LoRaWAN vs NB-IoT: Choosing the Right LPWAN Technology for Your Project
A comprehensive technical comparison of LoRaWAN and NB-IoT technologies, helping you choose the optimal low-power wide-area network solution for your specific IoT deployment requirements.
The LPWAN Decision
Choosing between LoRaWAN and NB-IoT is one of the most important decisions in any IoT project. Both are excellent technologies, but they excel in different scenarios.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | LoRaWAN | NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Unlicensed (ISM) | Licensed (cellular) |
| Coverage | Private or public networks | Carrier-dependent |
| Range | Up to 15km rural | Up to 10km rural |
| Battery Life | 10+ years typical | 5-10 years typical |
| Data Rate | 0.3-50 kbps | Up to 250 kbps |
| Latency | Seconds to minutes | Seconds |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Recurring Cost | Optional | Always (carrier fees) |
When to Choose LoRaWAN
LoRaWAN excels when:
- You need private network control
- Coverage area has poor cellular signal
- Maximum battery life is critical
- You want to avoid recurring carrier fees
- Rapid deployment flexibility is needed
- Sensor density is very high (1000s of devices)
Ideal LoRaWAN Use Cases:
- Agricultural monitoring in rural areas
- Industrial facilities with private infrastructure
- Smart building deployments
- Asset tracking across large properties
- Underground or indoor monitoring
When to Choose NB-IoT
NB-IoT excels when:
- Carrier coverage is excellent in your area
- Higher data rates are needed
- Firmware OTA updates are frequent
- Two-way communication is intensive
- Device mobility crosses carrier boundaries
Ideal NB-IoT Use Cases:
- Connected vehicles and fleet management
- Smart meters with frequent reporting
- Mobile asset tracking
- Consumer IoT products
Cost Analysis Over 5 Years
Scenario: 500 sensors across industrial campus
| Cost Category | LoRaWAN | NB-IoT |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors (hardware) | $75,000 | $100,000 |
| Gateways/Infrastructure | $5,000 | $0 |
| Connectivity (5 years) | $0 | $180,000 |
| Battery replacements | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| Total 5-Year TCO | $85,000 | $295,000 |
Hybrid Approaches
Many organizations deploy both technologies:
- LoRaWAN for fixed assets on private property
- NB-IoT for mobile assets beyond LoRaWAN coverage
Making Your Decision
- Map your coverage needs - Where are your sensors located?
- Assess cellular signal - Is NB-IoT even viable?
- Calculate TCO - Include all recurring costs
- Consider control - How important is network independence?
- Plan for scale - How will costs change at 10x devices?
Need help choosing? Contact ParticLIO for a personalized technology assessment.
About Particlesensing
Particlesensing is a leading fire alarm and safety IoT manufacturer based in Hong Kong. With 20+ years of experience, we specialize in EN 14604 certified smoke detectors, LoRaWAN fire sensors, AI fire cameras, and comprehensive OEM/ODM solutions for global markets.
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