or "Web Flasher" option.
Connect your device via USB
Connect your LoRa device with a USB cable to your computer. Most modern browsers (Chrome, Edge) support direct USB communication.
Click "Flash" and wait
Select your device type, click "Flash" and within minutes your device will be running MeshCore firmware. Done! You can now enjoy the benefits of the superior MeshCore network.
No technical knowledge required! The web flasher does everything automatically. You don't need to use command line or complicated software. Just plug in USB and click.
Why LocalMesh chooses MeshCore
LocalMesh is a British community initiative striving for a reliable emergency communication network across the UK. We have thoroughly researched available mesh network technologies and have deliberately chosen MeshCore.
Our considerations:
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1.
Reliability is crucial - In an emergency, communication must work. MeshCore's smart routing ensures messages arrive faster and more reliably.
-
2.
Scalability for the whole UK - We want thousands of people across Britain to eventually participate. MeshCore scales much better than Meshtastic.
-
3.
Efficiency - Lower battery consumption means repeaters last longer, and devices need charging less often. Important in emergency situations.
-
4.
Future-proof - MeshCore's path discovery system is technically superior and continues to work well as the network grows.
We understand that Meshtastic is better known and found more often via Google. That's why we created this page – to inform people looking for mesh network solutions about the better alternative.
Ready to upgrade to MeshCore?
Whether you already have a Meshtastic device or still need to buy one – MeshCore is the smart choice.
🆕 New to mesh networks?
Start straight away with MeshCore. Buy a device, flash the firmware, and join the British MeshCore network.
Get started with MeshCore🔄 Already have a Meshtastic device?
Perfect! Flash it to MeshCore and experience the difference in reliability and efficiency immediately.
Flash to MeshCore →💬 Questions about switching from Meshtastic to MeshCore?
Join the British MeshCore community on Discord. Experienced users are happy to help!