Choosing the Right LoRaWAN Sensor in 2026
With over 1,100 LoRaWAN sensor models supported by Sensor-Online, selecting the right device for a specific application requires understanding a handful of key parameters. This guide covers the most common sensor categories, what to look for in each, and which sensors perform reliably in real-world deployments.
Temperature and Humidity Sensors
The most widely deployed category. Used in building automation, cold chain monitoring, server rooms and agriculture. Key selection criteria:
- Measurement accuracy — ±0.2°C is achievable with quality sensors; ±1°C is typical for general-purpose indoor use
- Reporting interval and battery life — a 10-minute reporting interval on a good sensor yields 5+ years of battery life
- IP rating — outdoor or cold-store use requires at least IP65
- CO₂ combination — sensors combining temperature, humidity and CO₂ in one unit are cost-effective for office and school IAQ deployments
Recommended manufacturers: ELSYS, Dragino, Milesight, Talkpool.
Energy and Electricity Meters
LoRaWAN electricity meters are central to IMD (individual metering and billing) in apartment buildings and to energy monitoring in commercial and industrial buildings. Important criteria:
- MID approval — required for billing purposes in Sweden and most EU markets
- Single-phase vs three-phase — apartments typically use single-phase; industrial and commercial loads often require three-phase with power factor measurement
- P1/HAN-port adapters — a cost-effective alternative to replacing existing smart meters; reads consumption data directly from the meter’s P1 port
Recommended: Elvaco CMi4140, Watteco ATME, Eastron SDM.
Water Meters and Leak Detection
Wireless water meters eliminate manual reading rounds and enable leakage detection by monitoring consumption patterns. Key factors:
- Pulse output compatibility — most existing water meters have a pulse output that can be connected to a LoRaWAN pulse counter
- Clamp-on ultrasonic options — allow non-invasive installation on existing pipes without shutting down supply
- Alert thresholds — configured in Sensor-Online to trigger an alarm on abnormal night-time flow, indicating a leak
CO2 and Indoor Air Quality
Relevant for offices, schools and healthcare facilities. CO₂ levels above 1,000 ppm measurably reduce cognitive performance. LoRaWAN CO₂ sensors combined with Sensor-Online dashboards provide a real-time picture of indoor air quality across an entire building without cabling.
Look for sensors with NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) CO₂ measurement, which is significantly more stable than electrochemical alternatives over time.
Level and Pressure Sensors
Used in water and wastewater applications, silo monitoring, groundwater wells and industrial tanks. Common technologies:
- Submersible pressure transducers — for wells and sumps; measure hydrostatic pressure to calculate water level
- Radar level sensors — non-contact, suitable for aggressive liquids or solids; millimetre-wave radar achieves ±1 mm accuracy
- Ultrasonic level sensors — cost-effective for open tanks and silos with low-dust environments
Industrial and Modbus Sensors
For applications where existing Modbus or RS-485 instruments must be connected wirelessly, LoRaWAN converters such as the Milesight UC100 or UC300 translate Modbus RTU data to LoRaWAN uplinks. This allows legacy sensors and meters to report into Sensor-Online without replacing hardware.
FAQ: Choosing LoRaWAN Sensors
How many sensors can one LoRaWAN gateway support?
A single gateway can theoretically handle several hundred sensors, but practical capacity depends on payload size and reporting interval. For a gateway serving 200 sensors reporting every 15 minutes, load is well within limits.
Where can I browse all supported sensors?
The complete sensor catalogue with over 1,100 models is available at products.sensor-online.se. Each model includes specifications, payload decoder information and application notes.
Does Sensor-Online support sensors from multiple manufacturers simultaneously?
Yes. The platform is hardware-agnostic. You can mix ELSYS, Elvaco, Milesight and Dragino sensors on the same gateway and view all data in a single dashboard.
Browse the full range at Sensor-Online sensors or contact us for a recommendation for your specific application.
