For years, the HackRF One has been a cornerstone in the world of software-defined radio (SDR), revered for its open-source nature and versatility. Now, building on extensive community feedback and years of development, Great Scott Gadgets has officially unveiled its successor: the HackRF Pro. Announced on June 26, 2025, this new iteration represents a significant leap forward in RF performance, signal integrity, and hardware robustness, all while proudly maintaining its open-source ethos and full backward compatibility.
HackRF Pro -Wider Frequency Range & Cleaner Signals
The HackRF Pro emerges as an even more versatile SDR, boasting an impressive operating frequency range from 100 kHz up to 6 GHz, with tuning support extending to a remarkable 7.1 GHz. This is a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the HackRF One, which had a minimum tuning limit of 1 MHz.
One of the most anticipated improvements is the elimination of the DC spike that was present in earlier models. This crucial enhancement results in significantly cleaner reception across the entire band, providing a much clearer window into the RF spectrum.
Enhanced Timing & Modern Connectivity
Precision is paramount in SDR, and the HackRF Pro delivers with the addition of a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TCXO). This greatly enhances frequency stability, a vital feature for applications demanding precise tuning and long-term coherence.
In a welcome modern update, the legacy microUSB connector has been replaced with a durable and widely compatible USB-C connector. While retaining USB 2.0 speeds, this change improves physical robustness and ease of connection with newer hardware.
New FPGA & Flexible Sampling Modes
Under its robust exterior, the HackRF Pro replaces the older CPLD with a more powerful FPGA. This upgrade unlocks advanced sample modes, offering users greater flexibility:
- 16-bit extended-precision sampling: Ideal for high-fidelity reception at lower data rates, capturing more nuanced signal details.
- 4-bit half-precision mode: Designed for internal high-speed operations, also enabling data transfer at up to 40 Msps over USB.
- Standard 8-bit at 20 Msps: Fully supported, ensuring seamless compatibility with existing software and workflows.
These new options empower users to strategically balance data quality with processing speed, tailoring the device to their specific project requirements.
HackRF Pro –Robust Protection & Advanced Hardware
The HackRF Pro isn’t just about performance; it’s also built for resilience. Significant improvements have been made to its front-end protection. The RF input is now safeguarded by a comprehensive array of defenses, including ESD clamping diodes, current limiters, and a PIN-Schottky diode limiter. This multi-layered protection shields the device against electrostatic discharge and accidental RF overloads, making it more robust in diverse operating environments.
Internally, the hardware boasts increased RAM and flash memory, laying the groundwork for more complex custom firmware development and future software expansions. For specialized or restricted environments, a unique feature allows the transmit function to be physically disabled via a trace cut on the PCB, transforming the unit into a receive-only device compliant with stringent RF safety requirements.
Full Compatibility with the HackRF One Ecosystem
Despite all these cutting-edge upgrades, Great Scott Gadgets has ensured that the HackRF Pro maintains full backward compatibility with the HackRF One. This means your existing workflow remains intact: it works seamlessly with popular SDR software like GNU Radio, SDR#, and GQRX, and supports beloved add-ons such as Opera Cake and a wide range of PortaPack versions.
Even the physical layout remains almost identical, ensuring that the HackRF Pro fits effortlessly into most existing cases and lab setups without any modifications.
HackRF Pro –Availability & Pricing
Anticipation is building as production of the HackRF Pro is scheduled to commence in July 2025, with initial shipments expected to begin by September 2025. Priced at approximately $400 USD, the HackRF Pro positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range SDR market, offering features that rival much higher-end commercial platforms.
Final Thoughts
The HackRF Pro delivers precisely what many SDR enthusiasts and professionals have been eagerly awaiting: a cleaner signal path, broader frequency coverage, enhanced timing precision, and robust hardware protection. Whether your passion lies in satellite communication, digital signal decoding, RF security research, or in-depth spectrum analysis, the HackRF Pro is engineered to meet and exceed expectations, offering the power of a lab-grade SDR with the unparalleled flexibility and open-source nature that defines the trusted HackRF platform.
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