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RTL-SDR Blog
RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle

RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle

Best price now

$27.00at eBayVerified

29% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle

The RTL-SDR Blog V3 is a USB software-defined radio receiver built on the R820T2 tuner and RTL2832U ADC. It receives roughly 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz, and its standout hardware is a 1 PPM TCXO, an aluminium case with a thermal pad, and a software-switchable 4.5 V bias tee for powering an external LNA. It ships with two telescopic antennas, a flexible tripod, a suction cup mount and an RG174 cable. At $27.00 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, it sits at the low end of its recent range.

Best forBeginners learning SDR with cheap hardwareADS-B aircraft and AIS ship trackingListening to ACARS, weather balloons and public safety voicePortable outdoor scanning with the included antennas
Pros
  • 1 PPM TCXO keeps tuning stable, so frequencies don't drift with temperature
  • Aluminium case with thermal pad runs cooler than the bare-board dongles
  • Software-switchable 4.5 V bias tee powers an external LNA without a separate injector
  • SMA female connector is sturdier than the MCX on older dongles
  • Works on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and Raspberry Pi
  • Includes two telescopic antennas, tripod, suction mount and cable
Cons
  • 8-bit ADC and 2.4 MHz stable bandwidth limit weak-signal and wideband work
  • Tops out around 24 MHz, so HF needs a direct-sampling mod or an upconverter
  • Runs warm under sustained use even with the thermal pad
  • Needs antenna placement outdoors or high up for good reception
  • Bias tee must be enabled in software and is off by default

RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle prices at every store

  • Newegg.comNew

    In stockSold by HongTuShiDai

    $70.74Free shippingObserved at 8:00 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by gmomof4 (100% positive, 836 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $27.00+ $9.50 shippingVerified
    Visit store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $37.95Free shippingObserved at 7:59 PM
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  • eBayOpen box

    Availability unknownSold by purpletechnado (100% positive, 95,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $49.99Free shippingVerified
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle price history

Lowest price we've seen: $34.95 on Nov 6 at eBay. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 6.

What reviewers say

Owners treat the V3 as the default starter SDR and praise its stable tuning and metal case for the price. Complaints centre on heat, the 8-bit ADC and the fiddly setup needed to get good reception.

What people mention
  • Frequency stabilityPraisedOwners say the 1 PPM TCXO keeps signals from drifting, unlike older dongles.
  • Build and coolingPraisedThe aluminium case and thermal pad are seen as a real upgrade over bare boards.
  • HeatMixedIt still runs warm during long use, though less than plastic-cased units.
  • ADC limitsCriticisedThe 8-bit ADC and 2.4 MHz bandwidth are called out for weak-signal and wideband work.
  • HF coverageCriticisedReception below 24 MHz needs direct sampling or an upconverter, which buyers note as a limitation.
  • SetupMixedGetting drivers and software working takes some effort for newcomers.

Specifications

Signal Range
Can only go to 24 MHz (basic RTL-SDR's)
Frequency Band
L-Band
Included Components
2x 5cm to 13cm telescopic antenna
Dimensions
25 x 20 x 8 cm
Mount Type
Suction cup mount, Flexible tripod mount
Material
Aluminium
Weight
0.25 lbs

Questions and answers

Is the RTL-SDR Blog V3 worth it for a beginner?
Yes. At $27.00 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, it is one of the cheapest ways to start with SDR, and the TCXO and metal case remove common frustrations of older dongles.
What frequency range does it cover?
About 24 MHz to 1.7 GHz out of the box. HF below 24 MHz requires direct sampling or an upconverter.
What is the bias tee for?
It sends 4.5 V up the coax to power an external low-noise amplifier or active antenna. You enable it in software; it is off by default.
What comes in the box?
The dongle, two telescopic antennas (23 cm to 1 m), a flexible tripod, a suction cup mount and an RG174 cable.
Does it work with a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. It is supported on Raspberry Pi, Linux, Windows 7 and later, macOS and Android.
When is it cheapest?
The best new price was $27.00 at eBay as of November 5, 2026, near the low end of its recent range. Watch for sales around ham radio events.
Where is the RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle cheapest?
At eBay, for $27.00, 29% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the RTL-SDR Blog V3 dongle?
3 stores we checked sell it, including Newegg.com, Amazon, eBay.

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Design Highlights
Aluminium shielded case with thermal pad for passive cooling
Coaxial Cable
RG174
Supported Connections
SMA F connector, USB
Compatible Devices
Universal
Compatible Signals
Weather balloons, ACARS, ADSB, Air traffic control, AIS
Installation Location
Portable temporary outdoor use, Outdoors (for best reception)
Amplifier
Software activatable 4.5v bias tee circuit
Input Voltage
4.5v (bias tee circuit)
Power Highlights
Software activatable 4.5v bias tee circuit
Typical Users
Advanced users
Tuner
R820T2Source
ADC
RTL2832U (8-bit)Source
Bandwidth
Up to 2.4 MHz (stable)Source
Antenna port
SMA femaleSource
Input impedance
50 ΩSource
Current draw
270–280 mASource
Oscillator stability
<1 PPM TCXOSource