Best Radio Scanners

Like listening to new music or obscure radio shows, collecting these auditory experiences all over? You don’t have to do so via the Internet as the Uniden BCD436HP is a portable and elegant device that does the trick while resting comfortably in your hand.

You can rest assured that you won’t miss a single station as the device browses AM, FM, NFM, WFM, DMR, and many other modulations, ranging from 25 to 1300 MHz. Plus, even if you find a station that you enjoy but the quality is poor, don’t despair! The device has a Close Call function that automatically saves these frequencies and then searches for a better source of the same signal, doing so automatically even as you listen to other things.

However, we do have to admit that a few automated functions don’t make the Uniden BCD436HP an easily accessible device. It has dozens of settings and options, which is good because versatility is key. But it’s also a problem because the manual that comes with the purchase is pretty poor and won’t be of much help. Prepare to spend some time researching your portable radio scanner.

As for the small but pleasant details, well, the Uniden BCD436HP picks up signals in a 50-mile range and you can use the built-in recorder to save whatever sounds you get. This means you could potentially end up with a recording of a space shuttle’s signal. And don’t worry, your device won’t give out in the middle of a listening session as the AA batteries keep it going for 8 hours easily and, if you’re at home, you can even charge it via AC/DC power.

There’s lots more to like about the Uniden BCD436HP such as the accessories that come with the purchase and the GPS and replay functions. But we’ve already touched down on the key characteristics and hope that you see why the Uniden BCD436HP is a great choice for listening and recording radio waves.

Hate your current car stereo that barely picks up signals and mostly plays interference? You could do a quick upgrade to a more expensive system or opt for the Uniden BCD996P2 instead. This CB radio scanner can be slotted into your dashboard (or left at home, the choice is yours) and pick up signals from a 25-30-mile radius. You can listen in on radio stations as well as conversations between truckers, switching back and forth effortlessly as the scanner works pretty fast. Plus, the Band Scope mode will show you how strong the signal is and help keep it stable.

We did feel like the Uniden BCD996P2 was a bit tougher to program than some of its counterparts. However, it’s worth in the end if you want to get serious about intercepting radio chatter and hearing more than you would on a basic radio system. Plus, it comes with the advanced dynamic memory system that’s actually pretty easy to navigate as you save preferred settings and stations for later.

Last but not least, the Uniden BCD996P2 comes with an array of handy accessories including all the necessary mounting parts and cords as well as an AC adapter. Plus, you can connect the scanner to your PC via the free USB cable to program it a bit faster and use it at home if needed.

All in all, if you’re ready to spare the time and set up the Uniden BCD996P2 properly, it’s one of the better scanners out there in terms of both price and functionality. It’s most useful for car owners but will work well as a desktop model as well.

Want an easy way to get into ham radios and surf the frequencies, looking for curious waves and transmissions? We recommend the Whistler WS1065, a simple yet functional digital trunking scanner.

For example, a lot of newbies worry that their radio hobby may get time-consuming as they wait for the timed transmissions or spend hours programming the device to actually catch those. However, the Whistler WS1065 is easy to program and you can adjust it to automatically light up your scanner’s display when a channel goes online. That way you never miss a message!

You might, however, have trouble hearing it occasionally if the signal is a bit weak. This model doesn’t have the best interference suppression, especially if the signal is on the outskirts of the 20-mile range. However, the device does try its best to find the frequency with the best quality.

As for the quality of life features, you can save lists of preferred frequencies, keep the device on via battery or AC/DC power, clone the data you’ve received, and track storm warnings via a special function. Nothing innovative but quite a few points that we’d call necessary for your first scanner.

Even if it’s not your first foray into the radiowave world, the Whistler WS1065 still manages to impress with an affordable price and a nice array of features that will be of use to both newbies and professionals.

If you're looking for an inexpensive radio scanner, why not consider buying an analog one? Cheaper and simpler in functionality, more often than not, it offers all the essential features you'd find in digital scanners but at a more attractive price. Need proof? Consider the Uniden Bearcat SR30C.

For a start, you'll be impressed with how many programming frequencies it can be programmed at. In fact, the unit can swiftly search channels across up to as many as 500 frequencies, picking up the most popular channels that are commonly used by the non-digital police, emergency medical and fire services, etc, which is nothing short of amazing given the scanner's affordable price. More importantly, though, it already comes pre-programmed, so if you've never programmed a scanner before, you'll still be able to use it without spending hours learning how to do it.

For more advanced users, the Uniden Bearcat SR30 allows customizing the pre-set channels using the computer. Hence, if needed, you can change the presets by tuning in to the strong signals from your local transmitters and selecting those that are of more interest to you.

Overall, the Uniden Bearcat SR30C is an excellent entry-level handheld radio scanner. It looks good and it won't take you ages to get to the grips with how to use it. Besides, it's very portable. With a weight of just 400g, carrying it in your pocket or clipped to your belt won't be a problem whatsoever. What's also nice is that it can be charged from any USB power source, making it just perfect for on-the-go use.

All in all, if you're in search of an inexpensive radio scanner to pick signals from the nearby transmitters in a range up to 25 miles, the Uniden Bearcat SR30C will prove to be a sound choice.

The Whistler WS1010 is a handheld CB radio that is defined by a number of crucial features. These features make the product a great option for the kind of customers who aren't new to these instruments and know exactly what they're looking for. For instance, there's the data cloning feature that can be used to transfer the programmed data from one WS1010 to another. There's also the memory backup function that stores frequencies for an extended period of time even without batteries. By the way, speaking of the programmed data, what's particularly impressive about this battery-powered radio is that it provides the user with the opportunity to backup data, update the database, and program the instrument directly from a computer.

Aside from these features, the Whistler WS1010 is also one of the more powerful options on the market. Its 200-channel memory will offer you plenty of memory space to store all of your favorite frequencies. You can use it to listen to FM radio bands. Plus, you can categorize those frequencies into 10 separate memory banks. Naturally, the model also includes the SAME and all hazards weather alerting. However, it also incorporates a dedicated Skywarn button for storm watchers. The manufacturers also didn't forget about the usual set of convenience features, like lock-out function, spectrum sweeper, or priority channel feature.

Having said all of that, some could certainly make an argument that the best thing about this handheld CB radio is that it offers the convenience of one-touch searches of marine, fire/police, air, ham, and weather frequencies.