15-Best-SDR-Radios

15 Best Software Defined Radios (SDRs) For Any Budget [2021 Edition]

When it comes to Software Defined Radios or SDRs, the variety of offerings can be overwhelming when trying to pick the right set up. We scoured the web in search of 15 great software defined radios so you wouldn’t have to!

So what is the best SDR receiver or transceiver in 2021? The answer is… it’s complicated! When picking an SDR radio, there are many factors that come into play; frequency ranges, transmit/receive capability, complexity, available firmware and open source projects, and of course cost! The following list of great SDR radios covers this diverse spectrum and we hope any one interested in software defined radios will find something that will work for them.

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Beginner's Guide to Software Defined Radios

If you’re brand new to software defined radios (SDR), check out our guide to getting started with SDRs.


Without further delay, here is our list of 15 Great Software Defined Radios in 2021!

1. HackRF One Software Defined Radio (SDR), ANT500 & SMA Antenna Adapter Bundle

The HackRF One is one of the most capable and well supported SDRs on our list, which is why we listed it first. The HackRF One software defined radio is capable of both transmission and reception (Tx/Rx) of frequencies from 1MHz to 6GHz.

NooElec HackRF One Software Defined Radio (SDR), ANT500 & SMA Antenna Adapter Bundle
HackRF One Bundle

Although the HackRF One SDR can both transmit and receive, it is only half-duplex, meaning it can transmit OR receive, but not both at the same time. This bundle includes everything you need to get the SDR up and running: adapters to connect a wide range of antennas to your HackRF One, including F-connector, N-connector, BNC and PAL antennas. Below is additional information from the vendor describing the HackRF One SDR Radio.

HackRF One from Great Scott Gadgets is a Software Defined Radio peripheral capable of transmission or reception of radio signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. Designed to enable test and development of modern and next generation radio technologies, HackRF One is an open source hardware platform that can be used as a USB peripheral or programmed for stand-alone operation.

● 1 MHz to 6 GHz operating frequency
● half-duplex transceiver
● up to 20 million samples per second
● 8-bit quadrature samples (8-bit I and 8-bit Q)
● compatible with GNU Radio, SDR#, and more
● software-configurable RX and TX gain and baseband filter
● software-controlled antenna port power (50 mA at 3.3 V)
● SMA female antenna connector
● SMA female clock input and output for synchronization
● convenient buttons for programming
● internal pin headers for expansion
● Hi-Speed USB 2.0
● USB-powered
● open source hardware

2. Nooelec NESDR Smart HF Bundle

Nooelec NESDR SMArt HF Bundle

The Nooelec NESDR Smart HF Bundle is a complete and affordable kit that includes everything you need receive HF bands.

The bundle includes the Nooelec NESDR radio, a Ham It Up up converter, 3 different antenna, an impedance matching balun, and interconnect adapters. The combination of the Nooelec NESDR SMArt SDR coupled with the Ham It Up up-converter will allow this rig to operate from 100kHz to 1.7GHz.

This bundle is only available on Amazon and is noted as a limited time offering, so be sure to check the link for availability.

3. RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit

If the HackRF One is the most versatile, the RTL-SDR is the most affordable. With an almost cult-like following, there are many forums and sites to help get your RTL-SDR software defined radio listening in quickly. The RTL-SDR is only capable of receiving and cannot transmit. The frequency range of this budget software defined radio is 500kHz to 1.7GHz. The RTL-SDR is a software defined radio receiver based on the RTL2832U ADC chip. It also contains a R820T2 tuner, a 1PPM TCXO for good stability, and an SMA connector for the antenna port.

RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit

The RTL-SDR is the perfect budget software defined radio for many applications such as general radio scanning, air traffic control, public safety, ADS-B aircraft radar, ACARS, trunked radio, P25/MotoTRBO digital voice, POCSAG, weather balloons, APRS, NOAA APT/Meteor M2 weather satellites, radio astronomy, DAB.

This RTL-SDR radio kit includes an antenna and other useful peripherals. Depending on your familiarity with software defined radios, you may also want to pick up a copy of this informative RTL-SDR guide.

4. Nooelec NESDR SMArt v4 with Aluminum Enclosure

Nooelec NESDR SMArt SDR with Aluminum Enclosure

The Nooelec NESDR SMArt is a premium SDR that is capable of receiving RF signals from 25MHz to 1.7GHz. The SDR radio has been designed to run with little to no interference from neighboring USB-compliant devices like Raspberry Pi.

This Nooelec Radio is similar to the bundle above, but lacks the up-converter (and the higher price tag). One of the other good features about this budget SDR rig is its inclusion of an ultra-low phase noise TCXO with 0.5PPM stability.

At the time of this post, there were only 20 units left in stock, so be sure to check availability.

5. ADALM-Pluto SDR Software Defined Radio Active Learning Module PlutoSDR

ANALOG DEVICES ADALM-Pluto SDR Software Defined Radio Active Learning Module PlutoSDR

The ADALM-Pluto SDR is a heavy hitter and a great option for those looking for a software defined radio capable of transmit and receive. The ADAML-Pluto is a bit newer than some of the other SDRs on this list, so there isn’t quite as rich an ecosystem of support for this radio. Here are some of the features of the ADALM-Pluto SDR:

  • Based on Analog Devices AD9363–Highly Integrated RF Agile Transceiver and Xilinx Zynq Z-7010 FPGA
  • Portable self-contained RF learning module Cost-effective experimentation platform
  • RF coverage from 325 MHz to 3.8 GHz. Up to 20 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Flexible rate, 12-bit ADC and DAC. One transmitter and one receiver, half or full duplex
  • MATLAB, Simulink support. GNU Radio sink and source blocks. libiio, a C, C++, C#, and Python API
  • USB 2.0 Powered Interface with Micro-USB 2.0 connector High quality plastic enclosure

6. SDRPlay RSPduo Dual Wideband 1kHz-2GHz SDR Receiver

SDRPlay RSPduo Software Defined Radio

The SDRplay RSPduo is great software defined radio option for those looking for a radio that will work in a Windows environment. The SDRplay has an RF frequency range from 1kHz to 2GHz. It also features 14-bit resolution. This model has three separate antenna inputs that are each selectable through software. The SDRplay is receive only, but is great for industrial, scientific, and educational purposes. With the available and documented APIs, software defined radio developers can create their own demodulators. Speaking of good documentation, the SDRplay is gaining popularity so there is also a growing community of users to provide support.

The SDRplay offers the following benefits:

  • Simultaneously receive on two totally independent 2MHz spectrum windows anywhere between 1kHz and 2GHz
  • Simultaneous processing from 2 antennas enables direction-finding, diversity and noise reduction applications
  • Covers all frequencies from 1kHz through VLF, LF, MW, HF, VHF, UHF and L-band to 2GHz, with no gaps
  • Receive, monitor and record up to 10MHz of spectrum at a time (single tuner mode)
  • External clock input and output for synchronisation purposes, or connection to GPS reference clock
  • Calibrated S meter/ RF power and SNR measurement with SDRuno (including datalogging to .CSV file capability)
  • Ideal for portable monitoring of ISM/ IoT/ Telemetry bands <2GHz

7. Great Scott Gadgets Ubertooth One Bundle

Great Scott Ubertooth One

The Great Scott Ubertooth One is a streamed-lined SDR that is one of the smallest packages that can both receive and transmit RF signals up to 2.4GHz. The Bundle includes the radios, the enclosure and an antenna.

The application software is intuitive and the unit has great receiver sensitivity and transmit power. The microcontroller is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 that enables full-speed USB 2.0. The Ubertooth One is a great development tool for those looking to develop custom Class 1 devices. The Ubertooth is completely open-sourced (both hardware and software).

8. Original LimeSDR

Original LimeSDR Software Radio Development Board Bandwidth 61.44MHz Board tzt-

The original LimeSDR is an extremely popular option for those looking for a bit more than basic functionality. The LimeSDR software defined radio offers both transmit and receive functionality with a frequency range from 100kHz to 3.8GHz. With that wide of a wide frequency range, the LimeSDR can send and receive UMTS, LTE, GSM, LoRa, Bluetooth, Zigbee, RFID, and Digital Broadcasting, to name but a few.

The LimeSDR is approachable as well, with a robust developer community and ‘apps’ that can be installed thanks to the Snappy Ubuntu Core running on this versatile software defined radio.

9. LimeSDR mini

Description from manufacturer website

LimeSDR-USB vs Mini_1

The LimeSDR and LimeSDR Mini are members of the same family of software-defined radios. One does not replace the other. Rather, they are complementary.

Simply put, the LimeSDR Mini is a smaller, less expensive version of the original LimeSDR. However, it still packs a punch – at its core, the LimeSDR Mini uses the same LMS7002M radio transceiver as its big sibling. The Mini has two channels instead of four and, by popular demand, SMA connectors instead of micro U.FL connectors, and features Intel’s MAX 10 FPGA.

We’ve shipped many thousands of LimeSDR Mini boards, along with thousands of the larger LimeSDR boards. Both of which are built on the same supply chain, development tools and community, in a way that makes software-defined radio more accessible than ever.

10. The USRP B205mini-i Platform

USRP B205mini-i SDR Platform

The USRP B205mini-i SDR platform is an ultra high performance SDR platform that is capable of both transmit and receive up to 6GHz.

The USRP B205mini-i has 1 transmit channel and 1 receive channel with a frequency range from 70MHz to 6GHz. The Instantaneous Bandwidth up to 56MHz allowing wide-band operation for many diverse waveforms. For external synchronization can be acheived with either 10MHz external reference clock or 1 PPS (pulse per second) reference.

11. Ettus B200 SDR

Description from manufacturer

Ettus-B200-SDR-Software-Defined-Radio

The USRP B200 provides a fully integrated, single board, Universal Software Radio Peripheral platform with continuous frequency coverage from 70 MHz –6 GHz. Designed for low-cost experimentation, it combines a fully integrated direct conversion transceiver providing up to 56MHz of real-time bandwidth, an open and reprogrammable Spartan6 FPGA, and fast and convenient bus-powered SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity. Full support for the UHD (USRP Hardware Driver) software allows you to immediately begin developing with GNU Radio, prototype your own GSM base station with OpenBTS, and seamlessly transition code from the B200 to higher performance, industry ready USRP platforms.

12. Ettus B210 SDR

Description from manufacturer

USRP B210 (Board Only)

The USRP B210 provides a fully integrated, single-board, Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP™) platform with continuous frequency coverage from 70 MHz – 6 GHz. Designed for low-cost experimentation, it combines the AD9361 RFIC direct-conversion transceiver providing up to 56MHz of real-time bandwidth, an open and reprogrammable Spartan6 FPGA, and fast SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity with convenient bus-power. Full support for the USRP Hardware Driver™ (UHD) software allows you to immediately begin developing with GNU Radio, prototype your own GSM base station with OpenBTS, and seamless transition code from the USRP B210 to higher performance, industry-ready USRP platforms.

13. BladeRF X40 Software Defined Radio

Description from manufacturer

BladeRF X40 Software Defined Radio

Out of the box, the bladeRF can tune from 300MHz to 3.8GHz without the need for extra boards. Through open source software such as GNURadio (live image), the bladeRF can be placed into immediate use. With its flexible hardware and software, the bladeRF can be configured to operate as a custom RF modem, a GSM and LTE picocell, a GPS receiver, an ATSC transmitter, or a combination Bluetooth/WiFi client, without the need for any expansion cards. All of the bladeRF host software, firmware, and HDL is open source, and available on GitHub.

Highlights:

  • Full-duplex 40MSPS 12bit quadrature sampling
  • Factory calibrated VCTCXO tuned within 1 Hz of 38.4 MHz
  • Removable-cap RF shields for increased system sensitivity and isolation
  • Flexible clocking architecture for arbitrary sample rates
  • GPIO expansion port
  • SPI flash allows for headless operation
  • Expanded frequency coverage using XB-200 Transverter Board
  • Typical +6dBm TX power

14. Yard Stick One USB Transceiver

YARD Stick One SDR

The YARD (Yet Another Radio Dongle) Stick One is a small bare-board SDR transceiver suitable for frequencies below 1GHz. The unit has a integrated receiving amp and transmit amplifier as well as an integrated bias-tee for powering antenna port accessories.

This particular bundle includes a 915MHz SMA antenna. If your looking for a good low cost transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving popular license-free bands.

15. Icom IC-7610 HF/50MHz 100W Transceiver

Description from manufacturer

Icom IC-7610 HF/50MHz 100W Transceiver - The SDR Everyone Wants

Faint signals are no longer a challenge for DXers and Contesters around the world, with the new IC-7610. The difference between putting the QSO in the log or trying another time is the capability of your receiver. The high performance RMDR in the IC-7610 has the ability to pick out the faintest of signals even in the presence of stronger, adjacent signals. The IC-7610 introduces dual RF direct sampling receivers. Achieving 100dB RMDR, these receivers rival that of other top-of-the-line transceivers. The IC-7610 also comes with a high-speed, high-resolution, real-time spectrum scope on a 7-inch color display.

Output power: 100W (25W AM)
RX Frequencies: 0.030-60.00MHz
Receiver type: Direct sampling

RF direct sampling system

The IC-7610 employs an RF direct sampling system, where RF signals directly convert to digital data and then processed by the FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). This process reduces distortion that naturally occurs in the various mixer stages found in traditional superhetrodyne receivers.

The RF Direct Sampling System in the IC-7610 is capable of 110 dB* RMDR. This performance gives you the ability to pull weak signals out of the noise of strong adjacent signals. There is a difference you can actually hear as the desired signal comes out of the pileup!

3 Aviation Signals for Your Next SDR Project

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2 comments

  1. Can I control an Ettus B200 with the software package SDR#? Would I need two Ettus B200’s to listen in to public service digital?

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