Best software defined radio dongle for 2022

There are many reasons you might choose to buy software defined radio dongle but it is not easy to find the best suitable software defined radio dongle for you. But don’t worry! We did some of the work for you already by researching a few models on the current market. Let’s check following article to find the best software defined radio dongle.

Best software defined radio dongle

Product Features Go to site
Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth Dongle for Desktop Laptop Computer, Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones Stereo Music, Skype Calls, Support All Windows 11 10 8.1 8 7 XP Vista Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth Dongle for Desktop Laptop Computer, Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones Stereo Music, Skype Calls, Support All Windows 11 10 8.1 8 7 XP Vista Go to amazon.com
RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio (Dongle Only) RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio (Dongle Only) Go to amazon.com
Nooelec NESDR Mini USB RTL-SDR & ADS-B Receiver Set, RTL2832U & R820T Tuner, MCX Input. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Compatible with Many SDR Software Packages. R820T Tuner & ESD-Safe Antenna Input Nooelec NESDR Mini USB RTL-SDR & ADS-B Receiver Set, RTL2832U & R820T Tuner, MCX Input. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Compatible with Many SDR Software Packages. R820T Tuner & ESD-Safe Antenna Input Go to amazon.com
RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit RTL-SDR Blog V3 R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Software Defined Radio with Dipole Antenna Kit Go to amazon.com
Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ 0.5PPM TCXO RTL-SDR & ADS-B USB Receiver Set w/Antenna, Suction Mount & Female SMA Adapter. RTL2832U & R820T2 Tuner. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ 0.5PPM TCXO RTL-SDR & ADS-B USB Receiver Set w/Antenna, Suction Mount & Female SMA Adapter. RTL2832U & R820T2 Tuner. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Go to amazon.com
Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 Bundle - Premium RTL-SDR w/Aluminum Enclosure, 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input & 3 Antennas. RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radio. Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 Bundle - Premium RTL-SDR w/Aluminum Enclosure, 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input & 3 Antennas. RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radio. Go to amazon.com
Bingfu Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz 6dBi Magnetic Base SMA Male MCX Antenna for Aviation Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz ADS-B Receiver RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner Receiver Bingfu Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz 6dBi Magnetic Base SMA Male MCX Antenna for Aviation Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz ADS-B Receiver RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner Receiver Go to amazon.com
Bingfu SMA Female to MCX Plug Right Angle RG316 Coaxial Cable 30cm 12 inch for RTL SDR Software Defined Radio RTL2832U R820T ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner Bingfu SMA Female to MCX Plug Right Angle RG316 Coaxial Cable 30cm 12 inch for RTL SDR Software Defined Radio RTL2832U R820T ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner Go to amazon.com
Bingfu Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz 5dBi Magnetic Base SMA Male MCX Antenna (2-Pack) for Aviation Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz ADS-B Receiver RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner Receiver Bingfu Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz 5dBi Magnetic Base SMA Male MCX Antenna (2-Pack) for Aviation Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz ADS-B Receiver RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner Receiver Go to amazon.com
Bingfu F Type Female to MCX Plug Right Angle RG316 Coaxial Cable 30cm 12 inch for RTL SDR Software Defined Radio RTL2832U R820T ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner Bingfu F Type Female to MCX Plug Right Angle RG316 Coaxial Cable 30cm 12 inch for RTL SDR Software Defined Radio RTL2832U R820T ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner Go to amazon.com
Related posts:

1. Avantree DG40S USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC, Bluetooth Dongle for Desktop Laptop Computer, Mouse, Keyboard, Headphones Stereo Music, Skype Calls, Support All Windows 11 10 8.1 8 7 XP Vista

Feature

ENABLE BLUETOOTH COMPATIBILITY - For Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP Laptop or desktop computer. Turns Non-Bluetooth PC or laptop into Bluetooth-capable. It is NOT compatible with Mac, Linux, TV or Car stereo systems
MULTIPLE USAGE - Connect with Bluetooth headphones, speakers or receivers for wireless stereo music streaming. Also for Skype Calls, Google Hangouts and mobile phone/ tablet data transfer
WIDE RANGE OF DEVICE SUPPORT - Connect with Bluetooth keyboards & mice (NOT 2.4G devices), printers, projectors, PS4 / Xbox One S controller and other BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) devices. For controllers you may need to install specific drivers for different games / software to configure button settings. It is NOT compatible with Xbox one controller or Nintendo consoles
PLUG & PLAY or FREE DRIVER - For native Win 10 and Win 8*, plug into USB port and windows will auto-install the required drivers. For Win 7, Vista, XP, install the driver from the CD or download from Avantree support site. ( Note: the driver from CD and our support site is completely FREE. Other sites may charge you
24 MONTH WARRANTY & SUPPORT - 24-Month Warranty. Step-by-step Video guides & many FAQs online for quick support and convenience. Toll-free phone support (800 232 2078) from our LA based Support Team

Description

Product Features
Ultra-compact, easy carrying and space saving.
Experience stereo audio with Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol support.
Up to 3 Mbps data transfer rate with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) support.
LED indicator indicates device status.
Backward support classic Bluetooth V3.0/2.1/2.0/1.1
Networks a Windows computer to Bluetooth devices such as keyboards, mice, headsets, and mobile devices.
Specifications

Bluetooth version: 4.0 with EDR - data transfer rate up to 3Mbps
ISM Band: 2.402-2.480GHz
Operation range: Class II, up to 20 meters
LED Indication: Power on, Linking and Standby
Chipset: CSR 8510
Support Profile: Serial Port, Object Push, File Transfer, LAN Access, Personal Area Network, Audio Gateway, Headsets, HID, Keyboard, Mouse,
HCRP (Printer Cable Replacement), PIM, Synchronization Profile, A2DP, AVRCP

2. RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio (Dongle Only)

Feature

Includes 1x RTL-SDR Blog brand R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Dongle (V3)
Great for many applications including general radio scanning, air traffic control, public safety radio, ADSB, AIS, ACARS, trunked radio, P25 digital voice, POCSAG, weather balloons, APRS, NOAA APT weather satellites, radio astronomy, meteor scatter monitoring, DAB, or for use as a low cost panadapter with a traditional ham radio.
Several improvements over other brands including use of the R820T2 tuner, improved component tolerances, a 1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO), SMA F connector, aluminium case with thermal pad for passive cooling, software activatable bias tee circuit.
Can tune from 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz and has up to 3.2 MHz (2.4 MHz stable) of instantaneous bandwidth. (HF reception below 24 MHz runs in direct sampling mode)
Uses a SMA female antenna port. Please note that this is the dongle only, no antennas are included.

Description

Quickstart Guide: rtl-sdr.com/QSG
V3 Features Guide: rtl-sdr.com/V3
Antenna Guide: rtl-sdr.com/DIPOLE

This is an RTL-SDR blog software defined radio receiver with RTL2832U ADC chip, 1PPM TCXO, SMA F connector, R820T2 tuner and aluminium case with passive cooling. Tunes from 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz with up to 3.2 MHz (2.4 MHz stable) of instantaneous bandwidth. (HF mode works in direct sampling mode). Perfect for use as a computer based radio scanner with free software like SDR#, HDSDR, SDR-Radio, Linrad, GQRX or SDR Touch on Android. Works on Windows, OSX, Linux, Android and embedded Linux computers like the Raspberry Pi.

Great for many applications including general radio scanning, air traffic control, public safety radio, ADS-B aircraft radar, AIS boat radar, ACARS, trunked radio, P25/MotoTRBO digital voice, POCSAG, weather balloons, APRS, NOAA APT weather satellites, Meteor M2 satellites, radio astronomy, meteor scatter monitoring, DAB, or for use as a low cost panadapter with a traditional ham radio.

This model has several improvements over other brands. It uses the improved R820T2 tuner, comes with a 1PPM TCXO (no drift and accurate tuning with a 2 PPM initial offset and 1 PPM temperature drift), improved component tolerances, redesigned lower noise PCB, cooling improvements, extra ESD protection and an SMA F connector. It also comes with a software activatable bias-tee circuit for powering external devices such as LNA's and active antennas. Full info on the improvements available here goo.gl/MD12bD

Please go to our free RTL-SDR Quickstart Guide at rtl-sdr.com/QSG for installation instructions. For custom antennas please note that this dongle uses an SMA F connector (note not RP-SMA). For enabling HF reception below 24 MHz please see the V3 features guide: rtl-sdr.com/v3 and please feel free to contact us via Amazon messaging for technical support - we're happy to help.

3. Nooelec NESDR Mini USB RTL-SDR & ADS-B Receiver Set, RTL2832U & R820T Tuner, MCX Input. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio Compatible with Many SDR Software Packages. R820T Tuner & ESD-Safe Antenna Input

Feature

Included: NooElec USB dongle, antenna, remote control
RTL2832U interface IC & R820T tuner IC on USB dongle
These are custom USB devices tuned for SDR and include much better components than generics (see description below)
Compatible with most SDR software packages; software & drivers may be downloaded freely from nooelec.com
Full 1-year warranty & installation support available!

Description

The perfect device for learning software defined radio, on the cheap. Amateur radio, ADS-B, police & fire scanning, trunking, satellite images--you name it, this little guy can probably do it. Outperforms many devices 10x its cost!

BUILD DETAILS

This custom NooElec SDR is a modified DVB-T USB dongle tuned for SDR usage, including upgraded crystal, capacitors and inductors compared to generic devices like those sold by competitors. This results in a lowered noise floor, increased stability and improved longevity.

These units are based on the R820T tuner IC made by Rafael Micro. As such, they have a frequency capability of approximately 25MHz-1750MHz, though this can vary somewhat from unit to unit. There is also an RTL2832U IC on board of course, which acts as the demodulator and USB interface.

The connector type on the antenna and USB board is MCX--male MCX on the antenna, female MCX on the SDR. There are plenty of adapter and adapter cables available in our store if you want to connect your favorite antenna!

We perform extensive QA on every batch sold. As with all our SDRs, we guarantee antenna protection will be present so that your new investment will not be quickly destroyed by spurious ESD.

SOFTWARE DETAILS

Full compatibility with a large array of software packages, such as MATLAB, HDSDR, SDR Touch, SDR#, Planeplotter--too many to list. MathWorks and NooElec have coordinated to bring MATLAB support for our SDR receivers. The RTL-SDR radio support package enables you to design wireless receivers using real world signals. Using Communications System Toolbox in conjunction with an RTL-SDR USB radio, you can design and prototype systems that process real-time wireless signals in MATLAB and Simulink

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

Feature

Includes 1x RTL-SDR Blog brand R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO HF Bias Tee SMA Dongle (V3), 1x portable multipurpose dipole antenna set. Dipole set includes 1x dipole base with 60cm RG174, 2x 23cm to 1m telescopic antenna, 2x 5cm to 13cm telescopic antenna, 1x 3m RG173 extension cable, 1x flex tripod mount, 1x suction cup mount.
Great for many applications including general radio scanning, air traffic control, public safety radio, ADSB, ACARS, trunked radio, P25 digital voice, POCSAG, weather balloons, APRS, NOAA APT weather satellites, radio astronomy, meteor scatter monitoring, DAB, or for use as a low cost panadapter with a traditional ham radio.
Several improvements over other brands including use of the R820T2 tuner, improved component tolerances, a 1 PPM temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO), SMA F connector, aluminium shielded case with thermal pad for passive cooling, activatable bias tee circuit and a much improved antenna set.
Can tune from 500 kHz to 1.7 GHz and has up to 3.2 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth (2.4 MHz stable). (HF reception below 24 MHz in direct sampling mode with reduced performance). Please note RTL-SDR dongles are RX only.
The multipurpose portable dipole kit is great for beginners! Use it either for terrestrial or satellite reception just by changing the orientation of the antenna. The mounts and extension cable allow you to temporarily place the antenna outside for improved reception.

5. Nooelec NESDR Mini 2+ 0.5PPM TCXO RTL-SDR & ADS-B USB Receiver Set w/Antenna, Suction Mount & Female SMA Adapter. RTL2832U & R820T2 Tuner. Low-Cost Software Defined Radio

Feature

New! Redesigned for lower noise, better sensitivity and lower power consumption.
Design changes include RF-suitable 3.3v power supply with 1/10th of the noise of other SDRs, shielded power inductor for improved EMI rejection, and more!
A male MCX to female SMA adapter and strong magentic antenna suction mount included as standard.
R820T2 tuner provides substantial performance improvements over R820T-based devices
Full 2-year product warranty!

6. Nooelec NESDR Smart v4 Bundle - Premium RTL-SDR w/Aluminum Enclosure, 0.5PPM TCXO, SMA Input & 3 Antennas. RTL2832U & R820T2-Based Software Defined Radio.

Feature

Premium RTL-SDR bundle includes newly designed NESDR SMArt in beautiful brushed aluminum enclosure, re-designed antenna base with 2m (6.5') RG-58 feed cable, and 3 antenna masts. Proudly built by Nooelec in the USA and Canada! Full 2-year product warranty
A wide variety of improvements on other designs, including ultra-low phase noise 0.5PPM TCXO, RF-suitable voltage regulator, custom heatsink, 2 silicone pads and SMA female connector
Designed from the ground up to reduce USB port occlusion. Run multiple NESDR SMArt side-by-side with any USB-compliant device, including tightly-spaced embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi
SDR frequency capability approximately 25MHz-1700MHz. Frequency range can be extended down to 100kHz or lower with the Ham It Up, available on Amazon (Product ID B009LQT3G6)
An 8pc SMA adapter set and carrying case is also available on Amazon (Product ID B073JT98RR)

7. Bingfu Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz 6dBi Magnetic Base SMA Male MCX Antenna for Aviation Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz ADS-B Receiver RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner Receiver

Feature

Frequency Range: Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz; Gain: 6dBi;
Antenna Connector: SMA Male Connector; Accessoried Connector Adapter: MCX Plug to SMA Female Connector Adapter;
Feature: Magnetic Base Mounting; Impedance: 50 ohm; Direction: Omni-directional;
Package List: 1 x Antenna, 1 x Connector Adapter (As the Picture Shown);
Compatible with: RTL SDR Software Defined Radio SDR ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle Tuner;

8. Bingfu SMA Female to MCX Plug Right Angle RG316 Coaxial Cable 30cm 12 inch for RTL SDR Software Defined Radio RTL2832U R820T ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner

Feature

Compatible with: RTL SDR Software Defined Radio Aviation ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner;
Connector: SMA Female 50 Ohm Connector; Connector: MCX Plug Right Angle 50 Ohm Connector;
Cable: RG316 50 Ohm Coaxial Cable
Length: 30cm / 12 inch
Package List: 1 x Cable (As the Picture Shown)

9. Bingfu Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz 5dBi Magnetic Base SMA Male MCX Antenna (2-Pack) for Aviation Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz ADS-B Receiver RTL SDR Software Defined Radio USB Stick Dongle Tuner Receiver

Feature

Frequency Range: Dual Band 978MHz 1090MHz; Gain: 5dBi;
Antenna Connector: SMA Male Connector; Accessoried Connector Adapter: MCX Plug to SMA Female Connector Adapter;
Feature: Magnetic Base Mounting; Impedance: 50 ohm; Direction: Omni-directional;
Package List: 2 x Antenna, 2 x Connector Adapter (As the Picture Shown);
Compatible with: RTL SDR Software Defined Radio SDR ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle Tuner;

10. Bingfu F Type Female to MCX Plug Right Angle RG316 Coaxial Cable 30cm 12 inch for RTL SDR Software Defined Radio RTL2832U R820T ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner

Feature

Compatible with: RTL SDR Software Defined Radio Aviation ADS-B Receiver USB Stick Dongle DVB-T ATSC HD TV Stereo Radio Tuner;
Connector: F Type Female 50 Ohm Connector; Connector: MCX Plug Right Angle 50 Ohm Connector;
Cable: RG316 50 Ohm Coaxial Cable
Length: 30cm / 12 inch
Package List: 1 x Cable (As the Picture Shown)

Conclusion

By our suggestions above, we hope that you can found the best software defined radio dongle for you. Please don't forget to share your experience by comment in this post. Thank you!

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