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Gqrx alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll SDR software

Top picks

Common reasons people leave Gqrx: no official Windows build, and receive only, with a basic set of analogue demodulators. We ranked 2 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Gqrx, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. SDR++ currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1SDR++ logoSDR++Open source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 468.8
2SDR# (SDRSharp) logoSDR# (SDRSharp)Free—NoWindows4 of 461.8
  1. SDR++ logo

    1. SDR++Top pick

    Best for: SDR users who want a fast, modern receiver that runs on any desktop

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Gqrx

    Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

    Pros

    • Light on CPU thanks to SIMD-accelerated processing
    • Multiple VFOs to follow several signals at once
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD
    • Plugin system for extra sources and decoders

    Cons

    • Receive only; no transmit support
    • Fewer built-in digital-mode decoders than SDRangel
    • Documentation is mostly a PDF manual and community wiki
    Visit SDR++ Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SDR++ a good Gqrx alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sdrpp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Multiple VFOs
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sdrpp.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Hardware support
    SoapySDR and dedicated modules
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sdrpp.org(opens source in a new tab)
  2. SDR# (SDRSharp) logo

    2. SDR# (SDRSharp)

    Best for: Windows users with an Airspy or RTL-SDR who want a familiar receiver and lots of plugins

    FreeWindows

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Gqrx

    The common Windows choice, with a large plugin ecosystem; free, though closed source.

    Pros

    • Free download with drivers for Airspy, RTL-SDR and HackRF included
    • Large library of community plugins
    • SpyServer for remote access to a receiver
    • Plugin SDK for developers

    Cons

    • Windows only
    • Closed source
    • Best features are tuned for Airspy hardware
    Visit SDR# (SDRSharp) Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SDR# (SDRSharp) a good Gqrx alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026airspy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Bundled drivers
    Airspy, HackRF, RTL-SDR, AOR, RFSPACE
    Checked Nov 8, 2026airspy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plugin SDK
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026airspy.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platform
    Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026airspy.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Gqrx alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

SDR++ logo

Best Gqrx alternative for most people

SDR++

Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

SDR# (SDRSharp) logo

Best Gqrx alternative for a free option

SDR# (SDRSharp)

The common Windows choice, with a large plugin ecosystem; free, though closed source.

SDR++ logo

Best Gqrx alternative for open source

SDR++

Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

SDR++ logo

Best Gqrx alternative for Mac

SDR++

Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

SDR++ logo

Best Gqrx alternative for Windows

SDR++

Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

SDR++ logo

Best Gqrx alternative for Linux

SDR++

Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

Gqrx alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Gqrx?

SDR++ ranks first right now. Faster modern receiver with multiple VFOs that also runs on Windows.

Gqrx vs SDR++: what's the difference?

Both Gqrx and SDR++ are free and open source. Only SDR++ runs on Windows.

Is Gqrx free?

Gqrx is free and open source.

Is there a free alternative to Gqrx?

Yes. SDR++ (open source) and SDR# (SDRSharp) (free) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Gqrx?

Yes: SDR++.

Which Gqrx alternatives work on Linux?

SDR++ runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Gqrx?

The complaints we hear most: no official Windows build; receive only, with a basic set of analogue demodulators; single VFO, so only one signal at a time.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Gqrx, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.