Listen to the Radio Spectrum from Any Browser with OpenWebRX
Turn an RTL-SDR into a web receiver: airband, weather radio, ham bands and more, with a live waterfall display.
OpenWebRX serves a full radio receiver as a web page. Tune by clicking the waterfall, switch modes (AM, FM, SSB) and decode digital signals — from your couch.
Receiving is legal in most places, but laws differ on decoding or sharing certain communications (for example, cellular calls). Never transmit without a license.
Video tutorial
Video by Tech Minds, embedded from YouTube. The written steps below are our own and match the parts list.
Mission steps
Install OpenWebRX
Use the OpenWebRX image or install its package on Raspberry Pi OS following the project's instructions.
Plug in the SDR
Connect the RTL-SDR and an antenna. The telescopic dipole in most kits is a good start.
Create profiles
In the web settings, add profiles for NOAA weather radio (162 MHz), airband (118–137 MHz) and FM broadcast.
Explore
Click signals on the waterfall, try different modes and save bookmarks.
Improve reception
Raise the antenna, use a short coax run and add a filter for strong local FM stations.
Questions
Can I share it with friends?
Yes, through a VPN like Tailscale. Avoid opening it to the public internet unless you know how to secure it.