In this article, we will explore the Best Portable Police Scanner that are now on the market. In addition to that, we have provided you with a detailed guide that will assist you in choosing the right product. We really hope that by looking through the reviews of the top Best Portable Police Scanner products that we’ve provided below, you’ll be able to quickly narrow your choices and select the one that best satisfies your needs.
We have spent lots of time testing. According to our research, we think Uniden Best Portable Police Scanner is the best overall. For more of our top picks, read on! Also, check out our buying guide for some tips on how to choose the right Best Portable Police Scanner.
Editor's Choice
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC
Premium Pick
Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid
Budget Pick
Whistler WS1010 Analog Handheld Scanner – 400 Channels, Skywarn, Same Weather Alerts, Spectrum
Top 10 Best Portable Police Scanner
We researched and compared the top products in the Best Portable Police Scanner category to provide you with these recommendations.
1. Uniden Bearcat SR30C, 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC
- 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.
- EXCELLENT ENTRY LEVEL PORTABLE SCANNER This scanner is NOT for receiving DIGITAL communications (e.g. Project 25, DMR, NXDN). Some Police/Fire/Emergency/Public Safety Agencies in larger cities are switching over to DIGITAL Trunking communication systems. For Digital Scanners please look at other leading Uniden models such as the BCD436HP.
- How can we help? Unidens Customer Support site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting.
2. Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC
- ANALOG HAND-HELD SCANNER (Please note: model BC125AT is NOT digital, and is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring, (e.g. Project 25, DMR, NXDN). Some Police/Fire/Emergency/Public Safety Agencies in larger cities are switching over to DIGITAL Trunking systems. If you live in an area where Digital radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model (D stands for Digital), such as models SDS100, SDS200, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2.
- 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.
- NOTE: The product does not have 2-way communication, is only a scanner for receiving Non-Digital radio transmissions
- How can we help? Uniden Customer Support web site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting, Contact customer support phone: 1-800-297-1023.
3. Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid
- 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. DMR - Included. NXDN - Included. 1,000 Channels. 'Trunking and APCO P25 not supported'.
- 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 available to download Uniden software to manage your scanners Profiles, Favorites Lists, Databases, and firmware updates.
4. Whistler WS1010 Analog Handheld Scanner – 400 Channels, Skywarn, Same Weather Alerts, Spectrum
- 400 Channel Memory: Allows storage of up to 400 frequencies in 10 separate memory banks.
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality: Provides instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks.
- SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting: Displays weather events and sounds alerts for specific counties.
- Spectrum Sweeper: Quickly sweeps frequency ranges for transmissions from nearby sources.
- PC Programmable: Enables backup, database updates, and direct programming from a PC (PCIF cable and third-party software required).
- Service Banks: Preprogrammed frequencies for marine, fire/police, aircraft, ham, and weather bands.
5. Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)
- Frequency Range: 144-148MHz, 420-450MHz. Please kindly know that UV-5R would not transmit without this frequency range.
- 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation, High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
- High/Low TX power selectable: Busy channel lock-out(BCLO),128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby, A/B band independent operation, Keypad Lock. Voice companding: 50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS coder & tone searching, Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades VOX selectable. Large LCD Display, Emergency Alert: 12.5KHz Switchable, LED Flashlight: High/Low RF Power Switchable, Support manually program. Easy to program via PC. Support CHIRP quick programming
- Tri-color background light selectable: 0-9 grades VOX selectable. Large LCD Display
- Emergency Alert: 25KHz/12. 5KHz Switchable, LED Flashlight: Hight /Low RF Power Switchable
6. Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call
- 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.
- DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode - Instantly Detects and Displays the Sub audible Tone So You Can Quickly Determine the System Settings.
- System / Channel Number Tagging - provides rapid access to a specific system or channel. Battery life depends on factors such as device usage, temperature, and battery capacity.
- How can we help? Unidens Customer Support site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting.
7. Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in
- Uniden creates another first with the SDS100 True I/Q Scanner and digital TrunkTracker communications receiver. Programming it can be as simple as entering your zip code. Its True I/Q receiver provides for improved digital performance in challenging RF environments. Its customizable color display allows access to the information you want to see. The SDS100s digital performance is better than any other scanner in both simulcast and weak-signal environments.
- 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.
- 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.
- True I/Q Receiver Designed to improve digital performance in even the most challenging RF environments. An I/Q receiver captures the complete signal waveform in 3 dimensions, allowing for improved digital error correction and signal recovery.
- 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 dont know where you are.
- GPS Compatible Connect to a GPS receiver (not included) for precise system selection and continuing reselection when you travel. The scanner will automatically select what to scan based on your current location as provided by an external GPS unit.
- Built-in Battery Charger Allows you to charge the rechargeable batteries in the scanner from any USB port.
- Water Resistant (JIS4/IPX4) Resistant to dust and damage caused by splashing water from any direction (when all jack covers are in place).
8. Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search Bands, NOAA
- ANALOG SCANNER (Please note: the model BC355N is NOT a digital scanner and is not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring, (e.g. Project 25, DMR, NXDN). Many Police/Fire/Emergency/Public Safety Agencies in larger cities are switching over to DIGITAL Trunking systems. If you live in an area where Digital radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model (D stands for Digital), such as models SDS100, SDS200, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2.
- 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 youre 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.
- How can we help? Unidens Customer Support site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting.
- 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
9. BAOFENG BF-F8HP PRO 10 W Tri-Band Two-Way Radio – UV-5R 7th Gen, 1000 Channels, GPS & NOAA
- Tri-Band Flexibility for Licensed Amateur Operators: Unlock unparalleled versatility with the ability to operate across VHF, UHF, and the 1.25M band, offering broader communication options for licensed operators. With peak output up to 10W output and 8W minimum average output on VHF/UHF and 5W on 1.25M, the BF-F8HP PRO ensures youre equipped for clear, reliable transmissions across multiple bands.
- Emergency Ready with NOAA Weather Radio and GPS: Stay ahead of the storm with built-in NOAA weather mode, keeping you informed of severe weather. Paired with GPS location sharing, youre always prepared for any situation, whether in emergencies or outdoor adventures.
- Customizable Zone Management for Ultimate Control: Manage your communications with ease using customizable zone control, allowing you to organize up to 1000 channels across multiple zones. Dual independent zone control lets you monitor two zones simultaneously for ultimate flexibility.
- Aviation Reception: The BF-F8HP PRO provides aviation band monitoring with 108-136 MHz coverage, AM modulation, and 8.33 kHz channel spacing. Ideal for aviation enthusiasts this feature allows you to stay updated on airband communications (RX only) with crystal-clear reception.
- Firmware Updatable for Long-Term Value: Stay ahead of the game with firmware updates using the PC03 Programming Cable, ensuring your BF-F8HP PRO always has the latest features and performance enhancements. Unlike other distributors that push you to buy new radios for updates, we prioritize sustainability by reducing e-waste and designing a product built to last. Invest in a radio that grows with you, not against you.
- BTECH is proud to be in the USA, which allows you to have the best available local support for any issue that may arise. BTECH only engineers and develops radio products. This brand focus allows you to have the best available radios and accessories with the most features, with real USA warranty and support.
10. Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital Scanner – P25 Phase I, Trunking, Same Weather Alerts,
- Menu Driven Programming with Context Sensitive Help Each menu item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner
- Scan List functionality allows you to arrange group and scan objects according to your preference
- Free Form Memory Organization Allocation of memory dynamically and efficiently as it is needed This differs from low cost and older scanners that had memory organized in rigid and wasteful memory banks
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks
- Digital AGC Instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems Installation Troubleshooting If Windows does not detect the cable when plugged in try using any other USB port if availableIf the installation fails remove the cable and reboot your computer and perform the installation again
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