About NanoVNA V2
Table of contents
NanoVNA V2 (S-A-A-2) is a vector network analyzer (VNA) capable of measuring antennas, filters, duplexers, and amplifiers.
- 4GHz operation without using harmonics - new from-scratch design by HCXQS/NanoRFE
- Low temperature drift (V2 Plus4) - automatic internal calibration corrects for drift errors
- High dynamic range: 90dB (V2 Plus4), achieves similar results as professional instruments; can measure duplexers.
- S parameters export; custom calibration kit parameters & advanced calibration methods (NanoVNA-QT software)
- TDR (time domain reflectometry) allows measuring cable length and discontinuities
- 4 inch touch screen - can be used standalone or with PC (through USB using NanoVNA-QT software)
- Beware of clones using harmonics to exaggerate the frequency range, which gives wrong measurements above 1GHz because the strong <300MHz fundamental signal at the receiver creates false signals at the harmonic frequency, giving an impression of the calibration holding but returning unphysical results. These clones usually come in a plastic enclosure to save cost.
Where to buy

Official stores
Safe places to buy an original NanoVNA V2:
- Official store on Tindie (worldwide)
- Official store on Taobao (mainland China)
Beware of underperforming clones
As of May 2022 there are many clones of an outdated hardware version sold under various names, many of which do not meet specifications and are highly noisy due to using incorrect or lower quality parts. Some users have also reported software/firmware incompatibility. See official stores above and look for NanoVNA V2 Plus4 versions only to avoid getting a bad clone. See also FAQ | How to avoid a bad clone.
We tested a few clones of the NanoVNA V2 design, some claiming higher specifications than the original. The clones are based on earlier designs intended for either 1GHz or 3GHz, and some clones have tried to extend the frequency range using harmonics without understanding the design, while substituting lower quality parts to reduce cost. What we saw was worsened noise, nonlinearity error, and temperature drift issues.
Here is the S11 trace noise compared to the original S-A-A-2 (NanoVNA V2.2) and Plus/Plus4 versions. The performance starts to degrade before 2GHz, and would not have passed our standard QC procedures for the earliest 3GHz V2.2 version.
Note: the above plots are uncalibrated to show the amount of noise of the raw data from the hardware.
Other users have done their own comparisons with similar results.
The following stores have sold at least one bad clone.
- Banggood
- Eleshop
- R&L electronics - still selling clones despite being asked not to by the original developers
Note: Hugen/Zeenko is selling S-A-A-2 based designs without permission and in violation of our non-commercial license, with exaggerated specifications. The original V2_2 design was open sourced to help hobbyists learn, but Zeenko's actions force us to close source later designs. Please reconsider supporting this vendor.
Comparisons with professional VNAs
Users have compared our V2 Plus4 with professional instruments.
Here is one blog post comparing it with a Keysight FieldFox:
https://ae5x.blogspot.com/2021/07/1-to-4-ghz-nanovna-2-plus4-vs-keysight.html
Comparison with HP-8753E:
https://www.dd1us.de/Downloads/Brief comparison of NanoVNA V2 with a professional VNA HP-8753E.pdf
Example measurements
User groups / Forums
Discussion forum
https://groups.io/g/NanoVNAV2
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/nanovnav2/
Specifications
The specifications below apply only to devices manufactured by HCXQS or NanoRFE.
Beware of clones using lower quality or salvaged parts.
Parameter |
Board version |
Specification |
Conditions |
Frequency range |
V2_2, V2 Plus |
50kHz - 3GHz |
- |
V2 Plus4, |
50kHz – 4.4GHz |
- |
|
Frequency resolution |
All |
0.01MHz |
- |
System dynamic range |
V2_2, V2 Plus |
70dB |
1GHz |
60dB |
3GHz |
||
V2 Plus4 |
90dB |
1GHz |
|
80dB |
3GHz |
||
V2 Plus4 Pro |
90dB |
1GHz |
|
80dB |
3GHz |
||
S11 noise floor |
All |
-50dB |
f < 1.5GHz |
-40dB |
f < 3GHz |
||
Sweep points |
V2 Plus4 |
1 – 1024 points (with NanoVNA-QT software). More points (up to 65535) are possible depending on the performance of your PC. Note: beware of clones that interpolate calibration to extend the number of sweep points on-device beyond 201 points, compromising accuracy, especially when using test cables. |
- |
Sweep time |
V2 Plus4 |
0.25s |
Default sweep settings |
V2 Plus4 Pro |
0.16s |
Default sweep settings |
|
Power supply |
All |
USB, 4.6V – 5.5V |
- |
Supply current |
All |
500mA typ |
No charging |
Battery current, charging |
All |
1.2A typ |
- |
Battery capacity |
V2 Plus4, |
3200mAh |
- |
Operation ambient temperature |
All |
0℃ - 45℃ * |
* by design, not tested in production |
Ambient temperature during battery charging |
All |
10℃ - 45℃ |
- |
Note: V2 Plus4 Pro now allows measuring crystals by an adjustable bandwidth setting. All other hardware versions can not measure crystals because of the rapid switching of the test signal.
Basic usage
VNA basics
A VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) measures the frequency dependent reflected and transmitted power of a high frequency network (RF Network).
The NanoVNA V2 measures the following:
- Reflection coefficient: S11
- Transmission coefficient: S21
- Return loss
- Insertion loss
- Complex impedance
- Resistance
- Reactance
- SWR
Required components
To use the NanoVNA V2 for one port measurements (e.g. antenna impedance), you will need the following:
- NanoVNA V2 main unit
- SMA cable, male-male
- Calibration standards: Short, Open, and Load
Performing measurements
The basic operation and menu structure of the NanoVNA V2 is very similar to the original NanoVNA.
- Configure the measurement frequency range:
Select STIMULUS > START and STIMULUS > STOP.
- Calibrate:
- Enter the CAL menu and connect a SMA male-male cable to port 1 of the VNA.
- Connect the OPEN standard to the cable end and select "OPEN". Wait for menu highlight.
- Connect the SHORT standard to the cable end and select "SHORT". Wait for menu highlight.
- Connect the LOAD standard to the cable end and select "LOAD". Wait for menu highlight.
- Select "APPLY". Calibration should now be active and you can start performing measurements.
Documentation
User manuals
User Manual for all V2 versions
V2 Plus4 User manual by NC4BR
Menu maps
Menu Map for all V2 versions
V2 Plus4 Menu Map by NC4BR
Firmware downloads
For firmware releases go to the Hardware versions page which lists the latest stable firmware builds for each hardware variant.
There are also experimental firmware releases at downloads.
Firmware sources are at https://github.com/nanovna-v2/NanoVNA2-firmware
Software
See Software downloads.
Schematics and PCB layout
The schematics and PCB layout files of the V2.2 version are available here:
https://github.com/nanovna-v2/NanoVNA2
The design is licensed under CC-BY-NC-SA and commercial use without specific permission is forbidden. You need to obtain specific written permission every 3 months to sell hardware using this design.
V2.3 and V2.4 designs are confidential and proprietary, and reverse engineering is forbidden.