The 8 Best ADS B Receivers
This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Accurate location and weather information can mean the difference between a pleasant jaunt across the state and a difficult trek through dark clouds and crosswinds. Far more accurate than past navigational networks, ADS-B transmissions serve to keep aircraft out of trouble and out of each other's way. One of these receivers would make a fine choice for a pilot or simply an aviation enthusiast. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Crew Dog Stratux
2. Bendix King KT-74
3. FlightAware Pro Stick Plus
Editor's Notes
February 03, 2021:
ForeFlight's immensely popular models are pretty hard to get your hands on these days, so we decided to leave them off this round and focus on some newer, more available models. We also removed the Garmin that we previously recommended because it's not very cost-efficient compared with many other options.
With some former big names out of the way, our new top choice for a pure receiver is the Crew Dog Stratux, and frankly, it's considerably more powerful than some that are even far more expensive. The Bendix King KT-74 wins out in the two-way category, and for that matter, if you're flying in certain airspaces, you'll need the transmission capability it provides. And if you're a hobbyist who wants to keep track of everything flying around your home, the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus is about as simple and affordable as they get.
December 04, 2018:
As many pilots are aware, the year 2020 will see new rules adopted that require ADS-B-out transponders on all aircraft. This is to mitigate one of the inherent flaws in ADS-B that makes most planes invisible to those with only ADS-B-in systems. The Rangr is great for that, but if you're planning to future-proof your ride, the Lynx is almost impossible to beat. It's pricey though. As far as dedicated receviers, if you fly somewhat frequently, the Stratus 2S is a formidable device that's at the top in popularity. Stratux also makes one aimed directly at the Stratus (really creative name, right?), and it's a good choice at half the price. And if you insist on doing it yourself, the Nooelec kit makes that easy, while the standalone Stratux radios are aimed at the most ambitious system designers.
4. Lynx NGT-9000
5. Dual Electronics XGPS170D
6. FreeFlight Rangr XVRL
7. Nooelec Nano 2
8. Stratux Radios
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.