Simple, transparent pricing
Remote Radio Access Pricing
Pay only for what you use. No hidden fees, no commitments. First minute free on every RX session.
RX Only
Shortwave & ham listening
$0.10
per minute
1 min free per session
- Listen on any available station
- Full waterfall display
- WebRTC audio streaming
- All HF bands + VHF/UHF
- No license required
- Grace period: first minute free
TX — 100W
Barefoot FlexRadio operation
$0.45
per minute TX
+ RX rate when not transmitting
- Full TX privileges (by license)
- Server-validated TX lease
- All modes: SSB, CW, FT8, digital
- 100W output power
- FlexRadio 6000 / 8000 series
- Amateur license required
TX — QRO
Amplified DX operation
$0.85
per minute TX
Select stations only
- Everything in TX 100W
- PGXL or Aurora amplifier
- Up to 500W output power
- DX contest ready
- Low-noise remote sites
- Amateur Extra recommended
Monthly Subscription
For regular operators
$89
per month
Best value for active ops
- Unlimited RX time
- 20% off all TX rates
- TX 100W effectively $0.36/min
- TX QRO effectively $0.68/min
- Priority session queuing
- Cancel anytime
All billing is server-authoritative. TX time is only charged during active transmit; RX rate applies when listening. Station owners receive a 50% revenue share. Learn more in our guides →
What's Included
| Feature | RX Only | TX 100W | TX QRO | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full waterfall display | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WebRTC audio | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| All HF bands | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmit (TX) | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 100W power | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| QRO amplified power | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlimited RX time | — | — | — | ✓ |
| 20% TX discount | — | — | — | ✓ |
| No license needed | ✓ | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does remote ham radio cost?
Remote ham radio on HamCloudX starts at $0.10 per minute for RX-only (listening) access. Licensed operators can transmit at $0.45/min with a 100W station or $0.85/min with a QRO 500W station. A monthly subscription at $89/mo gives unlimited RX and 20% off all TX time.
Can I listen to shortwave radio for free?
Each RX-only session includes a free 1-minute grace period. After that, listening is billed at $0.10/min. There is no ongoing subscription required — you only pay for the time you use. Minimum balance required to start a session.
What equipment do I need?
Nothing. HamCloudX is entirely browser-based. You need a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari) and an internet connection. No SDR hardware, no antennas, no software to install. Optionally, download the SmartLink desktop client for the full SmartSDR experience.
Do I need an amateur radio license?
No license is required for RX-only sessions — anyone can listen. A valid amateur radio license is required to use TX features. Our system enforces transmit constraints server-side based on your license class and station power limits.
How does the monthly subscription work?
The $89/month subscription gives you unlimited RX time across all stations and a 20% discount on all TX time. It is billed monthly and can be cancelled at any time. Ideal for regular operators who spend multiple hours per week on air. Unused RX time does not roll over.
Start Operating Today
Create a free account. No credit card required until your first session.