Portable ADS-B Receiver
Sentry vs Stratus: Best ADS-B Receiver for ForeFlight
If you fly with an iPad, the receiver decision is really about your app ecosystem, backup attitude needs, carbon monoxide alerting, and how much weather coverage you want away from home base.
Quick answer
Choose Sentry Plus for ForeFlight-first flying. Choose Stratus if app flexibility matters.
For most ForeFlight pilots, Sentry Plus is the cleanest all-in-one portable receiver path. If you rent, switch EFB apps, or want less ecosystem lock-in, compare Stratus carefully before buying. If you only need traffic and weather for VFR practice, Sentry Mini can be the efficient option.
If you fly ForeFlight almost exclusively
Start with Sentry Plus, then compare original Sentry and Mini by budget.
If you might switch EFB apps
Compare Stratus first because app compatibility matters more than a single spec.
If you only need traffic and weather
Sentry Mini can be enough; AHRS and CO are useful but not required for basic ADS-B In.
If you fly serious IFR cross-country
Prioritize long battery, reliable mounting, backup attitude, and weather coverage before saving a small amount of money.
Current Amazon searches
Compare these receiver paths before checkout
Amazon listings can mix receivers, mounts, cases, and older generations. Use these as curated searches, then verify the exact model, included accessories, and app compatibility.
What matters more than the logo
Dual-band ADS-B In is the practical baseline for US traffic and weather awareness.
AHRS is not required for ADS-B weather, but it can become a valuable backup attitude source.
CO alerting is worth considering in piston aircraft, especially rentals and winter flying.
Battery and mounting matter because a receiver that slides off the window or dies early will not help you.
App compatibility should match your actual EFB, not the app you hope to use someday.
Test the full cockpit workflow
The right receiver is only useful if your iPad, mount, headset, and weather workflow are smooth. Before buying, decide where the receiver will sit, how it will be powered, and which app will show your METAR, TAF, traffic, and backup attitude data.
FAQ
Is Sentry better than Stratus?
For a ForeFlight-first cockpit, Sentry Plus is usually the cleanest answer. For pilots who want broader EFB compatibility, Stratus deserves a serious look.
Do portable ADS-B receivers satisfy ADS-B Out requirements?
No. These portable receivers are ADS-B In devices. They receive traffic and weather for your tablet, but they do not replace installed ADS-B Out equipment required in certain airspace.
Do I need AHRS in an ADS-B receiver?
Not for basic traffic and weather. AHRS becomes valuable as a backup attitude source, especially for IFR training, night flying, older panels, or rental aircraft.
Does Sentry Mini have the same role as Sentry Plus?
No. Mini is the compact traffic/weather path. Plus is the fuller safety stack with features such as AHRS and CO alerting.
Need the full ranking?
Compare all portable ADS-B receivers before you buy.
This page gives you the fast Sentry-vs-Stratus decision. The full guide compares more models, cockpit setups, and EFB paths.