SDR Touch - Live radio via USB

Tune the airwaves with a powerful pocket software defined radio

SDR Touch turns a compatible phone or tablet into a capable software defined radio station, provided you plug in a USB SDR dongle. With support for popular hardware such as RTL-SDR, NeSDR, SDRplay and HackRF, it offers an impressive range of frequencies, typically from around 20 MHz up to 2.2 GHz, depending on your tuner.

Once connected, the app opens a detailed spectrum and waterfall display that feels remarkably close to desktop SDR tools. You can sweep across the bands, zoom in on specific portions of the spectrum, and instantly tune to signals with a tap. Demodulation options cover the essentials: broadcast FM, AM, narrowband FM, and both LSB and USB for shortwave and HAM enthusiasts.

One standout feature is its RDS support for FM broadcasts. Beyond simply showing station names, SDR Touch exposes rich RDS data like program type, country code, time, alternative frequencies, and various signal statistics. It’s a great educational tool for anyone curious about the hidden data piggybacking on everyday radio.

Because it uses external hardware, reception quality largely depends on your SDR stick and antenna. When everything is set up correctly, audio is clear and you can easily record streams for later listening. The offline nature is a big plus: no data plan or internet connection is necessary, making it ideal for field work, travel, or emergency monitoring.

The app is still labeled experimental, and that shows in occasional crashes and a somewhat technical interface that may intimidate newcomers. However, for radio hobbyists, HAM operators, and tinkerers who want serious SDR capabilities on the go, SDR Touch is a powerful and surprisingly versatile option.