The 10 Best ADS B Receivers

Updated December 06, 2018 by Christopher Thomas

We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. 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 picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. Skip to the best ads b receiver on Amazon.

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10. Garmin GDL 52

Because of its compatibility with SiriusXM transmissions, the Garmin GDL 52 is preferred by pilots who frequent altitudes and regions where traditional signals are sparse. It can also spice up air travel, with access to the renowned satellite radio service.

3-month subscription included
Incompatible with non-garmin add-ons
Among the most costly choices

Brand	Garmin
Model	GDL 52
Weight	1.5 pounds
Rating	3.8 / 5.0

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9. ForeFlight Scout

Among the more reasonably priced selections, the ForeFlight Scout is a sleek unit with a compact carrying case that's easy to transport. It comes preconfigured and ready to use with up to four iOS devices at once via its built-in Wi-Fi network.

Runs on any 5-volt usb power source
No internal battery or gps
Subpar 1090-mhz reception

Brand	ForeFlight
Model	pending
Weight	4 ounces
Rating	3.6 / 5.0

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8. Stratux Radios

In the right hands, the ultra-minimalist Stratux Radios are versatile and minuscule signal decoders. These completely barebones, yet essential, components can serve as the backbone to a powerful, customized setup, with just a bit of DIY engineering.

Wired to usb connectors
Consist of two very common chipsets
Don't come with any other parts

Brand	Stratux
Model	pending
Weight	4 ounces
Rating	4.2 / 5.0

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7. Nooelec Nano 2

Inexpensive, lightweight, and straightforward, the Nooelec Nano 2 is great for the airspace enthusiast or the hobby pilot working with an entry-level electronic flight bag. All you need is a USB-connected interface and the right operating software.

Reliable factory calibration
Backed by a full 1-year warranty
Tends to get rather hot

Brand	NooElec
Model	100719
Weight	3.5 ounces
Rating	3.8 / 5.0

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6. FreeFlight Rangr XVRL

The first FreeFlight Rangr XVRL changed the game for moderately priced transponders, and this upgraded model also reads incoming signals, though at a significantly higher cost. It's specifically designed to bring you into compliance with modern regulations.

Versatile wi-fi capability
For use at fl 180 and below
Doesn't include an interface device

Brand	FreeFlight
Model	FREEFLIGHT RANGR TXL SY
Weight	pending
Rating	4.5 / 5.0

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5. Dual Electronics XGPS170D

Adding considerable functionality to recreational planes, the Dual Electronics XGPS170D boasts a wide-area augmented GPS receiver that delivers accuracy to within 3 meters, as required by the FAA. It's particularly easy to use, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity.

Reads uat and es broadcasts
Battery lasts up to 5 hours
Works with android and ios devices

Brand	Dual Electronics
Model	XGPS170D
Weight	1.4 pounds
Rating	4.4 / 5.0

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4. FlightAware Pro Stick Plus

The FlightAware Pro Stick Plus is among the most compact and inexpensive options, and it plugs directly into your device's USB port, making it especially easy to parse and record data. It has a built-in, 1,090-MHz filter to improve reception in interference-laden skies.

Integrated 19-decibel amplifier
Subminiature-a coaxial connector
Works great with the raspberry pi

Brand	FlightAware
Model	FA-PROSTICKPLUS-1
Weight	0.6 ounces
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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3. Lynx NGT-9000

The powerful Lynx NGT-9000 is an all-in-one solution to GPS-based location reporting. It is quite expensive, but it complies with the most stringent, upcoming aviation requirements, while providing an in-depth readout on other aircrafts' information.

Full-color resistive touchscreen
Graphical weather display
Broadcasts on both frequencies

Brand	Lynx
Model	pending
Weight	pending
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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2. Stratux Dual-Band

Offering a vast set of features at a mid-range price, the Stratux Dual-Band is one of the more popular ways to track flight data. It comes preloaded with the latest software, and includes a battery pack that runs for up to 4 hours between charges.

High-gain dmurray 14 antennas
Comprehensive fis-b weather support
Extensive efb compatibility

Brand	Stratux
Model	4330257497
Weight	1.2 pounds
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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1. ForeFlight Sentry

Developed for use with some of today's most powerful software, the ForeFlight Sentry offers great reception compared to most. It's considered a high-end choice, thanks in part to its integrated attitude and heading reference systems.

Wi-fi connects to up to 5 devices
Excellent synthetic vision function
Easy to install and use

Brand	ForeFlight
Model	pending
Weight	1.3 pounds
Rating	4.9 / 5.0

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Editor's Notes

December 05, 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 armed at the most ambitious system designers.

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Last updated on December 06, 2018 by Christopher Thomas

A traveling chef, musician, and student of the English language, Chris can be found promoting facts and perfect copy around the globe, from dense urban centers to remote mountaintops. In his free time he revels in dispelling pseudoscience, while at night he dreams of modern technology, world peace, and the Oxford comma.

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