Finding the best LTE modules for ESP32 can be challenging due to the variety of options, features, and price points. The LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4 SIM800L stands out for affordability and ease of integration, making it ideal for beginners. For those needing faster data speeds and broader coverage, the Waveshare ESP32-S3 SIM7670G offers 4G LTE with GPS capabilities. However, tradeoffs exist between simplicity, performance, and cost across these modules. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown that will help you choose the right LTE module for your project.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The top modules balance between ease of use and connectivity speed, with 4G options offering faster data transfer than 2G or NB-IoT variants.
- Compatibility with ESP32 is critical; modules with integrated antennas and straightforward wiring simplify setup and reduce troubleshooting.
- Power consumption varies significantly; solar-compatible and low-power modules are better suited for remote or off-grid applications.
- Price often correlates with features—premium modules offer extras like GNSS or camera support, but may be overkill for simple projects.
- Design durability and build quality are vital for outdoor or industrial deployments, influencing long-term reliability.
| LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4 SIM800L ESP32 Development Board |  | Best Overall for Versatile Connectivity | Flash: 4MB | PSRAM: 8MB | Peripheral Interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART, SDIO, I2S, CAN | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Waveshare ESP32-S3 SIM7670G 4G Development Board with GPS |  | Best for GPS-Enabled Cellular IoT | Processor: ESP32-S3R2 dual-core 240 MHz | SRAM: 512KB | ROM: 384KB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| LILYGO T-SIM7600G-H 16MB ESP32-WROVER Solar Charge Development Board |  | Best for Low-Power IoT with Solar Charging | RAM Memory: 16 MB | Memory Storage Capacity: 16 MB | Wireless Compatibility: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| LILYGO T-SIM7670G-S3 ESP32-S3 4G LTE TTGO Development Board |  | Best for Cellular-First IoT Projects | MCU: ESP32-S3 | Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5 LE | Additional Information: Supports 4G LTE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ESP32-S3 SIM7670G 4G Development Board with Camera and Solar Charging |  | Best for Outdoor Monitoring with Camera and Power Independence | Processor: Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core at 240 MHz | Communication: SIM7670G 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, BLE 5.0 | Memory: 16MB Flash, 2MB PSRAM | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| LILYGO T-SIM7000G ESP32-WROVER-B 2G/NB Development Board |  | Best for IoT projects requiring versatile connectivity with 2G/NB-IOT | Flash Memory: 16MB | PSRAM: 8MB | Network Support: 2G, NB-IOT | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ESP32-S3 A7670E 4G Development Board with LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GNSS |  | Best for portable, multimedia-capable LTE projects requiring 4G connectivity | Part Number: ESP32-S3-A7670E-4G | Processor: Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core @ 240 MHz | SRAM: 512KB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4 SIM800L ESP32 Development Board
The LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4 stands out for its broad peripheral support and built-in wireless options, making it ideal for complex IoT projects. Compared to the Waveshare ESP32-S3 SIM7670G, it offers more interfaces like CAN and SDIO, which can be crucial for industrial applications. However, its lack of detailed user reviews and the steeper learning curve might deter beginners. This board is best suited for developers needing a flexible, multi-interface platform that can handle diverse sensors and modules. Tradeoffs include a less straightforward setup and potential difficulty in troubleshooting without extensive documentation. Pros: Multiple peripheral interfaces, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, high flash and PSRAM capacity, versatile for various IoT tasks. Cons: Limited detailed reviews, requires technical expertise to maximize features.
Verdict: A strong choice for experienced developers seeking a highly adaptable development board with extensive connectivity options.- Flash:4MB
- PSRAM:8MB
- Peripheral Interfaces:I2C, SPI, UART, SDIO, I2S, CAN
- Wireless Connectivity:Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
Our verdict“Best Overall for Versatile Connectivity — a strong pick in this lineup.”
Waveshare ESP32-S3 SIM7670G 4G Development Board with GPS
This board excels in combining dual-core processing with 4G LTE and GPS, making it perfect for outdoor tracking and navigation projects. Unlike the LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4, it offers integrated GPS and cellular capabilities out of the box, which are critical for location-based IoT deployments. The complex setup and limited documentation may challenge less experienced users, especially since the battery isn’t included. It makes sense for developers focused on outdoor or mobile applications where GPS and cellular are non-negotiable. Tradeoffs involve a steep learning curve and additional costs for peripherals like the battery. Pros: High-performance dual-core processor, integrated GPS, supports 4G cellular, multiple peripheral options. Cons: Battery not included, setup complexity, limited documentation.
Verdict: This is ideal for experienced users who need robust GPS and cellular features in outdoor IoT projects.- Processor:ESP32-S3R2 dual-core 240 MHz
- SRAM:512KB
- ROM:384KB
- PSRAM:2MB
- Flash memory:16MB
- Cellular module:SIM7670G 4G Cat-1
LILYGO T-SIM7600G-H 16MB ESP32-WROVER Solar Charge Development Board
The T-SIM7600G-H offers a substantial 16MB of RAM and flash, along with solar charging capabilities, making it suitable for remote, solar-powered deployments. Compared to the LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4, it emphasizes low power consumption and sustainability, ideal for outdoor sensors or environmental monitoring. However, limited detailed user feedback and the need for technical setup might pose challenges for newcomers. It’s best for those who prioritize energy efficiency and renewable power sources over plug-and-play simplicity. Tradeoffs include a potentially complex setup and limited user reviews to guide initial use. Pros: Large memory capacity, solar charging interface, supports multiple wireless protocols, compact design. Cons: Limited reviews, setup complexity, additional costs for peripherals.
Verdict: Perfect for developers designing low-power, solar-enabled IoT devices in remote locations.- RAM Memory:16 MB
- Memory Storage Capacity:16 MB
- Wireless Compatibility:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Processor Count:2
Our verdict“Best for Low-Power IoT with Solar Charging — a strong pick in this lineup.”
LILYGO T-SIM7670G-S3 ESP32-S3 4G LTE TTGO Development Board
This compact board with an ESP32-S3 and LTE support offers a practical solution for cellular IoT projects. Its support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE makes it versatile, but the setup process can be daunting for newcomers unfamiliar with cellular modules. Compared with the Waveshare ESP32-S3 SIM7670G, it has a more streamlined form factor but fewer peripheral options. For developers needing reliable LTE connectivity in a small package, it’s a compelling choice. However, the limited specifications and additional needed components may complicate immediate deployment. Tradeoffs include a less detailed feature set and a potentially steep learning curve for beginners. Pros: Supports LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, compact form factor, based on powerful ESP32-S3. Cons: Complex setup, limited detailed specs, requires extra components.
Verdict: Well-suited for IoT projects where LTE is the primary connectivity, especially in space-constrained environments.- MCU:ESP32-S3
- Wireless Connectivity:Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5 LE
- Additional Information:Supports 4G LTE
Our verdict“Best for Cellular-First IoT Projects — a strong pick in this lineup.”
ESP32-S3 SIM7670G 4G Development Board with Camera and Solar Charging
The ESP32-S3 SIM7670G board combines high processing power with integrated 4G LTE, a camera interface, and solar charging, making it ideal for outdoor surveillance or environmental sensing. Unlike the LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4, it emphasizes multimedia and security features, including hardware encryption. Its ability to run on solar power makes it suitable for remote locations, but the lack of a included battery and the complex setup can be barriers for beginners. This makes sense for seasoned developers working on autonomous outdoor projects where power and security matter. Tradeoffs involve additional costs for peripherals and a more demanding setup process. Pros: Dual-core processor, integrated LTE and camera support, solar and USB charging, security features. Cons: Battery purchase required, setup complexity, some peripherals lack detailed specs.
Verdict: An excellent choice for outdoor, camera-enabled IoT applications demanding autonomous power and security features.- Processor:Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core at 240 MHz
- Communication:SIM7670G 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, BLE 5.0
- Memory:16MB Flash, 2MB PSRAM
- Camera Interface:24-pin, OV2640 compatible
- Charging:Solar panel and USB
Our verdict“Best for Outdoor Monitoring with Camera and Power Independence — a strong pick in this lineup.”
LILYGO T-SIM7000G ESP32-WROVER-B 2G/NB Development Board
The LILYGO T-SIM7000G ESP32-WROVER-B stands out for its support of multiple peripheral interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART, SDIO, I2S, and CAN, making it highly adaptable for various IoT applications. Its large 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM enable handling of complex tasks and data buffering. Compared to LTE modules supporting 4G, this board’s reliance on 2G and NB-IOT networks limits its future-proofing, especially in regions phasing out 2G. However, for projects where existing infrastructure still relies on 2G or NB-IOT, this board offers a cost-effective, reliable solution. Its main tradeoff is the obsolescence of 2G networks in some areas, which could restrict long-term deployment. This pick makes the most sense for developers working in areas with stable 2G/NB-IOT coverage who prioritize connectivity versatility over future network support.
Pros:- Supports multiple peripheral interfaces for versatile connectivity
- Large flash and PSRAM to run complex applications
- Optimized for IoT projects with 2G/NB-IOT support
Cons:- Limited to 2G/NB-IOT networks, which are being phased out in many regions
- Requires compatible USIM card, adding to setup complexity
Best for: IoT developers with projects in regions still supporting 2G and NB-IOT, needing extensive peripheral options
Not ideal for: Developers planning for 4G LTE or future-proofing, as this module supports only 2G/NB-IOT networks
- Flash Memory:16MB
- PSRAM:8MB
- Network Support:2G, NB-IOT
- Peripheral Interfaces:I2C, SPI, UART, SDIO, I2S, CAN
Our verdict“This board is ideal for IoT projects in areas with stable 2G/NB-IOT networks where connectivity versatility is a priority.”
ESP32-S3 A7670E 4G Development Board with LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GNSS
The ESP32-S3 A7670E 4G Development Board excels in providing a comprehensive connectivity suite, supporting LTE Cat-1/2G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GNSS, making it suitable for portable applications that demand multimedia and positioning features. Its onboard camera and speaker facilitate multimedia use cases directly from the device, a feature not present in the simpler T-SIM7000G. Compared with the T-SIM7000G, this model offers 4G LTE support, which is more future-proof in regions adopting faster networks. However, its setup can be complex, requiring more technical skill, and it lacks detailed power consumption data, which could be critical for battery-powered projects. The inclusion of features like a camera and USB switching makes it better suited for portable, multimedia, or GPS-enabled projects, but less ideal for simple sensor data collection. This board makes the most sense for developers seeking a versatile, multimedia-capable LTE solution with GPS support, willing to handle a more complex setup.
Pros:- Supports LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GNSS for comprehensive connectivity
- Onboard camera and speaker enable multimedia applications
- USB switching for easy internet access and debugging
Cons:- Setup can be complex and may require advanced technical skills
- Limited power consumption information hampers battery planning
- No support for LTE Advanced, only LTE Cat-1/2G
Best for: Developers creating portable IoT devices with multimedia and GPS features, requiring LTE connectivity
Not ideal for: Beginners or projects needing simple, low-power LTE modules — the setup complexity may be prohibitive
- Part Number:ESP32-S3-A7670E-4G
- Processor:Xtensa 32-bit LX7 dual-core @ 240 MHz
- SRAM:512KB
- Flash Memory:16MB
- Wireless:2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE
- Cellular Module:A7670E-FASE supporting LTE Cat-1/2G
Our verdict“This board is best suited for portable, multimedia, and GPS-enabled LTE projects where future-proofing and versatility outweigh ease of setup.”
How We Picked
The selection process focused on modules that are widely compatible with ESP32 boards, emphasizing both performance and ease of integration. We evaluated based on connectivity options (2G, 3G, 4G LTE, NB-IoT), build quality, and additional features like GPS, cameras, or solar charging. Cost-effectiveness was a key factor, but we also prioritized modules with clear documentation and active community support. The ranking reflects a balance of value, versatility, and user-friendliness, making these options suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best LTE Modules For ESP32
Choosing the best LTE module for ESP32 involves considering several practical factors that impact your project’s success. Understanding these can help prevent common pitfalls like overpaying for features you don’t need or selecting incompatible hardware. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when selecting an LTE module:Connectivity Standards and Speed
Modules range from basic 2G or NB-IoT to high-speed LTE options. Consider your data needs: simple sensors may only require NB-IoT or 2G, but applications demanding higher bandwidth, such as video streaming or GPS tracking, benefit from 4G LTE. Match the module’s network compatibility with your local carriers to avoid connectivity issues and ensure reliable data transfer.
Ease of Integration and Compatibility
Look for modules with clear documentation, pre-wired connectors, and compatible interfaces (UART, USB, or GPIO). Modules with integrated antennas or those that support plug-and-play configurations reduce setup time. Compatibility with your ESP32 variant and existing accessories can save significant troubleshooting time.
Power Consumption and Durability
Remote or battery-powered projects need low-power modules with sleep modes. If your application involves outdoor use, consider modules with rugged casing, solar charging options, or low power modes to extend operational life without frequent maintenance.
Additional Features and Future Proofing
Modules with extra features like GPS, camera support, or GNSS can expand project capabilities. However, these features often come at a higher cost and complexity. Evaluate whether these extras are essential or add unnecessary complication for your current project scope.
Cost and Support
While budget constraints matter, investing in a well-supported, reliable module can reduce long-term maintenance and troubleshooting costs. Consider the availability of documentation, community support, and firmware updates when making your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 4G LTE module with my existing ESP32 board?
Yes, most LTE modules are designed to interface with ESP32 boards via UART or USB ports. However, it’s important to check the specific voltage levels and connector types to avoid compatibility issues. Some modules come with breakout boards or shields that simplify integration, which is especially helpful if your project lacks advanced soldering skills.
What should I consider if I want to deploy LTE modules outdoors?
Outdoor deployments require durability and reliable signal reception. Look for modules with rugged enclosures and integrated antennas. Solar charging options can extend battery life in off-grid locations, while low power modes help conserve energy in remote settings. Also, verify coverage for your area to ensure consistent connectivity.
Is it worth paying more for a module with GPS or camera support?
Modules with GPS or camera features add to the cost and complexity but can significantly enhance your project. If location tracking or image data is core to your application, investing in these extras makes sense. For simple data logging or remote sensing, these features are often unnecessary and can be omitted to save cost and reduce setup complexity.
How do I choose between 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE modules?
Consider your data speed requirements and network availability. 2G modules are cheaper and consume less power but are increasingly phased out globally. 3G offers broader coverage but slower speeds, while 4G LTE provides faster, more reliable connections suitable for bandwidth-intensive tasks. Check local carrier support to avoid compatibility issues.
Are LTE modules with solar charging reliable for long-term outdoor use?
Solar-powered LTE modules can be effective if paired with efficient solar panels and energy management systems. The reliability depends on local sunlight exposure, battery capacity, and power consumption of the module. Proper planning ensures continuous operation, but it’s wise to test these systems in actual outdoor conditions before deployment.
Conclusion
For most users seeking a straightforward, reliable LTE module, the LILYGO TTGO T-Call V1.4 SIM800L offers a solid balance of affordability and functionality, making it ideal for beginners or hobby projects. Those needing faster data speeds and comprehensive coverage should consider the Waveshare ESP32-S3 SIM7670G, which excels in performance but requires a bit more setup. For projects demanding long-term outdoor use, solar-compatible options like the LILYGO T-SIM7600G-H provide added durability. Budget-conscious buyers will find value in basic 2G or NB-IoT modules, while professionals looking for advanced features should explore premium options with GPS and camera support. Your choice should align with your project’s complexity, environment, and long-term goals.
