HDSDR
Free software-defined radio receiver for Windows, with spectrum and waterfall displays.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows
Is HDSDR free?
Yes, free to use
Switch from HDSDR to
All 3
SDR# (SDRSharp)Free
SDR++Open source
GqrxOpen source
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 3
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About HDSDR
HDSDR is a long-running freeware SDR program for Windows, grown out of Alberto di Bene's Winrad. It turns a supported radio front end, from RTL-SDR dongles to dedicated receivers that provide an ExtIO driver, into a full receiver with large spectrum and waterfall views for both the incoming signal and the demodulated audio. It demodulates AM, ECSS, FM, SSB and CW, has noise reduction, a noise blanker, adjustable filters and automatic and manual notch filters, and can record and play back RF, IF and audio as WAV files on a schedule. A frequency manager loads shortwave broadcast lists and ham bands, and it can talk to rig control and satellite-tracking software. Basic transmit support is also there for some hardware. It is popular with shortwave listeners, radio amateurs and people hunting beacons or monitoring band conditions. HDSDR costs nothing but is closed source and Windows-only, and updates arrive slowly.
Best for: Windows shortwave listeners and radio amateurs using ExtIO-supported SDR hardware.
HDSDR pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from HDSDR's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Freeware | Nov 8, 2026 | hdsdr.de |
Pros and cons
What works
- Free, with no ads or paid tier
- Separate spectrum and waterfall views for RF and audio
- Scheduled recording of RF, IF and audio
- Works with many receivers through ExtIO drivers
Why people leave
- Windows only
- Closed source
- Hardware support depends on finding the right ExtIO DLL
HDSDR vs SDR# (SDRSharp), SDR++ and Gqrx
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | HDSDR | SDR# (SDRSharp) | SDR++ | Gqrx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free | Open source | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux | Linux, macOS |
Top HDSDR alternatives
See all 3- 1SDR# (SDRSharp)68.8
The most popular free Windows SDR app, with a big plugin ecosystem and first-class Airspy and RTL-SDR support.
- 2SDR++64.8
Open-source and cross-platform, runs on Windows, Linux and macOS with built-in drivers for most dongles.
- 3Gqrx61.8
Open-source receiver for Linux and macOS, the usual pick if you're leaving Windows.
Why people left HDSDR
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from HDSDR, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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HDSDR: common questions
What is HDSDR?
HDSDR: Free software-defined radio receiver for Windows, with spectrum and waterfall displays. Best for windows shortwave listeners and radio amateurs using ExtIO-supported SDR hardware. Available for Windows.
Is HDSDR free?
Yes, HDSDR is free to use.
How much does HDSDR cost?
HDSDR is free to use. Price: Freeware. Checked on HDSDR's own site, November 2026.
Is HDSDR open source?
No, HDSDR is not open source. Open-source alternatives include SDR++ and Gqrx.
What platforms does HDSDR run on?
HDSDR is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to HDSDR?
The highest-ranked HDSDR alternatives right now are SDR# (SDRSharp), SDR++ and Gqrx. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
HDSDR vs SDR# (SDRSharp): what's the difference?
Both HDSDR and SDR# (SDRSharp) are free to use. Both run on Windows.