Software Defined Radios (SDRs) are become more and more popular. This is partially due to the wide availability of low cost USB dongle SDR radios based on RTL2832U demodulator chipset. This is where the “RTL” in RTL-SDR comes from. While these low cost SDRs are not as capable as some of the higher performance SDR radios, they do offer a good bang for the buck. In this post we’ll take a look at 17 great RTL-SDR dongles.
Without further ado…
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17 RTL-SDR Dongles worth considering
RTL-SDR Blog Dongles
RTL-SDR Blog v3 1PPM TCXO
The RTL-SDR Blog v3 is arguably the most popular of all the SDR USB dongles on the list. The v3 comes equipped with with a 1PPM TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators) as the reference oscillator built in to the dongle. By utilizing a TCXO, the RTL-SDR Blog v3 software defined radio can achieve better signal to noise ratio (SNR) and better performance over temperature. One other factor that contributes to this SDRs popularity is the vibrant online support community at RTL-SDR.com. Although RTL-SDR.com covers multiple SDR models including Airspy, HackRF and SDRPlay, it is focused on small RTL2832U based SDR USB dongles. The RTL-SDR Blog v3 radio is capable of receiving general radio, air traffic control, public safety and first responders, ADS-B, ACARS, trunked radio, weather balloons, NOAA weather satellites just to name a few.
The RTL-SDR Blog v3 is constructed very well with an aluminium housing, USB A connector (for power and data), and a female SMA connector for RF/Antenna input. The aluminum enclosure helps block RF interference as well as acts as a heat shield for the SDR. The RTL-SDR Blog v3 is based on the RTL2832U demodulator and the R820T2 digital tuner chipset. Here are some basic stats for the RTL-SDR Blog v3:
- Bandwidth: up to 2.4 MHz
- ADC: RTL2832U 8-Bits of resolution
- Frequency Range: 500 kHz – 1766 MHz (500 kHz 24 MHz in direct sampling mode)
- Input Impedance: 50 Ohms
- Typical Current Draw: 270 – 280 mA
You can download the full datasheet here.
The RTL-SDR Blog v3 is available at the RTL-SDR.com website as well as Amazon.
RTL-SDR Blog v3 + Bias Tee and Antenna Bundle
This RTL-SDR Blog v3 bundle is a great choice if you’re looking for a great turn-key radio kit. This bundle gets you everything you need get started. It includes the same RTL-SDR Blog v3 SDR receiver described above as well as an HF bias tee and a dipole antenna and all the cabling required to put it all together.
At the time of writing this post, the RTL-SDR Blog v3 bundle is a NUMBER ONE best selling radio on Amazon.
The dipole antenna is basic, but still a great antenna for beginners looking to capture both terrestrial and satellite signals of interest.
NooElec RTL-SDR Dongles
Nooelec NESDR SMArTee XTR Premium SDR
The NESDR line of software defined radios by Nooelec is another hugely popular SDR brand. Nooelec has a reputation of affordable pricing and high quality construction and the NESDR SMArTee XTR is no exception. This SDR offers an aluminium housing and an embedded 0.5PPM TCXO (offering better TCXO performance than the RTL-SDR Blog v3). This well constructed SDR dongle also includes a USB A connector for power and data and a female SMA connector for the antenna input. One other feature of the NESDR SMArTee XTR is a built in bias-tee capable of 4.5V and 250mA.
The frequency range is 65 MHz to 2300 MHz. The lower end of the frequency range can be extended by adding the “Ham It Up” converter which can bring you down to 100 kHz or less.
The NESDR SMArTee XTR is based on the E4000 chipset instead of the popular R820T2 chipset found in the RTL-SDR Blog rigs. The E4000 digital tuner offers very good sensitivity at sub 500 MHz and greater than 1.5 GHz. One drawback of this radio is that there is a small frequency gap around 1100MHz, which means this SDR receiver is not a good choice if you’re primarily interested in ADS-B signals for aircraft tracking. Nooelec offers other SDRs based on the R820T/T2 chipset that are good for this purpose, including the next SDR on our list.
Nooelec NESDR SMArTee v2
The NESDR SMArTee v2 is a RTL2832U and R820T2 based software defined radio. This SDR receiver has a similar build quality to that of the XTR above, but features a black anodized aluminum enclosure. The NESDR SMArTee v2 offers the same integrated bias tee and 0.5 PPM TCXO as the XRT as well. The primary difference is that this radio is based on the R820T2 tuner instead of the E4000.
The TCXO used in the SMArTee v2 is an ultra low phase noise frequency source and is capable of receiving RF signals in the frequency range of 25 MHz to 1700 MHz. The integrated bias-tee is always on and able to supply active antenna circuitry with 250mA at 4.5V with low noise DC power.
Like the Nooelec XTR, the SMArTee v2 dongle features an USB A connector for power and data and a female SMA connector for the antenna input.
Nooelec NESDR SMArt v4 0.5ppm TCXO
The Nooelec NESDR SMArt v4 is an SDR that is based on the RTL2832U demodulator and the R820T2 tuner chipset. The SMArt v4 has the same black aluminium enclosure as the SMArTee v2. This SDR also offers the same ultra low phase noise TCXO capable of 0.5 PPM temperature stability. The primary difference between this SDR receiver and the one above is the SMArt V4 lacks the integrated bias tee found in the SMArTee v2 above.
The NESDR SMArt v4 has a USB A connector for power and data, and a female SMA connector for antenna input.
Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 bundle
If you’re looking for a turn-key bundle built around the Nooelec NESDR SMArt dongle above then you should check out this SDR kit on Amazon. This bundle includes the NESDR SMArt v4 dongle, an assembled Ham It Up upconverter, a balan, and assorted adaptors and a few antennas.
This kit is capable of receiving HF signals all the way down to 100 kHz without direct sampling hacks. This is all due to the combination of the SDR dongle and the Ham It Up upconverter. If you’re interested in HF signals, this kit is the way to go!
Nooelec NESDR Mini 2
The NESDR Mini 2 from Nooelec is an inexpensive option from a trusted brand for those looking to learn the basics of SDR radio. This unit is based on the R820T2 tuner and RTL2832U demodulator but does not include a low phase noise TCXO. The NESDR Mini 2 is still a capable little radio capable of receiving frequencies between 25 MHz and 1700 MHz and signals such as amateur radio, ADS-B, first responder communications etc.
The enclosure for the NESDR Mini 2 is made of plastic and not aluminium like the more expensive SDRs above. The design is popular and has been cloned by many generic SDR receivers on the market.
The antenna input for the NESDR Mini 2 is a small push-on style MCX connector on the side of the housing. MCX connectors are notoriously fragile and have a limited number of connector mate/demate cycles. If you’re going to be setting up and tearing down this rig often, consider adding an MCX to SMA or SO-239 adaptor to act as a connector saver for the MCX connector.
Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+
The Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ is an upgraded version of the Mini 2 above. The NESDR Mini 2+ is enclosed in the same plastic housing as the Mini 2 and has the same press-in MCX connector to connect up the antenna. The Mini 2+ offers an upgraded local oscillator integrated into the radio. In this case, that is a 0.5 PPM TCXO. Like the Mini 2, the Mini 2+ is also based on the RTL2832U demodulator and the R820T2 tuner.
If you pick up the Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ kit from Amazon, you’ll also get an MCX-to-SMA adaptor, and a dipole antenna with suction cup mount. The Mini 2+ is a worthwhile upgrade over the Mini 2 and offers lower noise, better sensitivity, and lower power consumption.
Nooelec NESDR Nano 2
Nooelec is known for packing a lot of SDR goodness into tiny packages and their Nano product line is as small as they get. The entry level Nano NESDR is the Nano 2. The Nano 2 (like many other Nooelec SDRs on this list) is based on the RTL2832U demodulator and the R820T2 tuner chip. This translates to the same 25 MHz to 1700 MHz frequency range as the other RTL-SDRs. The frequency range can be extended down to 100 kHz with the Ham It Up converter.
The Nooelec NESDR Nano 2 has a USB A connector for data and power. The antenna input is a MCX connector found on the end opposite of the USB connector. The enclosure for the Nano 2 is a tiny black plastic shell that is less than 1″ square. If you’re looking for one of the smallest and most affordable SDR receivers capable of catching many interesting signals the Nano 2 is a great choice. This bundle even comes with a small MCX dipole antenna!
Nooelec NESDR Nano 2+
If you’ve been reading the whole list to this point you probably already know how the Nano 2+ differs from the Nano 2. If you guessed “ultra low phase noise TCXO” then you guessed correctly! The NESDR Nano 2+ offers the same RTL2832U/R820T2 based SDR, but with an upgraded 0.5 PPM low noise TCXO.
The enclosure for the Nano 2+ is identical to the Nano 2. At the time of this writing was only a couple dollars more than that Nano 2. That makes this ultra tiny RTL-SDR dongle a no brainer for someone looking for a really small SDR receiver that has great performance.
Nooelec NESDR Nano 3
The Nooelec NESDR Nano 3 is probably the coolest RTL-SDR receiver on the whole list. It is TINY! Like, “where’s the rest of my SDR?!?” tiny. And it comes packed with a 0.5 PPM TCXO for top of the line performance! AND! it is enclosed in a beautiful, did we mention tiny, aluminium case.
The Nano 3 interfaces with your computer via a standard USB A connector. The antenna input is through a press-in MCX connector. It all almost sounds too good to be true… so what’s the catch? Well, since this thing is so tightly packed in there, it get HOT! So hot, that when you buy a Nano 3 you’ll also get a pair of custom heat sinks you can attach to the housing to try and keep things from roasting too bad. The Nano 3 is a miniscule 17mm x 20mm x 8mm and weighs only 15 g! Like the R820T2 based receivers, the frequency range on the Nano 3 is 25 MHz to 1700 MHz.
Nooelec NESDR Nano 3 “On the Go” bundle
The Nooelec NESDR Nano 3 OTG (On the Go) bundle is the ultimate kit for those looking for a portal set up. It includes the Nano 3 SDR receiver (described above), a series of USB adaptors and cables that allow you connect the SDR rig to a computer or even an Android phone or table (using the microUSB adaptor)! The kit also includes a MCX dipole antenna.
This is a great kit for those interested in trying to capture RF signals off the beaten path and away from you test bench. A couple of the cables provided are Y-cables. These will allow you to connect your Nano 3 to your targeted host device with one side of the cables. Then use the other side of the cable to connect an auxiliary power source like a USB charger or portable battery.
Nooelec NESDR XTR+ E4000 Based RTL-SDR Dongle
The Nooelec NESDR XTR+ is an SDR receiver based on the E4000 tuner IC and the RTL2832U demodulator. This one is a bit confusing when looking at the name because it is less expensive and lower build quality than the regular XTR mentioned above.
The XTR+ still packs an ultra-accurate 0.5 PPM TCXO clock, so tuning this SDR shouldn’t be an issue. And since it is using the E4000, you’ll be able to capture signals from 65 MHz to 2300 MHz. It is important to remember that there is the gap in frequency capability around 1100 MHz – 1200 MHz as with other E4000 based SDR receivers. This is known as the “L-band gap” and is a known issue with the E4000 tuners.
The XTR+ comes enclosed in a plastic housing. It has a standard USB A connector for the power and data connection. The XTR+ receiver uses a MCX connector for the RF/antenna input.
Other RTL-SDR Dongles
FlightAware Pro ADS-B Receiver
FlightAware is a well known brand that focuses on purpose built RTL-SDR receivers specifically designed to capture ADS-B signals. ADS-B signals are transmitted from aircraft and are used for aircraft surveillance and tracking. The FlightAware Pro is a specially designed SDR receiver based on the RTL2832U demodulator and the R802T2 tuner. One thing that make this rig unique is an integrated amplifier that offers 20dB of gain. This can boost ADS-B range anywhere from 20 to 100%! However, you’ll need to add an ADS-B filter to get rid of frequencies outside of the ADS-B range (978 to 1090 MHz).
The FlightAware Pro comes enclosed in a plastic housing. It uses a USB A connection for power and data and an SMA connection for the RF/Antenna input. Tracking aircraft is a great use of an RTL-SDR dongle, and this little rig does not disappoint.
JahyShow DVB-T R820T RTL-SDR Dongle
The JahyShow is a purpose built SDR receiver designed to receive digital TV broadcasts (but not US TV signals). But since it is based on the RTL2832U demodulator, it can be used as a general purpose SDR. There are a couple things to note about this low cost SDR dongle though. First of all, the clock is not a TCXO and will be prone to drift over temperature and other instabilities. Second, the tuner IC used in this RTL-SDR dongle is the R820T, which is an older and lower performing part than the R820T2. That being said, the JahyShow can still receive frequencies between 25 MHz and 1700 MHz like its R820T2 sibling.
Purchasing the JahyShow will get you the SDR radio enclosed in a black plastic housing, a small remote, and an antenna. The JahyShow isn’t going to win any build quality or performance awards, but it is less than $20! Take time to measure the frequency error and feed that back into the correction factor on any SDR applications you run. With the lower performance tuner and clock, this will make all the difference.
RioRand DVB-T FC0013 RTL-SDR dongle
The RioRand USB SDR dongle makes our list for its unique tuner, the FC0013 from Elonics. The RioRand still leverages the RTL2832U demodulator. This SDR is targeted for digital TV reception, but can also be used for others signals within its tuning range.
The RC0013 tuner IC is capable of receiving frequencies from 48.25 MHz to 863.25 MHz. The enclosure of the RioRand DVB-T tuner is made of plastic and has a USB A connector. One other important note for this SDR is the antenna impedance. Most of the RTL-SDR dongles on this list have an input impedance of 50 ohms, while the RioRand has an input impedance of 75 ohms. This is important when picking antennas. Play it safe and just use the dipole antenna included with this SDR receiver.
Generic RTL-SDR Radio (Nooelec NESDR Clone)
This RTL-SDR receiver is a clone of the Nooelec NESDR SMArt SDR dongle. It is housed in a gold aluminium enclosure and has a USB A port for power and data and a female SMA jack for the antenna input. The SDR radio includes a TCXO but only 1 PPM temperature stability. This SDR rig is based on the RTL2832U and R820T2 chipsets.
Although this radio offers similar packaging and specs as the Nooelec NESDR radios, our recommendation would be to stick with a trusted brand. If you do run into any issues, you’d likely have better luck with customer support.
Looking for something new to try with your SDR? we compiled a list of 10 super cool projects to tackle with your SDR.
How about creating a table to give an at-a-glance overview.
Device / price / lowest freq / highest freq / min signal / max signal / interface / and so on.
Good feedback. I wasn’t sure about including that on this post, since most of the SDRs are based on the same chipset and have almost identical specs. But there is enough different that a table could be helpful like you mentioned.