SDR++
Lightweight, open-source software-defined radio receiver for Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS, Linux
Is SDR++ free?
Yes, free and open source
- License:
- GPL-3.0
Checked on SDR++'s site Oct 29, 2026
Switch from SDR++ to
All 5
GqrxOpen source
SDR# (SDRSharp)Free
welle.ioOpen source
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About SDR++
SDR++ is a receiver for software-defined radio hardware that aims to stay small and quick. It shows a live spectrum and waterfall, lets you open several VFOs to listen to different signals in the same span, and supports a long list of devices both through SoapySDR and through its own dedicated modules for RTL-SDR, Airspy, HackRF, SDRplay, LimeSDR and others. Signal processing is SIMD-accelerated, so it runs well even on modest laptops and single-board computers. A modular design means extra decoders, sinks and sources come as plugins, and the project ships modules such as a frequency manager, recorder and network server for remote use. SDR++ is free and open source under GPL-3.0, with builds for Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD, and development is funded by Patreon supporters rather than a paid tier. It is a common pick for people moving off Windows-only SDR# or wanting something faster than older receivers.
Best for: SDR users who want a fast, modern receiver that runs on any desktop.
Pros and cons
What works
- 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
Why people leave
- Receive only; no transmit support
- Fewer built-in digital-mode decoders than SDRangel
- Documentation is mostly a PDF manual and community wiki
SDR++ vs Gqrx, SDR# (SDRSharp) and welle.io
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | SDR++ | Gqrx | SDR# (SDRSharp) | welle.io |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Free | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Linux, macOS | Windows | Windows, Linux |
Top SDR++ alternatives
See all 5- 1Gqrx64.8
Long-standing GNU Radio-based receiver, well packaged on Linux and Mac.
- 2SDR# (SDRSharp)61.8
Popular on Windows with a big library of third-party plugins, if open source is not a requirement.
- 3welle.io42.3
Dedicated DAB+ receiver with slide shows and radio text, light enough for a Raspberry Pi.
- 4
HDSDR42.3Mature Windows SDR app with deep filtering, ExtIO hardware support and basic transmit.
- 5
SDRconnect42.3Official SDRplay software, tuned for RSP receivers and with a remote headless mode.
Why people left SDR++
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 SDR++, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
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SDR++: common questions
What is SDR++?
SDR++: Lightweight, open-source software-defined radio receiver for Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD. Best for SDR users who want a fast, modern receiver that runs on any desktop. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is SDR++ free?
Yes. SDR++ is free, open-source software.
Is SDR++ open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at AlexandreRouma/SDRPlusPlus.
What platforms does SDR++ run on?
SDR++ is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to SDR++?
The highest-ranked SDR++ alternatives right now are Gqrx, SDR# (SDRSharp) and welle.io. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
SDR++ vs Gqrx: what's the difference?
Both SDR++ and Gqrx are free and open source. Only SDR++ runs on Windows.