Best Portable ADS-B Receivers for Pilots in 2025

Flying with real-time weather and traffic data is one of the best safety upgrades a pilot can make. A portable ADS-B receiver brings subscription-free weather radar, METARs, TAFs, and nearby aircraft directly to your iPad or iPhone running ForeFlight. That means better situational awareness, fewer surprises in flight, and more confidence when navigating busy airspace or avoiding convective weather.

The ForeFlight Sentry line of ADS-B receivers has quickly become the top choice for general aviation pilots. These devices integrate seamlessly with the ForeFlight app, offering not only traffic and weather but also GPS, backup AHRS for attitude, and even carbon monoxide monitoring in some models.

Here’s a quick look at the three Sentry options now available, followed by a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right one for your flying.

Top ForeFlight Sentry Models

Why Pilots Need a Portable ADS-B Receiver

Real-Time Weather at No Extra Cost

Portable ADS-B receivers connect you to the FAA’s free FIS-B weather service. That means you can see radar mosaics, METARs, TAFs, NOTAMs, and TFRs in ForeFlight—without a monthly subscription. This allows better in-flight decision-making and more efficient route planning.

Safer Flight with Traffic Awareness

ADS-B In receivers display nearby aircraft with altitude, trend arrows, and relative position. When paired with ForeFlight’s traffic alerts, this extra set of “digital eyes” helps reduce the risk of midair collisions, especially in busy terminal areas or non-towered fields.

Backup Navigation and Attitude Data

Most portable ADS-B units include a built-in GPS, so you’re never relying solely on your iPad’s internal receiver. Some Sentry models also feature an AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference System), giving you a backup attitude indicator if your primary instruments fail.

Detailed Look at Each Sentry Model

ForeFlight Sentry Plus – $799


The flagship model is ideal for pilots who want the most capability and longest endurance.

  • 18+ hours of battery life—long enough for multi-day trips without recharging.
  • Cockpit voice alerts for traffic, weather, and carbon monoxide warnings.
  • Automatic flight data recording, perfect for reviewing flights or exporting to debriefing tools.
  • Carbon monoxide detector with loud audio and visual alerts.
  • Advanced AHRS for smooth, reliable backup attitude.

ForeFlight Sentry – $599

The mid-range model balances performance and price, making it one of the most popular ADS-B receivers on the market.

  • 12+ hour battery life, covering most full-day missions.
  • ADS-B weather and traffic with seamless ForeFlight integration.
  • AHRS for backup attitude in case of panel failure.
  • Carbon monoxide detector with cockpit alerts.
  • Portable and lightweight, easy to carry in any flight bag.

ForeFlight Sentry Mini – $399


The entry-level option is perfect for pilots who want reliable weather and traffic without extra cost or bulk.

  • Compact and lightweight design, easy to mount on a window or glare shield.
  • Essential ADS-B weather and traffic, displayed clearly in ForeFlight.
  • Affordable price point, making ADS-B safety accessible to more pilots.
  • USB-powered, meaning no internal battery—ideal for those who prefer plug-and-fly simplicity.

Which Sentry Should You Choose?

  • Pick the Sentry Plus if you want maximum features, longest battery life, and voice alerts for a professional-grade cockpit companion.

  • Choose the Sentry if you want full functionality—traffic, weather, GPS, AHRS, and carbon monoxide detection—at a lower price than the Plus.

  • Go with the Sentry Mini if you’re budget-conscious or fly shorter trips, but still want the core benefits of ADS-B weather and traffic.

Other ADS-B Receivers We Like

Garmin GDL 52 Portable SiriusXM/ADS-B Receiver $1,360

Features
Dual-band ADS-B receiver
SirusXM weather & Radio
Built-in GPS
Built-in AHRS
Five hour battery


Benefits
Receives Free ADS-B weather when within line-of-sight of an FAA ground station and subscription-based SirusXM weather.
Receives hundreds of SirusXM radio channels

Compatibility
Works on iOS or Android running Garmin Pilot App and on Garmin aera 660, 795, and 796 portable GPSs and Garmin G3X touchscreen.

Includes
Three month subscription to SiriusXM Pilot Preferred aviation weather package and the SiriusXM All Access audio programming package.

Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver & Weather – #1 Amazon Best Seller


Features
Dual-band ADS-B Receiver for traffic and weather
Built-in WAAS GPS
Built-in AHRS
Battery pack lasts 4+ hours

Benefits
Low cost ADS-B traffic and weather
Small package size; just suction cup it to a window

Compatibility
Works on many iOS or Android apps
Supports ForeFlight, FlyQ EFB, Navigator, AvNav, WingX, Avare EFB, FltPlan Go, DroidEFB, AerovieReports, Avplan EFB, iFly GPS, DroidEFB, OzRunways EFB

Includes
Assembled in case with suction cup mounting
Latest Stratux software (v1.4r3) already loaded on MicroSD card.

BUY the Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver & Weather $389.99

Final Thoughts

Portable ADS-B receivers have transformed general aviation by giving pilots access to subscription-free weather and real-time traffic at their fingertips. The ForeFlight Sentry line offers the most feature-packed, and ForeFlight-integrated options on the market. If you also want access to the full range of SiriusXM weather and radio channels, then choose the Garmin GDL 52. Or choose the lowest cost option, the Stratux ADS-B receiver.

Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll be enhancing your in-cockpit safety and bring peace of mindto you and your passengers.

Max Trescott is a participant in the Sporty's affiliate program and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.