The Best Radio Scanners for Every Budget: Shopping and User Guide
Radio scanners were most commonly used by police officers or journalists, but nowadays, they have a wide set of features that make them beneficial to everyone. They can notify you about upcoming emergencies in your surrounding area, send weather alerts, and let you know about the traffic and road conditions. And of course most importantly to some, radio scanners allow you to listen to EMS, Fire and Police radio transmissions.
With all this information you can always have the upper hand when planning a road trip, camping weekend, or going on a hunt with your friends. But radio scanners are not so easy to choose from. There are hundreds of different combinations of features and a whole lot of tech talk that can be difficult to understand for the average user.
In this guide, we’ll cover the 5 best radio scanners for each price point – under $100, under $500, and over $500 and what you can expect from them. So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
So to begin with, you want to get started scanning for police, radio or EMS transmissions? We have the best radio scanners you can find for less than $100. Its a great way to start scanning radio channels with minimal outlay. Compare and contrast and read our review to decide whats best for you.
We have chosen the best in this range. They include;
Scanner Comparison Table For Under $100
| Model | Image | Programming | Description | Check Price Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniden BC355N |   | Analog | 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather | Check Price |
| Uniden BC365CRS |   | Analog | 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock with Snooze, Sleep, and FM Radio with Weather Alert, Search Bands Commonly used for Police, Fire/EMS, Aircraft, Radio, and Marine Transmissions | Check Price |
| Whistler WS1025 Analog Desktop Scanner |   | Analog | Lock-out Function - skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching Tune - find new and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency Priority Channel - set the scanner to check one channel every two seconds while scanning Scan Delay - delays scanning for two seconds before moving to another channel in order to hear replies | Check Price |
| Uniden Bearcat BC125AT |   | Analog | Handheld Scanner. 500 Alpha-Tagged channels. Public Safety, Police, Fire, Emergency, Marine, Military Aircraft, and Auto Racing Scanner. Lightweight, Portable Design. | Check Price |
| Uniden SR30C BearCat |   | Analog | 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture technology, Turbo Search, PC programming, NASCAR, Auto Racing, Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Marine, Civil Air | Check Price |
| TSC100RA Air Band Scanner |   | Analog | Portable easy to use scanner | Check Price |
Best Radio Scanners Under $100
Police scanners in this price range are usually ones that are handheld. Handheld scanners are very useful if you’re using them on the go since they’re so easy to carry.
However, they have limited functionalities and only the most basic of features. Think of them as expensive and more reliable walkie-talkies. In addition, they have limited range, and often need an added antenna to expand the range.
But probably the biggest caveat of these ‘budget’ radio scanners is that they cannot pick up digital frequencies. Most cities around the world have switched to digital frequencies, so if you’re in such a city, it’s probably best to ignore these and get a scanner that can pick up every frequency in your area.
Note that you can still pick up analog frequencies if you purchase a digital radio scanner, but you can’t do it the other way around. There are also countless accessories and add-ons available for analog radios, mainly because they have been around for many years. And not to mention that they’re much easier to use and program, so if you’re only looking for simple features and don’t want to mess around with too many features, the following 5 radios might be perfect for you.
Uniden SR30C Bearcat
- Frequency Range: 25-54 MHz; 108-174 MHz; 406-512 MHz
- Channels: 500
- Banks: 10 (50 channels each)
- Scan Rate: 90 channels per second
The SR30C Bearcat is an affordable and handheld analog scanner from Uniden.
It weighs only 400 grams, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. It also features a belt clip so you can attach it on your belt for even easier use.
The LCD screen is backlit for night time use, and the keypad can be locked to prevent messing with the setting when using it on the go.
But the best part is that it comes pre-programmed with most of the frequencies you’ll need. Additionally, you can connect it to your PC via a USB cable to program more channels and organize your favourite ones.
It also has Uniden’s exclusive feature, the Close Call Capture, that allows you to automatically tune into nearby transmissions. Another amazing feature is the priority scan. With it, you can set a priority channel from each band, and the scanner will automatically check that channel so you don’t miss important conversations.
All in all, an affordable and simple scanner that doesn’t sacrifice any important features.
To check the SRC30 on Amazon have a look here.
Uniden BC355N
- Frequency Coverage: 25-54 MHz; 108-174 MHz; 406-512 MHz; 806-956 MHz
- Scan Rate: 50 channels/second
- Search Rate: 180 steps/second
- Scan Delay: 2 seconds
- Number of Channels: 300
The Uniden BC335N radio scanner is the ultimate pick for the low-cost analog scanner. It’s perfect for new radio scanner users as an entry-level. It can pick up analog receptions from 6 different service banks – Police and Fire Department, Emergency Services, Marine, Air, Weather, and CB Frequencies.
Featuring a backlit LCD screen, the design is pretty simple and easy to use with 2 knobs and 13 buttons.
The best feature of the BC335N is the Close Call RF Technology that allows you to search for strong radio signals nearby and tune into them instantly. This is done all while monitoring other frequencies, so you don’t have to manually do it.
Check the Uniden BC335N radio scanner latest price on Amazon here.
In addition, there are more than 4000 pre-programmed frequencies, in 7 different banks, and additional room of 300 channels for saving your other favourite frequencies.
Overall, an affordable and simple scanner for basic use.
But for a more in-depth review of the BC335N radio scanner look here.
Uniden BC365CRS
- Frequency Range: 25 – 54 MHz; 88 – 174 MHz; 225 – 380 MHz; 406 – 512 MHz
- Scan Rate: 90 channels per second
- Search Rate: 90 steps per second
- Channels: 500
The Uniden BC365CRS is different from other radio scanners – it has a built-in full-featured alarm clock. It’s a desktop radio scanner, which means that you can’t take it with you on the go, but it’s still a good addition if you’re planning on using it from your home.
The layout and design are pretty simple and easy to use, and the LCD screen is backlit for night time use.
It can store up to 500 analog channels in 10 different banks, so you can save pretty much all your favourite frequencies. You can also listen to NOAA weather broadcasts for information in your specific area.
To buy the Uniden 365CRS radio scanner have a look on Amazon here.
Other great features include the FM radio, and the ability to set your favourite frequency as a priority channel. This means that the radio will automatically scan this channel every 2 seconds for new transmissions, ensuring you never miss a thing.
Overall, an amazing radio scanner with basic features, but added alarm and FM radio for more versatile use.
To check out an in-depth review of the 365CRS radio scanner look here.
Whistler WS1010 Analog Desktop Scanner
- Frequency Coverage: 29 – 54 MHz; 108 – 174 MHz; 380 – 512 MHz
- Display: Backlit LCD
- Channels: 200
- Banks: 10 (20 channels each)
- PC Interface: Yes
- Scanning Speed: 80 channels per second
- Channel Steps: 5 kHz; 12.5 kHz
The Whistler WS1010 is an analog scanner that can be used both as a desktop scanner and a portable one. It has 10 different banks in which you can store a total of 200 channels, organized into separate categories for easier use.
It’s designed to be used on the go, with a backlit LCD screen and a Key Lock function to avoid changing channels when holding it in your hand.
And when it comes to programming, you can do it from your PC to save some time with third-party software. Another very important feature is the priority channel, allowing you to check every 2 seconds for transmissions on your channel of choice.
Overall, the Whistler WS1010 provides great value and it’s easy to use without sacrificing any important features.
For an in-depth review of the Whistler WS1010 radio scanner look here.
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT
- Frequency coverage: 25-54 MHz; 108-174 MHz; 225-380 MHz; 400-512 MHz;
- Channels: 500
- Scan Rate: 80 channels/second
- Search Rate: 90 steps/second
- Batteries: 2 AA
The Uniden BC125AT is a handheld radio scanner, and one of the most lightweight from their line. It’s built with a plastic casing but still feels very solid in the hand.
Its lightweight design coupled with the attached belt clip means that you can easily use this scanner while on the go.
As for the features, it has Uniden’s exclusive Close Call Capture Technology that allows you to tune into nearby radio transmissions for any important chatter.
You can save up to 500 channels into 10 different storage banks for easy organization. To program all your channels even more easily, you can use the free software from Uniden and connect it to your PC. From there, you can not only program your channels, but you can also personalize different settings to your liking.
Overall, a perfect radio if you’re looking for reliable performance and a design that’s easy to take around wherever you go.
For an in-depth review of the BC125AT radio scanner look here.
TSC100RA Air Band Scanner
- Frequency Range: 66-88 MHz; 88-108 MHz; 108-136 MHz; 136-174 MHz
- Frequency Steps: 5; 6.25; 8.33; 10; 12.5; 25; 50; 100; 500 kHz
- Memory: 200 Channels
- Weight: 5.7oz (160g)
The entry-level scanner from TTI Communications, the TSC100RA is primarily designed for airband enthusiasts and HAM radio users. It’s extremely easy to use, even for first-time radio users.
To check the latest TSC100 radio scanner price on Amazon look here.
The best part about this scanner is that it can pick up signals from more than 20 miles away, which is perfect for receiving airband. In addition, you get 200 memory channels to store your favourite frequencies and access them at any time.
It also can be programmed via your PC by using a software, and the charging takes place in the main device – no need to remove the batteries for charging.
All in all, this scanner provides excellent value for its price, especially if you’re a first time user who wants to monitor air traffic.
For an in-depth review of the TSC100 air band radio scanner check here.
Conclusion
No matter which price range you’re looking to buy a scanner from, you can’t go wrong with any of the models we’ve reviewed in this guide. Whether you’re looking for basic features to introduce yourself to this world or want high-end features that can make you a master scanner user, this list covers it all.
We hope that these reviews will help you make a better decision. Good luck, and happy buying!
Note that all these scanners are analog – which means they will only pick up analog and not digital – so if you are in a city you probably should look for a digital scanner which will be a bit more expensive. But useful. And don’t forget that a digital scanner will pick up analog as well as the digital frequencies.
Accessory USA AC DC Adapter for Whistler WS1010 Analog Handheld Radio Scanner Power Supply Cord
| Model | Image | Programming | Description | Check Price Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniden BC355N | | Analog | 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather | Check Price |
| Uniden BC365CRS | | Analog | 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock with Snooze, Sleep, and FM Radio with Weather Alert, Search Bands Commonly used for Police, Fire/EMS, Aircraft, Radio, and Marine Transmissions | Check Price |
| Whistler WS1025 Analog Desktop Scanner | | Analog | Lock-out Function - skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching Tune - find new and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency Priority Channel - set the scanner to check one channel every two seconds while scanning Scan Delay - delays scanning for two seconds before moving to another channel in order to hear replies | Check Price |
| Uniden Bearcat BC125AT | | Analog | Handheld Scanner. 500 Alpha-Tagged channels. Public Safety, Police, Fire, Emergency, Marine, Military Aircraft, and Auto Racing Scanner. Lightweight, Portable Design. | Check Price |
| Uniden SR30C BearCat | | Analog | 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture technology, Turbo Search, PC programming, NASCAR, Auto Racing, Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Marine, Civil Air | Check Price |
| TSC100RA Air Band Scanner | | Analog | Portable easy to use scanner | Check Price |