Several SDR (Software Defined Radio) applications are available for Mac, though the ecosystem is more limited compared to Windows. Many are cross-platform or have native Mac builds. Here’s a breakdown of the ones you mentioned, plus others commonly recommended based on compatibility and user feedback:

• SDR# (SDR Sharp): This is primarily a Windows application and does not have a native Mac version. Older workarounds exist, such as running it through a Windows emulator like Wine or Parallels, but these are convoluted, may not perform well, and are not officially supported. It’s not a practical choice for Mac users.
• SDR++: Fully cross-platform and natively supported on Mac (including Intel x64 and Apple Silicon ARM64). It’s open-source, lightweight, and bloat-free, with wide hardware support (e.g., RTL-SDR, Airspy, HackRF). You can download it from the official site (sdrpp.org) or build from source via GitHub. Users praise it for tasks like decoding ADS-B, NOAA weather satellites, and general scanning. Installation is straightforward using package managers like Homebrew or MacPorts for dependencies.
• SDR Connect: This is SDRplay’s multiplatform software, with native support for Mac (x64 on macOS 10.15 Catalina and later; ARM64 on macOS 13.0 Ventura and later). It’s designed for SDRplay hardware like the RSP series but can work with other devices. Note that it DOESN’T support the low-cost RTL-SDR. Download from sdrplay.com/downloads. It’s user-friendly for beginners, with features like multi-receiver support, and has quick-start guides including Mac-specific videos. Some users report occasional freezes on Mac, but updates have improved stability.

Other notable Mac-compatible SDR applications include:

• CubicSDR: A free, open-source option with native Mac support, ideal for RTL-SDR dongles. It’s simple to set up—just download from cubicsdr.com and run the app. Good for basic reception and visualization.
• GQRX: Cross-platform SDR receiver based on GNU Radio, with Mac builds available via Homebrew or direct download from gqrx.dk. Supports RTL-SDR and other hardware; great for scanning and demodulation.
• SdrDx: Mac-specific app based on CuteSDR, supporting devices like NetSDR, SDR-IP, and SDR-IQ.
• rtl_tcp SDR: A simple Mac app for connecting to RTL-SDR devices over TCP, available on the App Store.
• SDRAngel: More advanced, with Mac support; good for decoding and multi-device setups.

For a broader list, sites like passion-radio.com curate Mac SDR software options. User forums like Reddit’s r/RTLSDR and r/amateurradio often recommend SDR++ or CubicSDR as starting points for Mac.

Drivers for RTL-SDR or Other SDR Devices on Mac

Mac doesn’t require traditional “drivers” like Windows for many USB-based SDR devices, as they often use libusb or built-in USB support. However, you’ll need libraries and tools to interface with the hardware. Here’s what’s typically needed:

• For RTL-SDR Devices (e.g., RTL-SDR Blog V3/V4, R820T2):
  • Install the rtl-sdr library, which provides the core USB drivers and tools (e.g., rtl_tcp, rtl_fm). Use a package manager:
    • Homebrew: Run brew install rtl-sdr in Terminal. This handles dependencies like libusb.
    • MacPorts: Run sudo port install rtl-sdr.
  • No separate driver download is needed beyond this—plug in the device, and apps like CubicSDR or SDR++ will detect it. For V4 specifically, ensure the app supports it (SDR++ does).
  • If issues arise (e.g., permissions), grant USB access in System Settings > Privacy & Security, or use rtl_test to verify. Guides for macOS 14+ (Sonoma) and later are available on sites like Hackster.io.
• For Other SDR Devices:
  • SDRplay (e.g., RSP1A, RSPdx): Download the API installer from sdrplay.com/downloads, which includes drivers. Required for SDR Connect or SDRuno (though SDRuno is Windows-only; use SDR Connect on Mac).
  • Airspy: Drivers are included in the software packages; download from airspy.com/download. Works with SDR++ or other apps.
  • HackRF or Other Open-Source Devices: Use Homebrew to install hackrf or similar libraries. Most integrate via libusb.
  • General Tip: Always check the device’s official site for Mac-specific installers. For Apple Silicon (M1/M2+), ensure the app is universal or native ARM64 to avoid Rosetta emulation slowdowns. If building from source, you may need Xcode/Command Line Tools.

Other Useful Options for SDR on Mac

Beyond basic clients, here are additional tools and setups that enhance SDR functionality on Mac:

• Decoding and Specialized Tools:
  • GPredict: For satellite tracking (e.g., NOAA), pairs well with SDR++.
  • Trunk Recorder: Command-line tool for trunked radio systems (e.g., Motorola Smartzone), with Mac support. Use with Rdio-Scanner for a web-based interface to play recordings.
  • rtl_433: For decoding 433 MHz sensors; install via Homebrew and run with RTL-SDR.
• Advanced Setups:
  • Run SDR servers like rtl_tcp to stream data over the network, allowing remote access from other devices or apps.
  • For ham radio shacks, integrate with logging software or use virtual audio cables (e.g., BlackHole or Loopback) for routing audio to decoders.
  • If you need more power, consider running Windows SDR apps (like SDR#) in a virtual machine via Parallels or VMware, though this adds overhead.
• Resources: Check rtl-sdr.com for guides, or communities like RadioReference forums for Mac-specific advice. SDR++ is often called the “best all-around” for Mac due to its simplicity and broad support.