RTL-SDRs

I LOVE Software Defined Radios! These things are just so versatile. This page will allow you to link through to make your own purchases via Amazon. By clicking here you’ll be using an affiliate link that will generate a small amount of income for the Frugal Radio channel. And for that, I thank you.

RTL-SDR v3

After more than 5 years, these are still the most used SDRs in my setups. Of course, you can also use the newer RTL-SDR v4 as most software now supports it as well.

RTL-SDR v3 Black

I keep these RTL-SDR v3s inside my shack, car and shed. Several run 24/7 and the others see more occasional or specialized usage.

For my travel bag, I use an RTL-SDR v3 Bundle as seen below. Click the picture for a hotlink to Amazon.

NooElec SMART v5

I also use a couple of NooElec dongles. The SMART v4 is pretty hard to find these days, but there are many NooElec SMART v5 devices around. I’ve used both, and am happy to recommend them. These are especially good if you are tight on space around your USB ports.

Pair of NooElec SMART v5 RTL-SDR dongles

Of course, the NooElec SMART v5 comes in a bundle as well.

RTL-SDR v4

A newer version of the RTL-SDR is in wide circulation now. Knows as v4, it uses a slightly different chipset. This meant it was not as widely supported in various software for the first year or so. Now, most of the software seems to support it.

I have not yet tried an RTL-SDR v4, but as you’ll see below, it closely resembles the newer v3 units with the black metal enclosure. Of course it comes in a bundle format as well.

There is also a limited run RTL-SDR v4 USB-C variant. My plan is to pick up one of these in the New Year. I’ll report back on the channel when I’ve had a chance to test it out!

My personal preference is for the RTL-SDR units. But I run multiple of both. They are both excellent options for getting started with SDRs, and for more advanced users!

I regularly use a multitude of scanners as well as my SDRs. In fact it was scanners that really got me hooked into this hobby. To see my scanner recommendations, visit the Scanner Gear page.