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Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit

Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit

Best price now

$44.95at eBayVerified

18% 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 Essentials Starter Kit

The NESDR SMArt v5 is a USB software defined radio built on the RTL2832U demodulator and R820T2/R860 tuner, tuned for 100 kHz to 1.75 GHz with up to 3.2 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. It ships in a slim brushed aluminum case with an integrated heatsink, a magnetic antenna base with 2 m of RG58 cable, and three antenna masts. Nooelec rates it above the RTL-SDR v3 on HF SNR (up to 15 dB), VHF/UHF SNR (up to 6 dB) and tuning accuracy (about 4x). The best new price is $44.95 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, with four stores listing it new.

Best forFirst-time SDR listenersScanner and ham radio hobbyistsRaspberry Pi and multi-dongle setupsWindows, Mac, Linux and Android users
Pros
  • Covers 100 kHz to 1.75 GHz, so it receives shortwave through UHF
  • Slim aluminum body fits several units side by side on a Raspberry Pi
  • Integrated heatsink and RF-suitable voltage regulator for stable tuning
  • Comes with three antennas and a 2 m RG58 cable base, ready out of the box
  • Works with common free software such as SDR# and GQRX
Cons
  • Needs a computer, phone or tablet; it is not a standalone receiver
  • Stock telescopic antenna is weak below about 30 MHz
  • No transmit capability; receive only
  • RTL-SDR bandwidth tops out around 3.2 MHz, so it is not for wideband captures

Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit 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 nooelec (98.7% positive, 47,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $44.95Free 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 Essentials Starter Kit 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 that runs cool and tunes accurately. Most complaints center on the bundled antennas and on needing extra filters or an upconverter for serious HF listening.

What people mention
  • BuildPraisedOwners like the brushed aluminum case and say the unit stays cool during long sessions.
  • Tuning accuracyPraisedUsers report stable, accurate tuning on VHF and UHF compared with older RTL-SDR dongles.
  • AntennasCriticisedThe bundled masts are seen as basic, and many buyers upgrade to a better antenna for weak signals.
  • HF receptionMixedShortwave works, but listeners say an upconverter or long wire is needed for good results.
  • SizePraisedThe narrow body lets several units sit side by side on a Raspberry Pi.
  • Software setupMixedIt works with common SDR software, though beginners find driver installation takes some effort.

From Nooelec

  • Turns your computer, phone or tablet into a radio scanner/ham radio receiver that can receive nearly all RF signals
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android
  • Frequency capability of 100kHz to 1.75GHz and up to 3.2MHz of instantaneous bandwidth
  • Compared with RTL-SDR v3, HF SNR improved by up to 15dB, VHF & UHF SNR improved by up to 6dB, tuning accuracy improved by an average of 4x
  • Narrower form factor than RTL-SDR v3, so multiple units can run side-by-side on tightly-spaced devices like the Raspberry Pi
  • Designed, developed and fabricated by Nooelec in the USA and Canada
Materials
Black brushed aluminum enclosure; antenna base with super-strong magnet; low-loss RG58 feed cable
Fit
Female SMA antenna input; male SMA connector on antenna for direct connection to the SDR
Guarantee
Full 2-year product warranty and product support through the support portal at support.nooelec.com
Returns
30-day return policy on nearly everything in the store
Shipping
Free shipping worldwide for orders over the threshold; orders usually shipped in 1 business day
In the box
NESDR SMArt SDR in black brushed aluminum enclosure, Antenna base w/ 2m RG58 cable, Telescopic antenna mast (variable frequency), 433MHz (ISM) antenna mast (fixed frequency), UHF antenna mast (fixed frequency)

About the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit

<p>This premium RTL-SDR was designed, developed and fabricated by Nooelec in the USA and Canada. It allows you to turn your computer, phone or tablet into a radio scanner/ham radio receiver that can receive nearly all RF signals! Compatible with Windows,

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 over the RTL-SDR v3?
Nooelec claims better HF and VHF/UHF SNR and about 4x better tuning accuracy than the v3, in a slimmer case. If you already own a v3, the upgrade matters most for HF and multi-dongle setups.
What can I listen to with it?
It covers 100 kHz to 1.75 GHz, so you can receive FM broadcast, aircraft, weather, public safety, ham repeaters, and shortwave with a suitable antenna.
Does it work with a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. It is a standard RTL-SDR over USB, and its narrow case lets several units fit side by side on a Pi. You will need a powered USB hub for more than one or two dongles.
What is in the box?
The SDR in a black aluminum case, a magnetic antenna base with 2 m RG58 cable, a telescopic mast, a 433 MHz ISM mast and a UHF mast.
Can it transmit?
No. It is a receive-only SDR. For transmitting you need a separate transceiver or a TX-capable SDR such as a HackRF.
When is it cheapest?
The best new price was $44.95 at eBay as of November 5, 2026. Prices on this kit move little, so watch for bundle deals with antennas.
Where is the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit cheapest?
At eBay, for $44.95, 18% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit?
4 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Amazon, Nooelec, Newegg.com.

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Compare the Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit

  • Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 Essentials Starter Kit vs Nooelec NESDR SMArt v5 HF Bundle with Ham It Up upconverter
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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