The Airspy HF+ Discovery marks the latest in a line of software-defined receivers (SDR) designed for high performance and affordability. It's the outcome of intense market competition and the latest cutting-edge tech innovation.

SDRs allow users to listen to radio signals and have a visual representation of those signals on their computer screen with specific SDR software.

Airspy intends to deliver a premium service to radio enthusiasts and professionals without the complexity and expense of some of the alternative high-end receivers. We think they succeeded with the HF+ Discovery. 

This review takes a closer look at the Airspy HF+ Discovery, which won the well-known WRTH Award in 2020, beating some impressive competition. We wanted to see if the delivery is just as good as promised.

What’s in the Box?

First of all, what’s on the box! There is the usual specification, but one side of the box features an unusual block diagram. Other manufacturers don’t tend to do this, perhaps a nudge about the quality of what’s inside.

The box contains the Airspy HF+ Discovery SDR receiver plus a USB cable. It lists all the specifications on the outside of the box with information about the product on the receiver itself.

The Airspy HF+ Discovery features a plastic housing and USB connection on one end for your laptop. On the other end is the SMA female connection for the antenna. 

Airspy HF+ Discovery Review: Our Initial Impressions

This SDR receiver is small, thin, and lightweight. It seems Airspy's aim here was to offer a world-class receiver with signal-handling capability and performance in the most compact form. 

The Airspy HF + Discovery dimensions are pretty remarkable, and its pocket size makes the receiver very portable for radio enthusiasts who like getting out and about in different locations.

Performance is excellent, although we reviewed the Airspy HF+ Discovery alongside SDR Sharp software. Airspy manufactures both the SDR Sharp software and the HF+ receiver, so they work very well together.

This receiver is super sensitive, and this is because it has a whole new, improved architecture reaching new levels of reception. 

Performance is impressive with exceptionally low noise levels, and the receiver eliminates unwanted interference whilst maintaining dynamic range. There are pre-selectors for all the supported bands.

A new DSP core optimises the gain distribution and filtering parameters.

There is good selectivity and sensitivity, but the HF+ Discovery has a smaller working bandwidth than many similar SDRs. However, Airspy have done this intentionally to avoid overload when strong local signals are present, so this is a well-thought-out compromise.

Considering the impressive performance and relative affordability, it's no surprise that it won the WRTH Award in 2020 for the best value. The World Radio TV Handbook publishes a directory of radio stations worldwide, so you know they have a fairly vast outlook on the world of radio. Winning a WRTH Award is quite an achievement. 

What to Use Airspy HF+ Discovery For?

The Airspy HF+ Discovery is the ideal companion for all High-Frequency receive scenarios. On HF, the Discovery+ can tune from 0.5 kHz to 31 MHz and on VHR, from 60 through 260 MHz.

Even on a standard hobby or simple antenna, it will deliver exceptionally good reception on long, medium and short waves and VLF, optimising range. 

The HF+ Discovery is perfect for the amateur enthusiast who is less likely to have a ton of expensive kit and wants a reliable device for both performance and price.

The VHF range also gives good results, certainly on a par with much more expensive alternatives. It will not disappoint the committed radio head who can match the Airspy HF+ with much more sophisticated equipment with no concerns.

Users can enjoy great chunks of the radio spectrum with playback and tuning, just as if it's real-time. It is ideal for radio enthusiasts who live somewhere with spotty reception or just busy people.

The Airspy HF+ Discovery can pick up even the most minor and noisy signals and make them audible. Perfect in an area that is chock full of signals, there will still be very little noise to detract from the quality output.

If you want to operate in the field, this SDR is portable. You can combine it with a small laptop or tablet and a single loop antenna to fit neatly into a small bag or backpack for easy and lightweight carriage.

Conclusion

For the money, you can’t buy better than the Airspy HF+ Discovery. It does help to use appropriate partnering software as this can impact the quality otherwise. It’s effortless to use — just one port that covers both bands. It is an uncomplicated receiver for a relative novice but will still perform well for a more experienced and demanding radio user.

Ready for a receiver that performs well above its price point? Pick up your HF+ Discovery from Airspy at Moonraker.