The Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 is the most popular Meshtastic board ever made. Millions of mesh nodes around the world run on it. So when Heltec released the V4 — a board that looks almost identical — the obvious question became: is the V4 worth the upgrade, or is the V3 still the better buy?
We've tested both boards extensively. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
1. The Short Answer
If you're buying your first board today: get the V4. It's better in every measurable way — more transmit power, better build quality, solar input, more memory — and the price difference is minimal.
If you're deploying multiple nodes on a budget or expanding an existing V3 fleet: the V3 is still excellent and will serve you well.
Our recommendation: The Meshnology N39 (Heltec V4) is the better choice for new buyers. The Meshnology N35 (V3/V4) is still a great option if you're scaling on a budget.
2. Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Heltec V3 | Heltec V4 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ESP32-S3FN8 | ESP32-S3 |
| Flash | 8 MB | 16 MB |
| PSRAM | — | 2 MB |
| LoRa Chip | SX1262 | SX1262 |
| Transmit Power | ~20 dBm | 28±1 dBm |
| PCB Layers | 4-layer, lead-free | 6-layer, immersion gold |
| Pin Plating | Silver | Gold |
| WiFi/BT Antenna | Spring antenna | Built-in LDS antenna |
| Display | 0.96" OLED (128×64) | 0.96" OLED (128×64) |
| WiFi | Yes (802.11 b/g/n) | Yes (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5.0 | BLE 5.0 |
| USB | Type-C | Type-C |
| Solar Input | — | Yes (4.4–6V, ≤540mA) |
| GPS | No (expansion only) | No (expansion via SH1.25-8Pin) |
| Size & Pinout | Identical — drop-in compatible | |
| Meshtastic Support | All versions | Requires ≥2.7.20 |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to +70°C | -20°C to +70°C |
3. Transmit Power: The Biggest Difference
This is the upgrade that matters most. The V3 outputs around 20 dBm. The V4 pushes 28±1 dBm — that's roughly 6× more radiated power.
In practical terms, this means noticeably more range, especially on longer paths where the signal is marginal. A 6 dB increase in transmit power has a similar effect on link budget as upgrading from a stock rubber antenna to a decent 6 dBi outdoor antenna. The V4 gives you that boost before you even touch the antenna.
Does this mean the V4 always reaches further? Not necessarily — range depends on antenna, terrain, elevation, and the receiving device's sensitivity. But all else being equal, the V4 will consistently outperform the V3 on range.
4. PCB & Build Quality: More Than Cosmetic
The V4 uses a 6-layer PCB with immersion gold plating, compared to the V3's 4-layer lead-free board. This isn't just a manufacturing flex — it has real effects:
- Better ground plane — more copper layers means a more complete ground reference for the RF circuitry, reducing noise and improving LoRa signal quality
- Cleaner RF path — extra layers allow better isolation between the LoRa transceiver, WiFi/BLE antenna, and digital circuits. Less interference = cleaner signal
- Immersion gold — gold plating offers better conductivity, oxidation resistance, and solderability than silver. This matters for long-term reliability, especially in humid environments
Will you notice this in everyday use? Probably not for a single node. But if you're deploying nodes outdoors for months or years, the V4's build quality provides better long-term reliability.
5. Memory & Storage
The V4 doubles the flash to 16 MB and adds 2 MB PSRAM. For current Meshtastic firmware, the V3's 8 MB flash is sufficient. But more memory means:
- More room for future firmware features
- Larger message buffers
- Support for custom applications and overlays
- Better performance when running complex configurations
If you're developing your own firmware or running more complex projects, the extra memory is a genuine advantage.
6. Solar Input: A Game-Changer for Outdoor Nodes
The V4 adds a dedicated solar panel input connector (4.4–6V, ≤540mA). The V3 doesn't have this.
If you're planning a solar-powered node — outdoor repeater, weather station, remote sensor — the V4 simplifies the power design significantly. No need for external charge controllers or wiring hacks. Just plug in a 5V solar panel and you're done.
Solar input alone won't power a node 24/7 — you still need a LiPo battery to store energy for nighttime operation. A 3000mAh battery + 5V solar panel is the standard outdoor setup.
7. Antenna Design
The V3 uses a spring antenna for WiFi and Bluetooth. The V4 replaces this with an LDS (Laser Direct Structuring) antenna built into the PCB.
The LDS antenna is more compact and consistent in performance. In practice, most users won't notice a meaningful difference in Bluetooth range or WiFi connectivity — but the LDS design is more durable and less prone to damage during handling.
Both boards use the same IPEX (U.FL) connector for the LoRa antenna, so any LoRa antenna that works on the V3 also works on the V4.
8. Firmware Compatibility
The V3 works with every version of Meshtastic firmware ever released. The V4, being newer hardware, requires:
- Meshtastic ≥ 2.7.20
- MeshCore: dedicated V4.3 firmware build
Both are available via the Meshtastic Web Flasher. This isn't a problem in practice — the web flasher detects your board automatically and selects the correct firmware. Just make sure you're flashing the right version.
Learn more about Meshtastic setup in our Complete Beginner's Guide to Meshtastic.
9. When to Buy the V3
- Budget is the priority. When you're buying 5 or 10 nodes, the price difference adds up.
- You're adding to an existing V3 fleet. Keeping the same hardware across your deployment simplifies management and troubleshooting.
- You don't need solar. If the node will be USB-powered at home, the V4's solar connector is irrelevant.
- You want maximum firmware compatibility. The V3 runs every firmware version ever released.
10. When to Buy the V4
- You're buying your first board. No reason to start on older hardware when the upgrade is this affordable.
- Range matters. The 28 dBm transmit power gives you significantly more reach before you even upgrade the antenna.
- You're building a solar-powered node. The dedicated solar connector makes outdoor deployments much simpler.
- You want future-proofing. More flash, more RAM, better PCB quality, and ongoing firmware optimization for the V4 platform.
- You're building a base station. A home node that stays plugged in benefits most from the V4's extra transmit power — it reaches further for every device on the mesh.
11. The Verdict
The V3 is still a great board. It's not suddenly obsolete because the V4 exists. If you already have V3 nodes, there's no urgent reason to replace them.
But if you're buying new today, the V4 is the better choice. More transmit power, better PCB quality, solar input, more memory — and the price difference is small enough that it makes no sense to buy the older model unless you're specifically scaling on a tight budget.
Bottom line: V3 for budget fleet expansion. V4 for everything else.
 |
Meshnology N39 (Heltec V4 Kit) ESP32-S3 · SX1262 · 28 dBm · 16MB Flash · 2MB PSRAM · Solar input · OLED · Complete kit with battery and case. |
From $43.99Buy V4 Kit |
 |
Meshnology N35 (V3/V4 Available) ESP32-S3 · SX1262 · WiFi + BLE + LoRa · Complete kit with 3000mAh battery and case. V3 and V4 versions available. |
From $ 41.99
Buy V3/V4 Kit
|
12. FAQ
Are V3 and V4 pin-compatible?
Yes. The V4 retains the same form factor and pin layout as the V3, with some additional pins. Most V3 cases and enclosures also fit the V4. However, due to minor GPIO changes and the different 2.4 GHz antenna design, check with the case manufacturer for confirmed V4 compatibility.
Can V3 and V4 nodes communicate with each other?
Yes. Both use the same SX1262 LoRa chip and the same frequency bands. A V3 node and a V4 node on the same frequency and channel can communicate without any issues.
Does the V4 have built-in GPS?
No. Neither the V3 nor V4 has a built-in GPS module. Both support external GPS expansion via the SH1.25-8Pin interface. If you need built-in GPS, consider the N37 (Wio Tracker L1) instead.
Is the V3 being discontinued?
No. Heltec continues to manufacture and support the V3. It remains one of the most widely used Meshtastic boards. Firmware updates for V3 are ongoing.
Which board is better for Meshtastic?
Both work perfectly with Meshtastic. The V4 offers better range (28 dBm vs 20 dBm), solar input, and more memory. For most new users, the V4 is the better choice. See our Beginner's Guide for full setup instructions.