I have several HackRF1, various AirSpys, various RSP, etc. The HackRF1 will not be your receiver of choice for casual mojitoring-but for analyzing signals, spectrum analysis, or looking 2 GHz, it will be. So if you are not into analyzing signals, spectrum analyis, or looking above 2GHz, you are likely to be disappointed--otherwise, once you figure out what is is useful for in the analysing signals or looking at signals above 2 GHz (where you are not likely to decode anything but some of us find very interesting,, you will find it indispensable. Yes, it will easily work. Software to have to do these things include HackRF sweep SA and Universal Radio Hacker. And of course it will work with some other programs like SDR#. Make sure you do not pay above about $150 or so for one--the non-US ones on eBay are fine and in a side-by-side comparison again one made in the US costing twice as much, the non-US made one won (sad to say). Be sure not to transmit near one or you risk blowing out the front end.