📡 HARDWARE GUIDE

Recommended ADS-B Receivers

These receivers all work with FinalPing Ground Station and dump1090. Pick one based on your budget and setup.

What you need
To use FinalPing Ground Station you need a computer or Raspberry Pi, an ADS-B receiver dongle, and an antenna. Most receiver kits include an antenna. All run dump1090 which FinalPing reads from.
Minimum setup
Any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer + RTL-SDR Blog V4 with antenna. Total cost around $40. A Raspberry Pi makes a better dedicated setup that runs 24/7.
Already have gear?
Any RTL-SDR dongle running dump1090, dump1090-fa, readsb, or PiAware will work. FinalPing reads the standard JSON feed at port 8080.
RTL-SDR Blog V4 + Antenna Kit
Best for beginnersBudget

RTL-SDR Blog V4 + Antenna Kit

The most popular entry-level ADS-B receiver. Comes with everything you need to get started — dongle, antenna, and cables. Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.

Tunes 500kHz – 1.7GHz1PPM TCXO for accuracyUSB-C connectorIncludes dipole antenna kitWorks with dump1090 out of the box

⚠️ Requires driver update on first install — instructions included.

~$40
Buy on Amazon →
Ships via Amazon
FlightAware Pro Stick Plus
Most recommendedMid-range

FlightAware Pro Stick Plus

Purpose-built for ADS-B tracking with a built-in 1090MHz bandpass filter and low-noise amplifier. Significantly better range than generic dongles, especially in urban areas with RF interference.

Built-in 1090MHz bandpass filter19dB integrated amplifier20–100% more range vs generic donglesPlug and play with PiAwareNo driver setup needed

⚠️ Best choice for most users. Works immediately with FinalPing Ground Station.

~$45
Buy on Amazon →
Ships via Amazon
ADSBexchange Blue SDR + Antenna
Premium qualityBest performance

ADSBexchange Blue SDR + Antenna

ADS-B Exchange's own purpose-built receiver. Includes an industrial-grade microSD with software pre-loaded, onboard 1090MHz filter, amp, and a proper 5dBi antenna. Just add a Raspberry Pi.

0.5PPM TCXO — most accurateOnboard 1090MHz filter + ampIncludes 8" 5dBi 1090MHz antennaIndustrial microSD with softwareNo command line setup required

⚠️ Best signal quality. Comes with antenna purpose-built for 1090MHz.

~$40
Buy on Amazon →
Ships via Amazon
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit
Everything includedComplete kit

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit

If you don't have a Raspberry Pi yet, this CanaKit comes with everything — Pi 4 board, case, power supply, SD card, and cables. Pair it with any of the receivers above.

Raspberry Pi 4 4GB RAM32GB pre-loaded MicroSDOfficial case + fanUSB-C power supplyAll cables included

⚠️ You still need a receiver dongle — pair with the FlightAware Pro Stick Plus above.

~$80–100
Buy on Amazon →
Ships via Amazon

Once you have your hardware, follow the setup guide to get everything running.