One of its best features is its ability to make locating frequencies easy. With a user-friendly design that makes it easy to locate and a host of useful additional features, it's little wonder why Uniden's handheld digital scanner is the best you can buy. Pros: - Uses GPS to automatically find available frequencies - Records up to four minutes of broadcasts for playback - Automatically searches for new frequencies - Allows you to customize alertsĬons: - One of the more expensive police scanners on the market Specs: - Weight: 1 pound - Dimensions: 9 inches long by 3.8 inches wide by 2.4 inches thick - Type: Digital Why It Made The Cut: An easy-to-use design that automatically populates frequencies coupled with cool additional features make this handheld the best all-around police scanner on the market. The Best Police Scanners: Reviews and Recommendations Best Overall: Uniden HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner When possible, we chose police scanners that offer additional features, such as record and playback functions and those that support trunking. We also favored those that include GPS devices that allow the police scanners to automatically update their list of frequencies based on location, eliminating the need for the user to manually search for frequencies while driving. With that in mind, we chose mainly models that are able to automatically populate local frequencies by accessing a database. The best police scanners are able to find frequencies without a significant amount of effort from the operator. Likewise, many agencies employ trunking, so we only chose models that can pick up trunked frequencies. Since most law enforcement and emergency services agencies use or are migrating to digital frequencies, we did not include any analog police scanners on this list. With those caveats in mind, we considered a few crucial factors when selecting police scanners for our list of the top models. Police scanners are also not allowed to be used to help commit a crime. While it may be legal to own a police radio, using one in your car or downloading an app may not be allowed, according to NBC News. Best Overall: Uniden HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner - Best for Car: Uniden Beartracker - Best Portable: Uniden HomePatrol-2 Digital Scanner - Best for Home: Whistler WS1065 Desktop Digital Scanner - Best App: Scanner 5-0 How We Picked the Best Police Scannersīefore you consider buying a police scanner, you should know that police scanners are legal in some states and not in others. Read on to find out more about what you should look for in a good police scanner and find out why the models below are the best police scanners. There are even apps that will turn your smartphone into a police scanner. Police scanners range from desktop models to handheld scanners that resemble walkie-talkies. Many make finding local frequencies easy with access to vast GPS databases that allow them to automatically populate local channels on the device automatically. ![]() Unlike the crackly broadcasts of old analog scanners, today's police scanners use digital technology to broadcast clear static-free transmissions. ![]() Are you just looking for something basic or do you want a scanner that provides extra features, such as an alarm clock, GPS, Wi-Fi, or CB radio functionality.The best police scanners give you the 411 on police activity in your neighborhood or on the route you're traveling, helping you to steer clear of potential traffic hazards or dangerous situations. Check in your area to see which band type your local agencies are using.įinally, think about the types of features you really need. Digital scanners tend to have the best compatibility, but you’ll get by fine with a less expensive analog police scanner if your local agencies haven’t made the jump to digital yet. Next, determine whether or not you need an analog or digital scanner. Police scanners are available as handheld units, as mobile scanners for vehicle installation, or as stationary desktop scanners. ![]() Think about the portability you do or do not need in a scanner. For an inexpensive handheld option, the Uniden Bearcat BC365CRS ( view at Amazon) is a good model to check out. The BearTracker 885’s ( view at Amazon) included GPS, CB radio, and noise-canceling microphone make it an excellent choice for truckers or anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.
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