LoRaWAN vs NB-IoT vs LTE-M: How to Choose
The three leading low-power wide-area (LPWAN) options compared on range, power, bandwidth, cost and mobility — with a clear framework for picking the right one.
The short answer: use LoRaWAN for long-range, ultra-low-power, low-data sensors on a network you control (no carrier fees); use NB-IoT for static, deep-indoor devices on licensed cellular (utility meters); and use LTE-M for devices that move, need moderate bandwidth, OTA, lower latency, or voice (asset tracking, wearables). NB-IoT and LTE-M are licensed cellular standards; LoRaWAN is unlicensed and self-operable.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | LoRaWAN | NB-IoT | LTE-M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Unlicensed sub-GHz | Licensed (cellular) | Licensed (cellular) |
| Range | 2–15 km | 1–10 km (deep indoor) | 1–10 km |
| Bandwidth | 0.3–50 kbps | ~20–250 kbps | ~375 kbps–1 Mbps |
| Power / battery | Best (10+ yr) | Very low | Low–moderate |
| Mobility | Limited | No (static) | Yes (handover) |
| Voice (VoLTE) | No | No | Yes |
| Network | Self-run or public | Carrier subscription | Carrier subscription |
| Best for | Rural/private sensors | Deep-indoor meters | Mobile / OTA / voice |
Figures are typical real-world ranges; actual performance depends on antenna design, environment, and network configuration.
Which one should you pick?
Choose LoRaWAN if…
- You want the longest battery life on low, infrequent data
- You can run your own gateways and avoid per-device fees
- Devices are mostly static, rural, or on a private campus
- Cost at large scale matters more than deep-indoor reach
Choose NB-IoT if…
- Devices are static and deep indoors (basement meters)
- You want carrier coverage with no network to operate
- Data is low-volume and latency-tolerant
- Lowest-power cellular for fixed reporting is the priority
Choose LTE-M if…
- Devices move and need cell handover (asset/people tracking)
- You need firmware OTA, lower latency, or voice (VoLTE)
- Moderate bandwidth (hundreds of kbps) is required
- A single SKU must roam across regions and carriers
The decision in one paragraph
Start with two questions: does the device move, and do you control the network? If it moves or needs voice/OTA at moderate data rates, that's LTE-M. If it's static and deep indoors on a carrier, that's NB-IoT. If it's static, low-data, and you'd rather run your own gateways to avoid per-device fees, that's LoRaWAN. For global products, a combined NB-IoT/LTE-M module is a common hedge. Our RF design and IoT teams choose and validate the radio against your real coverage and power budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which radio fits your product?
Tell our RF & wireless team your range, power, and data requirements and we'll recommend and validate the right connectivity.