Best Handheld Radio Scanners of 2025

Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Handheld radio scanners are portable devices that allow users to listen in on various radio frequencies. These scanners can pick up signals from police, fire, and EMS departments, as well as amateur radio operators and even aircraft communication. Some handheld radio scanners also have the ability to store and scan multiple channels, as well as display the frequency and name of the channel being listened to. They are a popular tool for hobbyists, news reporters, and emergency responders who need to stay informed on local events and situations.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.9
#TOP 2
Uniden SDS100 Handheld Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
#TOP 3
Uniden Bearcat SR30C Handheld Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Handheld Radio Scanners

Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner

BC125AT
Multicolor
computer
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.
ftb score rating icon 9.9
FTB Score

The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is a compact radio scanner with 500 alpha-tagged channels, Close Call RF capture technology, and PC programmable features. It offers the ability to listen to over 40,000 frequencies, including civilian and military bands, Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events. The lightweight portable design makes it easy to take on the go, and the preset feature allows for quick access to popular searches. Please note that this scanner is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring.

What We Like
500 alpha-tagged channels for easy organization and tracking of channels
Close Call RF capture technology quickly tunes to nearby transmitters
Lightweight portable design for on-the-go use

Uniden SDS100 Handheld Scanner

SDS100
Single
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in Weak-Signal and Simulcast Areas, Rugged / Weather Resistant JIS 4 Construction
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FTB Score

The Uniden SDS100 Handheld Scanner is designed to improve digital performance in weak-signal and simulcast areas. Its True I/Q receiver design and rugged/weather-resistant JIS 4 construction make it a reliable device. The lithium-ion battery ensures longer use, while the customizable color LCD and improved UI with contextual soft keys make it user-friendly.

What We Like
Improved digital performance in weak-signal and simulcast areas
Rugged/weather-resistant JIS 4 construction
Customizable color LCD
User-friendly with 3 contextual soft keys
Lithium-ion battery for longer use
#TOP 3

Uniden Bearcat SR30C Handheld Scanner

SR30C
SR30C
Uniden Bearcat SR30C, 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC programable, NASCAR, Racing, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
ftb score rating icon 9.6
FTB Score

The Uniden Bearcat SR30C is a compact, hand-held scanner that is affordably priced and packed with features. With 500 channels and 32,000 preset frequencies, it's easy to find channels that interest you. The scanner is PC programmable, and the Close Call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters. Other features include the delay function, memory backup, and three power options. The scanner is an excellent entry-level option for those who want to stay informed and listen in.

What We Like
Affordable price
32,000 preset frequencies
PC programmable
Close Call RF capture technology
Three power options
#TOP 4

Uniden BCD436HP Handheld Scanner

BCD436HP
BCD436HP
apple
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert, Covers USA and Canada
ftb score rating icon 9.6
FTB Score

The Uniden BCD436HP Handheld Scanner is a user-friendly digital scanner that requires no programming. It has a TrunkTracker V feature that identifies and monitors only nearby systems in the USA/Canada. The scanner can receive communications from public safety, police, fire, EMS, ambulance, aircraft, military, weather, and more. It has an extra-large display, instant replay, and custom alerts that you can program. The scanner has a scan speed of 85 channels per second.

What We Like
User-friendly and easy to operate
TrunkTracker V identifies and monitors only nearby systems
Receives communications from public safety, police, fire, EMS, etc.
#TOP 5

Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner

BC75XLT
BC75XLT
Small
Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner, 300 Channels, 10 banks, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, NOAA Weather, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
ftb score rating icon 9.5
FTB Score

The Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner allows you to listen in and stay informed with 300 user-programmable channels in a compact design featuring Close Call RF capture technology, which instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters. You can listen to over 32,000 frequencies, including civilian and military bands, and search more efficiently with 300 channels divided into 10 storage banks. The scanner has a lightweight portable design and convenient pre-sets for the most popular searches, making it easy to find channels that interest you. Please note that this product is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring.

What We Like
Compact design with 300 user-programmable channels
Close Call RF capture technology instantly tunes to nearby transmitters
Listen to over 32,000 frequencies
300 channels divided into 10 storage banks for efficient searches
Lightweight, portable design with convenient pre-sets
#TOP 6

Uniden BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner

BCD160DN
Black
Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-Band Reception, and Search Features to Detect Signals Faster Than Ever
ftb score rating icon 9.5
FTB Score

The Uniden Digital Scanner offers exclusive features like Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-band Reception, DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode, and Preloaded DMR/NXDN. The Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging helps you detect signals faster. The Narrow-band Reception ensures you don't miss any transmissions. DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode quickly displays system settings. Preloaded DMR/NXDN allows immediate use of the scanner.

What We Like
Exclusive Features
Rapid Signal Detection
Preloaded DMR/NXDN
#TOP 7

Uniden Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner

BCD325P2
Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.
ftb score rating icon 9.3
FTB Score

The Uniden Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner is a compact and feature-packed radio scanner that can scan and search 25,000 channels. It is equipped with advanced features like Close Call RF Capture Technology, GPS compatibility, and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. The scanner also features Quick-Key System Access and System/Channel Number Tagging for easy navigation. With DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode, the scanner can instantly detect and display the sub-audible tone. The Uniden Customer Support website is available for setup and troubleshooting.

What We Like
Equipped with advanced features like Close Call RF Capture Technology, GPS compatibility, and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert
Quick-Key System Access and System/Channel Number Tagging for easy navigation
DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode instantly detects and displays the sub-audible tone
Compact size makes it easy to carry around
#TOP 8

Uniden BC365CRS and Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner

Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock with Snooze, Sleep, and FM Radio with Weather Alert, Search Bands & Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner. 500 Alpha-Tagged Channels
ftb score rating icon 9.1
FTB Score

Uniden BC365CRS is a scanner with 500 channels in 10 banks, allowing easy search of commonly used bands for Police, Fire/EMS, Aircraft, Amateur Radio, and Marine transmissions. It has a built-in FM radio with 30 FM presets and an alarm clock with snooze and sleep. The Bearcat BC125AT is a handheld scanner with 500 alpha-tagged channels, lightweight and portable with an orange backlight display that is easy to read in low light conditions. It allows you to listen to over 40,000 frequencies, including Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events.

What We Like
Easy to search for local public safety and other interesting frequencies
Built-in FM radio with 30 FM presets
500 alpha-tagged channels for efficient channel finding
Lightweight and portable design
Listen to over 40,000 frequencies
#TOP 9

Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner & Koss QZ-99 Headphones

Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500 Alpha-Tagged Channels, Lightweight, Portable Design. & Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone
ftb score rating icon 8.9
FTB Score

Stay informed with the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, featuring 500 alpha-tagged channels and Close Call RF capture technology. Listen to over 40,000 frequencies, including Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, and more. The lightweight and portable design makes it easy to take on the go. The Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Headphones provide outstanding clarity and definition with neodymium magnet structures and closed Pneumalite ear cushions that eliminate ambient noise. The volume control on the ear cup allows for easy level adjustment.

What We Like
Convenient compact design and Close Call RF capture technology
Listen to over 40,000 frequencies, including civilian and military bands
500 alpha-tagged channels for efficient searching and organizing
Lightweight and portable design for on-the-go use
Outstanding clarity and definition with noise reduction headphones
#TOP 10

Uniden SDS100 Handheld Scanner

SDS100-cr
Black
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in Weak-Signal and Simulcast Areas, Rugged / Weather Resistant JIS 4 Construction (Renewed)
ftb score rating icon 8.8
FTB Score

The Uniden SDS100 Scanner is designed for outstanding performance, especially in areas with weak signals or where multiple signals overlap. Its advanced True I/Q receiver technology ensures you receive clear audio even in challenging conditions. The scanner is built to withstand tough environments with its rugged and weather-resistant design. You’ll appreciate the long-lasting Li-Ion battery, which keeps your device powered for extended use. Additionally, the improved user interface features three contextual soft keys, allowing you to easily navigate functions based on what you are currently doing, making your scanning experience more intuitive.

What We Like
Improved digital performance
Rugged and weather-resistant
Long-lasting battery
Intuitive user interface
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best radio scanner?

Top Radio Scanners. Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner.Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. ... Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner.Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock.Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner.

2. What is the easiest radio scanner to use?

1. Best overall: Uniden BCD536HP HomePatrol Series Base/Mobile Scanner. The Uniden BCD536HP is an excellent digital police scanner for novice and experienced users alike. It comes pre-programmed with access to over 10,000 frequencies in the U.S. and Canada.

3. What is the range of a handheld police scanner?

Police scanners always come with a stock "rubber duck" antenna that receives about 30 miles of range (which can vary greatly depending on your local topography). So, as much as we want to sell you an antenna, most users do not need one.

Editor's Notes

During our handheld radio scanner research, we found 24 handheld radio scanner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 81,320 customer reviews through our big data system to write the handheld radio scanners list. We found that most customers choose handheld radio scanners with an average price of $259.88.

The handheld radio scanners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of handheld radio scanners, including Uniden and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 6,197 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.