If you’ve been shopping the “pocket QRP” universe lately, you’ve probably noticed a theme: a lot of capability is now available in surprisingly small, affordable radios. Two of the most discussed options are the (tr)uSDX and the QRP Labs QMX+ 160–6m multi-mode transceiver.
They overlap in intent—portable, low-power HF operation—but their design philosophy is very different. The (tr)uSDX emphasizes ultra-compact, efficient, minimalist hardware with broad mode support. The QMX+ emphasizes integration and computer-friendly operation, especially for digital modes, via a built-in USB sound interface and CAT control. QRP Labs+1
At-a-glance comparison
| Category | (tr)uSDX | QMX+ 160–6m multi-mode |
|---|---|---|
| Bands (typical / default) | Marketed as 5-band, commonly 80/60/40/30/20m by default; other band/filter setups exist | 12 bands, 160m–6m DL2MAN+2QRP Labs+2 |
| Modes | SSB (LSB/USB), CW, AM, FM DL2MAN+1 | CW, Digi, SSB (multi-mode) QRP Labs+1 |
| Output power (headline) | QRP (varies by build/supply; commonly discussed as a few watts class) | ~5W class (documentation/marketing headline) QRP Labs+1 |
| Digital modes workflow | Often workable, but usually requires a more “DIY” approach (software/adapter approaches exist) GitHub | Designed for digi: built-in 24-bit 48 ksps USB sound card + CAT control QRP Labs+1 |
| Form factor & intent | “Pocket format” focus; onboard mic/speaker and minimalist field usability highlighted DL2MAN+1 | Compact kit with strong PC integration; optional internal GPS module mentioned QRP Labs |
| Ecosystem | Multiple firmware branches and community variants GitHub+1 | Single-vendor documentation + kit ecosystem from QRP Labs QRP Labs+1 |
Design philosophy: “portable radio” vs “portable station”
(tr)uSDX: radio-first minimalism
The (tr)uSDX identity is tied to being a pocket transceiver with a very small footprint and simple field usability features (onboard mic, small speaker, OLED UI, and a basic “get on the air” mindset). DL2MAN
Where it shines:
- Fast setup for casual portable SSB/CW work.
- A UI/mode set that includes AM and FM in addition to the usual SSB/CW expectations in this class. DL2MAN+1
QMX+: station-in-a-box integration
The QMX+ is positioned as an embedded-SDR, computer-friendly transceiver. The big differentiator is the integrated USB audio interface (24-bit/48 ksps) and CAT control, plus the option for an internal GPS module. QRP Labs+1
Where it shines:
- A highly streamlined path to FT8/FT4/JS8Call and other soundcard modes without external audio interfaces.
- Band coverage that’s hard to match for the size/cost: 160m through 6m. QRP Labs+1
Bands: this is usually the deciding factor
If you want maximum band coverage from one small radio, QMX+ is clearly oriented that way: 12 bands from 160–6m. QRP Labs+1
The (tr)uSDX, by contrast, is widely characterized as a 5-band radio by default, commonly shipping/assembled around 80/60/40/30/20m (with alternate filter configurations possible depending on variant/build). DL2MAN
Practical takeaway
- If your portable operating is mostly 40/20 (and maybe 30/17/15/10) you may not miss 160 or 6.
- If you want a single small rig that meaningfully covers top band experimentation, NVIS options, and 6m openings, QMX+ is built for that. QRP Labs+1
Modes and operating style
Voice modes
- (tr)uSDX explicitly supports LSB/USB, CW, AM, FM. That AM/FM inclusion is unusual in the tiny-QRP SSB/CW category and can be a nice flexibility win depending on your goals. DL2MAN+1
- QMX+ markets itself as multi-mode CW, Digi, SSB—less about “everything,” more about the modes most people use on HF/6 for QRP contacts and computer modes. QRP Labs+1
Digital modes (where QMX+ pulls ahead on convenience)
This is the QMX+ home-field advantage: integrated USB sound and CAT control reduce the “portable mess” to essentially: laptop + USB cable + radio + battery. QRP Labs+1
The (tr)uSDX can be used for digital with additional effort and tooling; there are community projects/scripts designed to pass audio over its USB serial interface, but it’s not the same “native soundcard radio” experience as QMX+. GitHub
If your primary operating is WSJT-X/FT8, QMX+ will generally feel like the more purpose-built instrument. QRP Labs+1
Firmware, community, and “what you’re really buying”
With the (tr)uSDX ecosystem, you’re also “buying into” a broader set of variants and firmware branches—for better (innovation, customization) and sometimes for worse (version fragmentation, differing behaviors by hardware revision). GitHub+1
QMX+ is more of a single-vendor, document-driven kit product—you build and operate it in the QRP Labs ecosystem, with structured manuals and revision-specific docs. QRP Labs+1
Recommendations by operator profile
Choose QMX+ 160–6m if…
- You operate digital modes frequently and want the cleanest laptop workflow (USB sound + CAT). QRP Labs+1
- You want one small radio that covers 160–6m for experimentation and band agility. QRP Labs+1
- You prefer a more standardized kit/documentation ecosystem. QRP Labs+1
Choose (tr)uSDX if…
- You want a pocket-first field radio that’s straightforward for SSB/CW and includes AM/FM flexibility. DL2MAN+1
- Your operating focus is primarily in the classic portable HF bands and you don’t need 160/6 in this form factor. DL2MAN
- You enjoy a more tinker-friendly ecosystem with multiple firmware/community paths. GitHub+1
Bottom line
- The (tr)uSDX is best described as a radio you can throw in a pocket and use in a broadly self-contained way—especially if your portable priorities are voice + CW and you appreciate AM/FM availability. DL2MAN+1
- The QMX+ 160–6m is best described as a portable station core—a compact transceiver explicitly designed to make digital + CAT operation easy while providing exceptional band coverage in its size and price class. QRP Labs+1
If you tell me how you operate most (POTA SSB? CW? FT8 from a laptop/tablet? battery voltage you standardize on?), I can tailor a “which one fits your go-kit” recommendation and include a suggested accessory list (power, cabling, audio, logging) matched to your workflow.