Free RF Spectrum Analyzer Software for Enthusiasts and Professionals

What is RF Spectrum Analyzer Software?

RF Spectrum Analysis Software is a specialized tool used to analyze and visualize radio frequency signals across the RF spectrum.

It processes data from various RF sources, such as spectrum analyzers, receivers and software-defined radios (SDRs). The software then displays information about the frequency, amplitude, and phase of signals.

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This software is essential for engineers, technicians, and researchers working in telecommunications, broadcasting, military, and other fields that rely on wireless communication.

In this post, we present a list of some of the best free RF spectrum analyzer software, along with unique features for each.

Note: Here is a list of Spectrum Analysis software for processing Audio signals

thinkRF SpectraVue

  • Unique Features: Advanced GUI, channel power measurement, occupied bandwidth measurement, and gapless streaming. Includes visualization modes like spectrogram, persistence, and time domain.
  • Platform: Windows, Linux
  • Source: thinkRF

RF Explorer Touchstone

  • Unique Features: Turns data from RF Explorer devices into graphical charts and displays. Offers diagnostic views, including spectrum trace and waterfall history. Requires a free license key.
  • Platform: Windows, MacOS
  • Source: RF Explorer

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AirSleuth

  • Unique Features: Designed for RTL-SDR (RTL2832U) receivers, provides excellent dynamic range and sensitivity. Features spectrum trace view, waterfall history, density map, threshold trace, and delta trace.
  • Platform: Windows, MacOS
  • Source: Nuts About Nets

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Spektrum

  • Unique Features: A Windows and Linux compatible software that transforms an RTL-SDR dongle into a spectrum analyzer. Features high-resolution waterfall plots and spectrum display.
  • Platform: Windows, Linux
  • Source: Spektrum Download

Satsagen

  • Unique Features: Supports RTL-SDR, HackRF, and other devices. Provides a large bandwidth view of spectrum activity with waterfall plots and spectrum analysis.
  • Platform: Windows, Linux
  • Source: Satsagen

GQRX

  • Unique Features: Multi-platform software compatible with many SDR hardware. Offers real-time spectrum and waterfall displays.
  • Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux
  • Source: GQRX

SDR# (SDRSharp)

  • Unique Features: Popular among RTL-SDR users, supports a wide range of plugins for enhanced functionality including spectrum analysis.
  • Platform: Windows
  • Source: Airspy

HDSDR

  • Unique Features: Provides real-time spectrum and waterfall displays with a user-friendly interface. Supports various SDR hardware.
  • Platform: Windows
  • Source: HDSDR

CubicSDR

  • Unique Features: Open-source and cross-platform, supports multiple SDR devices, and provides real-time spectrum analysis and waterfall displays.
  • Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux
  • Source: CubicSDR

These tools offer various features suitable for different levels of expertise and specific needs in RF spectrum analysis.

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