TOP PICKS
SaleBestseller No. 1 −20%
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.
- LISTEN IN AND STAY INFORMED, this sophisticated scanner has 500 alpha-tagged channels in a convenient compact design with loads of features. Close Call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters and the Do Not Disturb Mode prevents Close Call checks during a transmission.
- LISTEN TO OVER 40,000 FREQUENCIES, you can listen to both civilian and military bands, including Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events.
- SEARCH MORE EFFICIENTLY with 500 Alpha-Tagged Channels finding the channel you want to listen to is easy, with 500 channels divided into 10 storage banks. Organize your channels by department, location, area of interest, or any other way you prefer. Alpha Tagging lets you assign names to your channels, so you can keep track of who you are listening to.
- LIGHTWIEGHT PORTABLE DESIGN, take this Bearcat handheld radio scanner with you on the road, or on outings. It packs plenty of features, the orange backlight display is easy to read, even in low light conditions.
- GET STARTED LISTENING RIGHT AWAY with convenient Pre-sets for the most popular searches. Frequencies are preset in ten separate Non -Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, Ham, Marine, Railroad, Civil Air, Military Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS/MURS, and Racing search bands. This makes it easy to find channels that interest you.
Bestseller No. 2
Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.
- The BCD325P2 comes equipped with Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. It also includes support for the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems.
- Scan and search 25,000 channels. With Close Call RF capture technology, this scanner will automatically tune to the signals nearest you, so you can keep track of what's going on in your area.
- Quick-Key System Access (100 Keys), allows you to quickly access the systems you us the most often. Uniden Police Scanners feature simple to set up keys to the systems you want to hear. Press them to enable or disable the system.
- GPS Location-Based Scanning, connect this scanner to an optional GPS receiver and it will automatically select programmed systems based on your exact location. You'll save time by scanning only the local signals.
- S.A.M.E. Weather Alert, supports Specific Area Message Encoding weather alerts. During a NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.
SaleBestseller No. 3 −22%
Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock, Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety transmissions and more.
- LISTEN IN AND STAY INFORMED! The Uniden BC365CRS is an affordable 500 channel all-in-one conventional Analog Scanner, Alarm Clock, and FM Radio with loads of features in a convenient desktop design.
- 500 CHANNELS: Get started listening right away with convenient pre-sets for the most popular searches, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, Weather reports, Marine, Aircraft, Amateur Radio, Railroad, and other bands. This makes it easy to find channels that interest you.
- BUILT-IN FM RADIO & ALARM CLOCK: Save up to 30 FM stations in preset memories so you can instantly tune to your favorite local broadcast. Alarm Clock with Snooze and Sleep - Set the BC365CRS to wake you to scanning, a weather channel, or your favorite FM station.
- ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Ideal for Home Use. This all-in-one scanner features a fresh design that's attractive on your desktop and easy to read at night through its clear LCD backlit display. The buttons are nicely laid out for ease of use, so there's no fumbling around in the dark.
- PRIORITY with DO-NOT-DISTURB: Store your most important frequencies into priority channels. When scanning, these channels are checked every 2 seconds, so you are more likely to catch important activity on these channels.
SaleBestseller No. 4 −7%
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert, Covers USA and Canada
- The BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Plus, Uniden's exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes put the most advanced scanner features ever right in the palm of your hand.
- Simple to operate, no programming needed. Simply turn it on, enter your zip code, and TrunkTracker V does the rest.
- This user-friendly digital scanner will immediately begin receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more.Scan Speed - 85 channels per second
- This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.
- Whether it is across town or across the street, the BCD436HP keeps you informed. Now with the largest display on the market and more advanced features, the BCD436HP makes a superior unit for the scanner enthusiast..Instant Replay – Plays back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions..Custom Alerts – You can program your scanner to alert when you receive, a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.
SaleBestseller No. 5 −30%
Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more
- The Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner is one of the most feature packed, user-friendly, entry level scanners available today. It can pick up analog receptions including 6 Service banks for monitoring Non-Digital Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Marine, Air, Weather, and CB frequencies
- The BC355N features “Close Call RF Capture Technology,” which instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters. This pre-programmed search makes it easier to find active frequencies and helps you stay on top of local happenings and emergencies in your area.
- You can save up to 300 frequencies that are scanned along with the preset frequencies. So whenever you encounter a newly activated local frequency for any service category, you can add it to the bank for that category. This gives you quick access to the frequencies you want to hear.
- The BC355N comes complete with a backlit display, making it easier to read in low light conditions, along with AC adapter, a DC power cable and an automotive power outlet plug, giving you more options for supplying power at home or in your car. Frequency range for aircraft band is AM mode 8.33 STEP (kHz) at 108.0000, 136.9916(Lower and Upper)
- If you’re looking for an affordable way to jump into the world of scanners, the BC355N may be the right choice for you. (Please note: model BC355N is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring. If you live in an area where trunking or digital radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model (“D” stands for Digital), such as models BCD996P2, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2.
SaleBestseller No. 6 −21%
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close Call RF Capture Technology, 4-Line Alpha display, Base/Mobile Design, Phase 2
- Stay Safe and Informed with the Uniden BCD996P2. A true scanner powerhouse, it comes with state-of-the-art NOAA weather access and S.A.M.E. weather alerts that warn you of severe conditions in your area. This mobile scanner radio comes with 25,000 channels, Close Call RF Capture, TrunkTracker V technology, and more.
- CLOSE CALL RF TECHNOLOGY WITH DND Provides information about nearby radio transmissions. Close Call Do-Not-Disturb checks for Close Call activity during channel reception so active channels are not interrupted.
- TRUNK TRACKER V OPERATION Scans APCO 25 Phase 1 and Phase 2, X2-TDMA, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR trunked systems, as well as conventional analog and P25 digital channels.
- S.A.M.E. WEATHER ALERT Stay ahead of the weather and on top of the waves. During an NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.
- LOCATION BASED SCANNING Connect this scanner to a compatible GPS receiver and it will automatically select programmed systems based on your exact location. You'll save time by scanning only the local signals.
SaleBestseller No. 7 −11%
Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner, 300 Channels, 10 banks, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, NOAA Weather, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
- LISTEN IN AND STAY INFORMED, this sophisticated scanner has 300 user-programable channels in a convenient compact design with loads of features. Close Call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters and the Do Not Disturb Mode prevents Close Call checks during a transmission.
- LISTEN TO OVER 32,000 FREQUENCIES, you can listen to both civilian and military bands, including Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, NOAA Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events.
- SEARCH MORE EFFICIENTLY with 300 Channels finding the channel you want to listen to is easy, with 300 channels divided into 10 storage banks. Organize your channels by department, location, area of interest, or any other way you prefer.
- LIGHTWIEGHT PORTABLE DESIGN, take this Bearcat handheld radio scanner with you on the road, or on outings. It packs plenty of features, the orange backlight display is easy to read, even in low light conditions.
- GET STARTED LISTENING RIGHT AWAY with convenient Pre-sets for the most popular searches. Frequencies are preset in ten separate Weather, Non -Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, Marine, Racing, Civil Air, HAM Radio, Railroad, CB radio, and Other.This makes it easy to find channels that interest you.
SaleBestseller No. 8 −16%
Uniden Bearcat SR30C, 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC programable, NASCAR, Racing, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
- LISTEN IN AND STAY INFORMED! The Uniden Bearcat SR30C is a very affordable 500 channel hand-held scanner with loads of features in a convenient compact design.
- LISTEN TO OVER 32,000 FREQUENCIES: Get started listening right away with convenient pre-sets for the most popular searches. Frequencies are preset in ten service banks, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, NOAA Weather reports, Marine, Racing, Civil Aircraft, Ham Radio, Railroad, CB Radio, and other bands. This makes it easy to find channels that interest you.
- PC PROGRAMING lets you program your scanner using your PC. Close call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters and the Priority Scan function Scans the channels you have designated as priority channels. Memory backup keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time if the scanner loses power
- DELAY FUNCTION helps prevent missed replies during two-way conversations. Other features include keypad entry, Earphone Jack, key lock, battery low alert, battery save. The triple-conversion design ensures excellent Performance.
- THREE POWER OPTIONS: #1- The included USB cable will power your SR30C from your PC or other USB power source, such as a smart phone USB charger (not included). #2 - Two AA alkaline batteries (not included). #3 - Two AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (not included). You can also charge rechargeable Ni-MH batteries in the unit using the USB cable.
Bestseller No. 9
Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-Band Reception, and Search Features to Detect Signals Faster than Ever
- The Uniden BCD160DN sets the standard for performance, features, and innovation. Exclusive Features like Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-band Reception, and a complete suite of search features help you detect those elusive signals faster than ever. Uniden Digital Scanners offer you more than ever before.
- DCS/CTCSS RAPID DECODE - Instantly detects and displays the sub audible tone so you can quickly determine the system settings.
- PRELOADED DMR/NXDN - The scanner comes preloaded with DMR and NXDN so you can start using your scanner as soon as you take it out of the box.
- CUSTOM SEARCH - Allows you to start searching at the displayed frequency or enter a frequency and start searching.
- PC PROGRAMMING - Use free Uniden software to manage your scanner’s Profiles, Favorites Lists, Databases, and firmware updates.
Bestseller No. 10
Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. Incredible Digital Performance. TrunkTracker X Technology Provides The Best Digital Decode Performance in The Scanner Industry.
- The SDS200 is the world's most advanced scanner combining the HomePatrol's ease of use with Software Defined Radio and True I/Q technology. The large 3.5" fully customizable color display makes it easy to see what is happening, display as little or as much as you want to see! It provides incredible performance even with challenging digital simulcast systems.
- HomePatrol Database – Includes all known radio systems in the US and Canada. The database is updatable with the Sentinel software and Uniden updates the main database weekly.
- 3.5" Customizable Color Display – You can set the display color for each field in the display. Additionally, for many fields you can select the information provided.
- Location-Based Scanning – Allows you to set your location by zip/postal code or GPS coordinates for instant reception. The Auto-locate feature will determine your general location if you don’t know where you are.
- Favorites Scan – Allows you to organize your Systems into Favorites Lists. The scanner can scan any combination of Favorites Lists and the Full Database.
BUYING GUIDE
In an age of rapid information exchange, a radio scanner stands as a gateway to real-time, unfiltered insights, especially for enthusiasts who want to tune into various frequencies, such as police, fire, aviation, and more. Whether you’re a journalist, a hobbyist, or someone who likes to be in the know, having the best radio scanner can be invaluable. This guide will navigate the key considerations when diving into the realm of radio scanners.
1. Analog vs. Digital:
First, determine whether you need an analog or digital scanner. Many older transmissions are analog, but a growing number are shifting to digital. Some scanners can handle both types.
2. Frequency Coverage:
Ensure the scanner covers the specific frequencies you’re interested in. Common bands include AM, FM, UHF, VHF, and more.
3. Memory & Channels:
More memory means you can store more channels and frequencies. Depending on your needs, consider a scanner that can save hundreds to thousands of channels.
4. Programming:
Some scanners offer easy programming, either through a keypad or software. Research how easy it is to program frequencies and whether it supports computer programming.
5. Clarity & Sound:
For clear audio, opt for scanners with good speaker quality. Some might even offer noise reduction features.
6. Mode Reception:
Scanners vary in the modes they can pick up, such as AM, FM, WFM, LSB, USB, etc. Ensure the scanner you choose is compatible with the modes you wish to monitor.
7. Trunking:
Modern communication systems often use trunked systems where multiple users share a set of frequencies. A trunk-tracking scanner can follow conversations on these systems.
8. Close Call & Signal Capture:
This feature allows the scanner to automatically tune into frequencies of strong nearby signals, ensuring you never miss significant local transmissions.
9. GPS Compatibility:
Some scanners can be integrated with GPS to automatically select relevant channels based on your location, particularly useful for mobile use.
10. Battery Life:
For handheld scanners, robust battery life is crucial. Check how long the scanner can operate and whether it uses replaceable or rechargeable batteries.
11. Display:
A clear display helps in navigating channels and frequencies. Backlit displays can be beneficial for nighttime use.
12. Additional Features:
Some scanners come equipped with features like weather alerts, FM broadcast radio, and more. Determine which additional features align with your needs.
13. Price & Brand Reputation:
While premium features come at a price, it’s essential to balance functionality with your budget. Opting for a reputable brand often ensures durability and reliability.
14. Software & Upgrades:
With changing frequencies and systems, the ability to upgrade your scanner’s software or firmware ensures its longevity and adaptability to new communication modes.
In summary, a radio scanner is a window to the bustling airwaves, capturing the pulse of myriad transmissions. By understanding your unique requirements and aligning them with the features outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to owning a device that keeps you connected to the world’s real-time heartbeat.
