Big ESP32 / SX127x topic part 1

I’ve setup my first Lora system and i’m getting a maximum of 100m in a dense suburban environment with both antennas outdoors. Is this normal? how are people getting these huge ranges? I can get better range on a cheap walkie talkie

My equipment is based off two of these modules:

Aliexpress

I’m using the included antenna and setting my frequency to 915mhz in USA. I’m using a spreading factor of 12 of bandwidth of 7.8E3.

Any ideas?