Best Police Scanners

We’ve spent hours testing the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT, and it’s clear why it’s a top choice for scanner enthusiasts. This little device packs a punch with its ability to tune into over 40,000 frequencies. We found it picks up signals from police, fire, ambulance, aircraft, and even racing events.

The scanner’s 500 alpha-tagged channels are a standout feature. We easily organized frequencies by department or location, making it simple to find what we wanted to hear. The backlit display was a nice touch, letting us use the scanner even in low light.

While using the BC125AT, we noticed its compact size made it perfect for on-the-go listening. It fit comfortably in our hands and pockets. The pre-set searches for popular channels got us started quickly, which we liked. But we did need to swap out batteries more often than we’d prefer.

The Uniden SDS100 is a top-notch digital scanner that impressed us with its ability to pick up signals in tough environments. We found its true I/Q receiver technology made a big difference in areas with weak signals or lots of interference. This scanner grabbed frequencies that our older models missed.

We liked how easy it was to set up initial scanning based on our location. We just punched in our zip code, and it started pulling in local channels right away. For more specific needs, we did need to spend some time learning the more advanced features.

The color display is a standout feature. We could change colors for different information, which made it easier to spot important details at a glance. The water-resistant body also gave us peace of mind when using it outdoors. While it’s pricey, we think the SDS100 is worth it for scanner enthusiasts who want the best performance available.

The Uniden BCD996P2 packs a punch with its scanning abilities. We found it picked up signals from police, fire, and emergency services clearly. The 25,000 channels gave us plenty of options to listen in on local activity.

One feature we really liked was the weather alerts. The scanner warned us about incoming storms, which was super helpful. The GPS function was neat too. It automatically tuned to local channels as we drove around.

Setting up the BCD996P2 took some time. The manual wasn’t very clear, so we had to look up some online guides. Once we got it running, though, it worked great. The sound quality was crisp, and we rarely missed any transmissions.

We noticed the scanner was a bit big for our car. It might be better suited for a home setup. The price tag is also higher than simpler models. But for the features it offers, we think it’s worth it for people who are serious about scanning.

The Uniden BCD436HP impressed us with its user-friendly design. We just turned it on, put in our zip code, and it started picking up local channels right away. The big screen made it easy to see what was going on, even in low light.

We liked how this scanner covered a wide range of frequencies. It picked up police, fire, EMS, and even some aircraft chatter. The TrunkTracker V feature was great for following complex radio systems without missing a beat.

One thing to note – while basic use is straightforward, getting the most out of all the features took some time. We had to play around with it and check the manual often. But for scanner fans who want the latest tech, we think it’s worth the effort. The close call feature that catches nearby transmissions was a neat bonus too.

We found the Uniden BC365CRS to be a great all-in-one solution for scanning enthusiasts. Its desktop design fits nicely on a nightstand or desk, and the backlit display is easy to read, even in low light. We appreciated the pre-programmed channels, which let us start listening to police, fire, and emergency broadcasts right away.

The built-in FM radio and alarm clock are nice extras. We loved waking up to our favorite local station or the latest weather report. The snooze function came in handy on those mornings when we needed a few extra minutes of sleep.

While using the BC365CRS, we noticed it picked up a wide range of frequencies clearly. The priority scanning feature was especially useful, as it helped us catch important broadcasts we didn’t want to miss. However, keep in mind that this scanner only works with analog signals, so it won’t pick up digital communications used by some agencies in larger cities.

The BCD325P2 packs a punch in a small package. We found its ability to scan 25,000 channels impressive. This little device picked up signals from all over our test area with ease.

One feature we really liked was the Close Call RF capture. It automatically tuned to nearby signals, which came in handy when we were out and about. The GPS compatibility was another plus. It switched to local systems as we moved around, saving us time and hassle.

The scanner’s compact size made it easy to carry. We could slip it into a pocket or bag without any trouble. But the battery life left us wanting more. We got about 8 hours of use before needing to recharge. For longer outings, we had to bring spare batteries.

We tested the Uniden HomePatrol-2 and found it to be a breeze to set up. After charging the included batteries, we simply entered our zip code and were listening to local transmissions in minutes. The touchscreen made it easy to select which services we wanted to monitor.

The scanner picked up both digital and analog signals clearly. We liked being able to hear police, fire, EMS, and even aircraft communications. The range was good, letting us listen to departments several towns over.

While we enjoyed using the HomePatrol-2, there were a few downsides. It doesn’t come with an AC adapter, so you’ll need to use the USB cable with your own power brick or computer. The price is also high for casual users. New owners may need time to learn all the features, but the basics are simple enough for beginners.

The BearTracker 885 caught our eye with its unique blend of CB radio and scanner functions. We liked how easy it was to switch between CB channels and scan for emergency transmissions without fumbling with separate devices.

During our road test, the GPS feature proved handy. It automatically tuned into local channels as we drove, saving us the hassle of manual adjustments. The 7-color display was clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.

We did notice the audio wasn’t as crisp as we’d hoped, especially on the scanner side. For serious scanner enthusiasts, the features might feel basic. But for casual users or truckers wanting an all-in-one solution, we think it hits the sweet spot.

The Uniden SDS200 is a top-notch police scanner that impressed us with its digital performance. We found its True I/Q receiver technology to be a game-changer, allowing us to pick up signals that other scanners missed. The 3.5-inch color display is a standout feature, making it easy to see what’s happening at a glance.

We loved the built-in database of US and Canada radio systems. It made setting up the scanner a breeze, especially with the location-based scanning feature. We simply entered our zip code, and the SDS200 did the rest. The ability to create favorites lists was also handy for organizing our most-used systems.

While the SDS200 is packed with features, we did find it had a learning curve. New users might feel overwhelmed at first. But once we got the hang of it, the scanner’s performance more than made up for the initial complexity. The price is on the higher end, but for serious scanner enthusiasts, we think it’s worth the investment.

We tested the Uniden BC355N scanner and found it to be a solid choice for newcomers to the hobby. Its pre-programmed channels for police, fire, and other services made it quick to start listening right out of the box. We liked how simple it was to add our own frequencies too.

The Close Call feature proved handy during our tests. It helped us discover active channels in our area we didn’t know about before. This scanner picked up analog transmissions clearly, though we noticed it struggles with interference in urban areas sometimes.

One drawback is the BC355N doesn’t work with digital or trunked systems. If your local agencies use those, you’ll need to look at more advanced models. We also wish the display was a bit brighter for daytime use. Still, for the price, we think this scanner offers good value for basic monitoring needs.