Rubber LoRa Antenna – 868MHz 5cm
- Antenna gain: +2 dBi (catalog)
- Impedance (868MHz): 62.6 Ω
- SWR: 1.29
This is a commonly included antenna in Meshtastic device kits. It was used as a reference antenna when measuring and comparing different models.
Being omnidirectional, it radiates in all directions and is designed for vertical polarization (upright). Its use in a Meshtastic network is quite limited—it works well for home experiments or when positioned near another device, but it is unsuitable for communication beyond 100 meters.
Reference measurement: RSSI: -74 dBm / SNR: 6.2 dB (at 700 m with an +8 dBi antenna on the other end).
Rubber LoRa Antenna – 868MHz 11cm
- Antenna gain: +5 dBi (catalog), +6 dBi** (experimental estimate)
- Impedance (868MHz): 109 Ω
- SWR: 4.57
This antenna can be bent up to 90 degrees, which can be useful for devices like TDeck with a keyboard.
However, my experience with this antenna has been disappointing—out of five units I tested, four stopped working without obvious mechanical damage. It is also easily confused with a Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) antenna, which can lead to incorrect usage.
I was able to salvage some defective units by repurposing their internals. Due to their small size, these could be installed inside a prototype box, where they performed reasonably well.
Recommendation: Not recommended for daily use due to low reliability, poor sensitivity, and bad impedance matching.
Gizont Antenna – Flexible 10dBi 16.7cm 868MHz
- Antenna gain: +10 dBi (catalog), +8 dBi** (experimental estimate)
- Impedance (868MHz): 33.7 Ω
- SWR: 1.47
This is the gold standard for a mobile node. It is flexible, durable, and offers sufficient gain while withstanding rough handling. A must-have for any portable Meshtastic setup.
Note: I bought two pieces from AliExpress and later compared them with antennas purchased by friends in the Czech Republic. Their versions had noticeably better performance—something to consider when sourcing these antennas.
XHCRF Magnetic Antenna 6dBi
- Antenna gain: +6 dBi (catalog), +10 dBi** (experimental estimate on car hood)
- Impedance (868MHz): 59 Ω
- SWR: 1.21
This antenna is ideal for placement on a windowsill or a car hood. If using a Meshtastic device in a vehicle, an external antenna is highly recommended.
Key finding: The difference in signal strength between an internal and external antenna placement in a car is approximately -4 dB. An external antenna not only eliminates this attenuation but can also improve signal quality.
Important: This antenna requires a metal surface to function correctly. If placed elsewhere, its performance degrades significantly.
12dBi LoRaWAN Helium Antenna (HUAWEI)
- Antenna gain: +12 dBi (catalog), +8 dBi** (experimental estimate)
- Impedance (868MHz): 47 Ω
- SWR: 1.06
Often sold as part of HUAWEI 3G router bundles, this antenna is less practical for lightweight Meshtastic devices due to its length. During testing, I was frequently concerned about damaging the antenna connector on my board.
The internal antenna element is about half the length of the plastic cover, which can be trimmed down for a more compact solution while retaining performance.
SEEDSTUDIO A03 (Adhesive Antenna)
- Antenna gain: +0.8 dBi (catalog), +4 dBi** (experimental, depends on positioning)
- Impedance (868MHz): 37 Ω
- SWR: 1.39
Packaged with the Wio-SX1262 and XIAO ESP32S3, this antenna is a small, sticker-type solution. It is ideal for compact Meshtastic/IoT devices.
When positioned optimally relative to the receiving antenna, it performs well (4–5 dBi). However, poor positioning results in worse performance than a standard rubber duck antenna.
Best use case: Stationary IoT devices with Meshtastic.
LoRaWAN Directional Yagi Antenna 9dBi
- Antenna gain: +9 dBi (catalog), +9 dBi** (experimental estimate)
- Impedance (868MHz): 72 Ω
- SWR: 1.56
This directional antenna must be aimed at the target location for maximum performance. Peak gain (9–12 dBi) is achieved when precisely aligned with the receiving node. A 30-degree deviation results in a -3 dB drop.
Installation requires mounting on a mast or window bracket, and an N-MALE/SMA adapter is needed. Be careful to select the correct adapter type when purchasing.
For Meshtastic use, always install it for vertical polarization (elements oriented top-to-bottom). Improper orientation (horizontal) can result in a loss of up to 10–12 dBi.
This antenna appears to be designed for a slightly higher frequency band, likely mobile networks (e.g., 3G). It may require a band-pass filter at 868 MHz to prevent interference from mobile signals.
Warning: High-gain antennas at increased TX power can violate ISM band regulations. Use responsibly.
LoRaWAN Directional Yagi Antenna 20dBi
- Antenna gain: +20 dBi (catalog), +16 dBi** (experimental estimate)
- Impedance (868MHz): 44 Ω
- SWR: 1.28
Similar to the 9dBi Yagi but three times longer. It is strictly for stationary use and must be securely mounted. It is highly directional, requiring precise aiming for optimal performance.
Again, an N-MALE/SMA adapter is required.
Antenna Polarization
Understanding polarization is critical. In Meshtastic networks, most antennas use vertical polarization (upright). For long-range connections, horizontal polarization (e.g., Yagi-to-Yagi) can be beneficial.
Using the wrong polarization can significantly degrade signal quality. For example, an improperly oriented Gizont antenna may perform no better than a low-gain antenna.
Note on dBi Measurements:
dBi* values marked with ** are based on experimental observations rather than catalog specifications. These values were derived from real-world testing using Meshtastic devices.
If you have additional insights or measurements, feel free to share them in the comments, on Telegram (user Z001/ZR10), or via email (see blog profile).
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