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Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle

Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle

Best price now

$36.00at eBayVerified

34% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle

The Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 is a USB software defined radio built on the RTL2832U demodulator and R820T2/R860 tuner, tuning roughly 100 kHz to 1.75 GHz. It comes in a brushed aluminum case with an integrated heatsink and includes three antennas, so you can start listening without buying extra hardware. It works with Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. At $36 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, it sits at the low end of its recent range, with four stores listing it new.

Best forFirst-time SDR listenersScanner and ham radio hobbyistsMonitoring aircraft, weather and public safety bandsPortable use with a laptop or Android phone
Pros
  • Wide 100 kHz–1.75 GHz tuning covers most common scanner bands
  • Aluminum case with integrated heatsink runs cooler than bare dongles
  • Three antennas included, so it works out of the box
  • Smaller body than the RTL-SDR v3, easier to fit in tight USB ports
  • Works across Windows, macOS, Linux and Android
  • Low entry price for a metal-cased RTL-SDR
Cons
  • R820T2 tuner loses sensitivity above roughly 1.2 GHz
  • Needs an upconverter for HF and shortwave below 24 MHz
  • Stock antennas are basic; a better antenna matters more than the radio
  • No transmit capability, receive only
  • Software setup varies by OS and can take some fiddling

Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle prices at every store

  • NooelecNew

    In stock

    $54.95+ $7.00 shippingObserved at 7:59 PM
    Visit store
  • Newegg.comNew

    In stockSold by Zeorillniky

    $107.39Free shippingObserved at 7:59 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by bipom_electronics (100% positive, 876 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $36.00+ $8.00 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by snash1251 (100% positive, 354 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $37.95+ $10.00 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $54.95Free shippingObserved at 7:59 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle price history

Lowest price we've seen: $54.95 on Nov 6 at Nooelec. Tracked across 4 stores since Nov 6.

What reviewers say

Owners of the NESDR SMArt line generally rate it as a solid, well-built entry RTL-SDR. The metal case and heatsink are the most-praised details, and reception on VHF and UHF is considered good for the price. Complaints center on weak performance at the top of the range and the need for a better antenna.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners like the brushed aluminum case and integrated heatsink, saying it runs cooler and feels sturdier than plastic dongles.
  • ReceptionMixedVHF and UHF reception is called good for the price, but sensitivity falls off toward the top of the 1.75 GHz range.
  • HF coverageCriticisedListeners note it cannot tune shortwave below about 24 MHz without a separate upconverter.
  • AntennasMixedThe three included antennas get you started, but users say a better antenna improves results far more than the radio itself.
  • SetupMixedGetting it running is straightforward on some systems, but driver and software setup varies by OS and takes some fiddling.

Specifications

Wireless Technology
Wired
Bluetooth Version
5.0
Wired Connections
USB
Form Factor
Software Defined Radio, Radio scanner/ham radio receiver, RTL-SDR
Dimensions
Much narrower form factor than RTL-SDR v3
Material
Brushed aluminum enclosure
Weight
5.3 ounces

Questions and answers

Is the NESDR SMArt v5 worth it for a beginner?
Yes, if you want a low-cost receive-only SDR. It includes antennas and works with free software like SDR# and GQRX, so the total cost to start listening is low.
How is it different from the RTL-SDR v3?
The SMArt v5 has a narrower aluminum case with a built-in heatsink and ships with three antennas. The RTL-SDR v3 is a bare-board design with a different antenna kit; both use the same RTL2832U/R820T2 chipset family.
Can it receive shortwave or HF?
Not directly. Its tuning starts around 100 kHz on paper, but practical HF reception below about 24 MHz needs an external upconverter or a direct-sampling modification.
What comes in the box?
The radio itself plus three antennas. You supply the USB cable and install SDR software on your computer or Android device.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes, with an Android phone and a USB OTG adapter, using apps such as SDR Touch. iPhone support is not part of the listed compatibility.
When is the best time to buy it?
At $36 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, it is near the bottom of its recent price range, so waiting for a deeper discount is unlikely to save much.
Where is the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle cheapest?
At eBay, for $36.00, 34% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Bundle?
4 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Nooelec, Newegg.com, Amazon.

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Supported Devices
Tablet, Computer, Phone
Supported OS
Windows, Android, Linux, Mac OS
Accessories
3 Antennas
Power Source
RF-suitable voltage regulator
Voltage
RF-suitable voltage regulator
Frequency Response
100kHz-1.75GHz
Remote Control
No
Subtype
Software Defined Radio, RTL-SDR
Chipset
R820T2/R860 tuner IC, RTL2832U Demodulator/USB interface IC
Software
Software Defined Radio