Meshtastic vs Halvar
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Meshtastic
This app enables off-grid, decentralized communication via a low-power mesh network. Send text messages in areas lacking cellular or WiFi service.
- Off-grid communication
- Decentralized mesh network
- Low-power LoRa radio support
- Text messaging
- No cellular/WiFi required
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Meshtastic® is an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network built to run on low-power Lora radios letting you send text messages in areas without reliable cellular or WiFi service.
Halvar
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Halvar is the companion app for setting up and managing your Halvar device. Use the app to connect your device, add Wi-Fi networks, view device status, manage firmware updates, and customize your Halvar experience. Features include: • Bluetooth device discovery and connection • Wi-Fi setup and saved network management • Firmware status and auto-update controls • Device customization settings • Volume and visual alert color preferences A Halvar device is required to use this app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Meshtastic at every 10 days against Halvar's every 5 weeks. Meshtastic also leads on device support (4 vs 2). Halvar's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.5). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Meshtastic ships an update every 10 days, Halvar every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Meshtastic | Halvar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (824 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 44.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 824 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 5 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.5 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 95 MB | 47 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Meshtastic LLC | Halvar LLC |
Bugs and requests
Meshtastic
Reported bugs
4 issues- Canned messages configuration issues
- Location sharing and traceroute functions not working
- Settings screen bugs and crashes
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between devices
Requested features
5 requests- Offline maps support
- Ability to customize notifications
- More sorting and filtering options for nodes
- Apple Watch and Shortcuts integration
- Improved documentation and user guidance
Halvar
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Meshtastic
No in-app purchases
Halvar
No in-app purchases
