Advertiser Disclosure
A high-quality police scanner can help you stay in the know during your drive. Regardless of what type of police scanner suits your needs, you won’t need wifi as the best police scanners will simply operate by being plugged into an AC adapter or by use of batteries.
The number of options available for those interested in police scanners can be overwhelming, and it can be tough to distinguish what exactly you need. Our review team prides itself on the honest and unbiased review of products to help further customer understanding of the industry and the top-rated police scanners available.
In this article:
5 Best Police Scanners
Our Review Standards
To select the five police scanners in this review, our team searched Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and price.
#1 Best Overall: Cobra RAD 480i
The Cobra RAD 480i features an updateable IVT filter with anti-falsing circuitry that can intelligently reduce false positives and alerts from vehicle avoidance systems. Digital signal processing offers faster processing for incoming laser gun signals to more quickly make you aware of a signal before it’s right in front of you. Additionally, this radio scanner offers real-time alerts through its police scanner app, iRadar.
The reason the Cobra RAD 480i was our review team’s choice as the Best Overall police scanner is due to the Cobra’s new LaserEye technology. LaserEye technology allows your police scanner to detect radio transmissions from both the front and rear of your vehicle to provide complete protection from all sides.
Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- LaserEye technology
- Digital signal processing
- Updatable IVT filter
Not much outside of the bare necessities are included with purchase of the Cobra RAD 480i. Customers can expect to receive the RAD 480i police scanner itself, 12V power cord, suction cup windshield mount, and a hook loop fastener for mounting unit to dash.
Featuring over 10,500 customer reviews on Amazon, the Cobra RAD 480i is one of the most well-reviewed police scanners in the industry. An overwhelming majority of reviewers – 84 percent – rate this scanner 4 stars or higher. A total of 69 percent of reviewers rate this police scanner 5 out 5 stars.
Individual reviews marvel at how far a distance this scanner works and note the dependability of the Cobra RAD 480i’s alerts. A large number of reviewers mention the scanner’s connectivity to a USB cable and the scanner’s overall compact design.
#2 Best Digital Trunking Scanner: Uniden BCD996P2
Featuring a dynamic memory system and 25,000 channels, the Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner was our review team’s choice as the Best Digital Trunking Scanner. This scanner offers National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather access and S.A.M.E. weather alerts, in which a code for your area will pick up nearby transmissions concerning inclement weather. This scanner is not for amateur radio enthusiasts and isn’t known for ease of use.
The Uniden BCD996P2 also includes the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems and continuous band coverage of 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, but it’s the Close Call RF Capture technology that separates this police scanner from its competitors. The technology is unique to Uniden and can operate by itself or in the background while scanning or searching to catch signals that are particularly close to you.
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Close Call RF Capture technology
- NOAA weather access
- Continuous band coverage
When purchasing the Uniden BCD996P2, customers can expect to receive a variety of parts and accessories as well as some relevant literature. Upon delivery of this product, you will open up the box to find the BCD996P2 scanner, AC power adapter, vehicle accessory power cord, three-wire harness, mounting bracket and hardware, USB cable, and an antenna.
As far as relevant literature is concerned, customers will receive an owner’s manual, APP form, and FREQ form amongst several other printed materials.
With about 1,000 reviews on Amazon, customers are on the whole pleased with this mobile scanner. About 87 percent of reviewers rate this product 4 or more stars, while only 6 percent rate the trunking scanner 1 star. Overall, customers rave over this police scanner with approximately three quarters of reviewers rating it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
A large number of reviewers are impressed with this trunking system’s ability to pick up fire departments, EMS, public safety, and local police bands. Specific reviews note that the radio system can be difficult to figure out for beginners but are impressed with the lengthy capabilities of the police scanner.
#3 Best Budget Scanner: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT
The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT, not to be confused with the similarly named Uniden BearTracker, was recognized by our review team as the Best Budget Scanner available in 2022. You can listen to over 40,000 frequencies with this police scanner with compatibility to both civilian and military bands. This scanner has 500 alpha tagged channels as well as the Uniden-specific Close Call RF capture technology.
The biggest differentiating factor that the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT has in comparison to the competition is the fact that it’s a handheld scanner. Although you will be unable to conduct trunking or digital radio system monitoring as this is a handheld scanner, it is extremely portable. The lightweight portable design allows for this radio scanner to go just about wherever you go.
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Close Call RF capture technology
- Lightweight/portable design
- 40,000 frequencies
Customers can expect to receive the handheld scanner itself, civilian and military aircraft bands, and a USB cable. Outside of the box, there is free downloadable software available online.
Featuring more than 5,000 customer reviews on Amazon, this handheld scanner received 5-star ratings from 60 percent of customers. Only 11 percent of reviewers rated the product 1 star. Overall, customers were satisfied with this product.
Specific customer reviews note that the police scanner is not an AM or FM radio and is meant to be programmable, while others simply appreciate being able to listen to weather alerts in real-time. Many reviewers mention the impressive VHF and UHF air bands connectivity and easy-to-use programming software. Negative reviews mention the low quality of the antenna.
#4 Uniden HomePatrol-2
Featuring digital capabilities, the Uniden HomePatrol-2 can receive all unencrypted, non-proprietary radio systems, including APCO Phase I and II, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, and even conventional analog. This police scanner has range controls that can be selected based on your location and the system’s location. Additionally, small range settings can be adjusted through a few simple taps of the radio scanner’s touch screen.
What separates the Uniden HomePatrol-2 from its competitors is it’s playback capabilities. Hit quick-record to document whatever radio transmissions you want, and the playback feature will allow you to replay any transmissions that you recorded. The quick-record action will be saved on the 2GB MicroSD card.
Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Playback feature
- Touch screen
- Digital capabilities
Before you purchase the Uniden HomePatrol-2, you may be wondering what exactly comes included in the box. Our review team found that customers receive the HomePatrol-2 scanner, flex antenna, desk stand, USB cable, 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, and an SMA to BNC adapter. It should be noted that an AC or DC power adapter is not included in the box.
The Uniden HomePatrol-2 has about 900 reviews on Amazon, and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. About 78 percent of customers rate this police scanner 4 stars or higher. A small minority – 9 percent of reviewers – rate this product 1 star.
Individual reviews point to the police scanner’s easy to use LCD touchscreen and alpha tagging abilities. A large number of reviews mention being impressed with the frequency range of this police scanner and the sheer number of radio frequencies it is able to pick up. Negative reviews mention the scanner sometimes struggles to find CB radio and the battery life is less than ideal.
#5 Whistler TRX-1
The Whistler TRX-1 is a multi-system adaptive digital trunking scanner with unencrypted channel monitoring capabilities. This handheld scanner has a relatively unique feature compared to other scanners we’ve reviewed, as this scanner has alarm clock functionality. The SD card included with this radio scanner allows you to record up to 50 hours of audio and then the playback feature allows you to replay transmissions.
The Whistler TRX-1’s largest differentiating feature compared to other police scanners is its dedicated SkyWarn button. The SkyWarn software allows you to spot storms when using the SkyWarn button while the radio shuts out all interruptions. Though the TRX-1 may be a police scanner, this handheld scanner doubles as a weather alert system as well.
Our Rating: 4.1 out of 5
- SkyWarn button
- Alarm clock feature
- Playback feature
The Whistler TRX-1 is one of the few police scanners with a relatively extensive list of accessories that come included in the box. Customers can expect accessories such as a handheld scanner, detachable antenna, MicroSD card, swivel belt clip, two inserts, a wall charger, and protective case. Additionally, customers will receive an owner’s manual and a quick start guide.
With over 1,400 reviews on Amazon, customers are largely satisfied with the Whistler TRX-1. Only 11 percent of reviewers rate this digital scanner 1 out of 5 stars, while on the other hand, 63 percent of reviewers rate the product a perfect 5 stars. About 77 percent of reviewers rate this police scanner 4 stars or higher – a testament to the overall customer satisfaction.
Individual reviews note the loud and high-quality audio as well as the ease of programming frequencies. Many reviews speak to the quality of the scanner and easy-to-use interface. Negative reviews mention difficulty programming and the fact you aren’t able to program this police scanner with a Mac, as you’ll need a PC.
Police Scanner Buyers Guide
Prior to buying a police scanner, our review team strongly recommends figuring out what exactly you want out of your device. Does your police scanner need to be portable? Do you need digital or analog capabilities? These are just a couple of the questions that need to be answered for you to find a police scanner that fulfills your needs.
There are three different types of police scanners. Each uses standard technology but varies in usage.
- Handheld: As can be inferred from the name, these police scanners are portable and can be held in the hand. These are best for people who want to use their scanner on the go and prioritize mobility.
- Desktop: This type of police scanner is the opposite of a handheld scanner, as it is meant to be placed in one particular location. With wall-mounted output, these police scanners are not portable but do come with exceptional frequency pick-up power.
- Mobile: This type of police scanner acts as a middle ground between handheld and desktop scanners. These scanners are portable but can also be plugged into the wall.
Two common types of scanners that you are likely to encounter as you research the best police scanners are digital and analog scanners. The type of police scanner you choose will depend on the kind of radio transmission you are looking to monitor and potentially even where you live.
- Digital: This type of scanner tends to be more expensive than its counterpart, but allows you to pick up more radio transmissions than analog scanners. Digital scanners pick up analog, trunked, and digital radio transmissions. It should be noted that most larger cities use a digital system due to clearer sound and higher range of reception.
- Analog: Sometimes referred to as conventional police scanners, analog scanners pick up non-digital or radio transmissions. Many smaller cities and towns still use analog radio transmissions to this day.
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