How To Choose the Best Handheld CB Radio: Buyer’s Guide
Frequency | The reality is that these models can broadcast over a wide variety of frequencies. If you only need a device for short-range contact at a work site, camping, hunting, or other outdoor activities, the successful range isn’t a big deal. Conversely, if you want a long-range portable CB radio, you’ll need to look for one. Radios with a longer antenna usually have a greater range. External antenna-supporting units may also further extend the range. Checking the ratings of previous customers will also help you choose a radio with a good range. |
Squelch Control | If you really want your new portable CB radio to communicate much more smoothly, ensure that it has a squelch control option. This function’s role is to eliminate all noise from the machine so that you can send crisp, direct transmissions.This allows other CB users to notice you in an emergency or while you’re calling for assistance. |
Channel Scan | The channel scan is another helpful function to have in a handheld CB radio. Since these units allow you access to up to 40 different channels, you can agree that checking any of them for action is uncomfortable. It’s much more difficult when you’re driving and trying to stay focused on the road ahead of you. |
Noise Limiter | Look for a CB radio with a built-in automated noise limiter feature if you want your broadcasts to be crystal clear. When you enable this function on your radio, it eliminates all background noise and other interferences, allowing you to easily hear or be heard by other CB users. Analyze the model you choose to purchase carefully to see if it has this feature. |
Battery Life | Batteries are used to power all portable CB radios on the market. This describes why it’s important to inspect the battery health of any device you’re considering purchasing. To guarantee that you can use your radio constantly when out and about, search for one with at least 12 hours of battery life. |
Backlit Display | The portable CB radios, like the smartphone CB radios, have a display that displays important things like the date, the channel you’re listening to, warnings, and so on. However, a radio with a big, backlit display screen would be more practical for you to use. To start with, a large monitor can show larger fonts that are easier to understand. You can read the displayed information in any light state, day or night, thanks to the backlit function. |
Emergency Channels | There are emergency/information networks among the 40 available channels that are really useful, particularly when you’re on the road. The NOAA weather channels, emeegrn3yc channel 9, and knowledge channel 19 are among them. These channels should be available on the perfect unit for you. It should also have a button or click that allows you to skip to these channels right away. This gives you access to real-time weather forecasts, traffic updates, and other valuable details to help you stay safe on the road. |
FAQ
What is the range of a handheld CB radio?
If you’re walking through a shopping mall with a portable CB radio, your range might be as short as 100 yards. You should assume a one-mile range by using handheld units to connect between two cars. If you adjust the antenna, though, there is a glimmer of hope for improved coverage.
Can walkie-talkies pick up CB radio?
A portable walkie-talkie can seldom be used to connect with a CB radio. You can receive a transmission, but when you use a walkie-talkie to connect with a CB, the other end-user could not hear you. CB is equipped to work with CB radios.
Is it illegal to own a CB radio?
They are banned in the United States. A CB radio, on the other hand, does not require a license to work. Individuals or organizations are not allocated to CB networks or frequencies. You may use a CB radio on all 40 FCC-designated channels and frequencies for the most part, although there are a few exceptions.
What CB channel do cops use?
Some agencies may still listen in on CB radio channel 9, but if you’re wondering which radio frequencies the cops use on a regular basis, it’s not the citizen’s band (CB). The FCC has designated specific portions of the electromagnetic spectrum for use by law enforcement and fire and rescue services.
What is the difference between a CB radio and a 2-way radio?
Power output on CB radios is restricted to a handful of 5 watts AM or 12 watts PEP (in single sideband/SSB mode). They use any of the FCC‘s 40 allocated channels to operate in the 27 MHz bands. Two-way radios, also known as “walkie-talkie” radios, are typically hand-held and can be very small in size.
Comparison Table & Main Features
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links
1. Uniden PRO505XL 40-Channel CB Radio – Editor’s Choice
- COMPACT & AFFORDABLE; The PRO505XL is ideal for CB users seeking an affordable CB Radio with Public Address, Instant...
- DURABLE & EASY TO USE; The PRO505XL Compact CB Radio uses advanced microelectronics to pack plenty of power and features...
- BACKLIT LCD DISPLAY; With an orange backlit LCD display, this Bearcat CB radio is optimized for day or night viewing,...
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links
Uniden PRO505XL Specifications
Item Weight | 2 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 12.88 x 6.03 x 2.31 inches |
Channel Operation | 40 Channel Operation CB radio featuring CB and Public Address functions |
Analog S/RF Meter | Built-in Signal/RF Power Indicator |
Backlit LCD Display | Orange backlit LCD display, is optimized for day or night viewing |
User-Friendly Layout | Features a simple layout with large dedicated up/down buttons | Dynamic Squelch Control | Delivers high-quality sound |
External Speaker Jack | Lets you plug in an external speaker for better sound |
External PA Jack | Allows connection of a PA speaker |
Instant Channel 9 Emergency Button | Yes |
Channel Up/Down Buttons | Yes |
S/RF Meter | Yes |
Included In the Box | CB Radio, 4 Pin Electret Microphone, Mounting Hardware, Mounting Bracket, User’s Manual |
Warranty | Two-Year Warranty |
PA Speaker
Compact and Easy to Use Design
Pros | Cons |
Built-in Signal/RF Power Indicator | Has no ANL option |
External Speaker Jack | |
40 channel operation |
Overall
Uniden Pro-505XL Tune-up Report
2. Uniden PRO401HH Professional Series 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio – Amazon’s Choice
- The Uniden PRO401HH delivers the convenience of a handheld CB radio with the security of knowing you have the longest...
- Features a low-power setting to conserve battery life and a high-power setting so you can extend your range When needed.
- Designed for use in the citizens band (CB) radio service, the PRO401HH mobile radio will operate on any of the 40 CB...
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links
Uniden PRO401HH Specifications
Item Weight | 0.95 Pounds |
Product Dimensions | 4.33 x 2.76 x 8.66 inches |
Number of Channels | 40 CB Channels authorized by the FCC |
NOAA Weather Alerts | Keeps you informed when severe weather threatens |
Dual Watch Feature | Lets you talk on one channel, while keeping an ear on another channel you are interested in |
Low-Power Setting | To conserve battery life | High-Power Setting | To extend your range when needed |
User-Friendly Design | Features strategically placed controls and jacks on the top, left, and right side |
Compact and Lightweight | Easy to operate with one hand |
Batteries | Rechargeable (9 AA Ni-MH) or alkaline (9 AA) batteries (not included) |
DC Power Cable | Included |
A Switch Inside the Battery Compartment | Lets you select rechargeable or alkaline batteries |
User-Friendly Interface
Wide Frequency Range and Versatile Radio
Pros | Cons |
Automatic noise filter | Mediocre signal range |
Affordable | |
Includes 4-watt antenna |
Overall
Uniden PRO401HH Handheld CB Radio and Cobra HA-TA Antenna
3. Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio – Best Range Transmission
- Portable CB Radio – This Portable CB radio from Midland features 40 CB channels, Dual Watch monitors channel 9, 10...
- Power Source – Power your CB radio with six AA batteries or use the included cigarette lighter adapter for mobile use....
- NOAA Weather Alert – You’ll have instant access to NOAA weather/hazard information 24/7. Instant channel provides...
Last update on 2024-10-02 / Affiliate links
Midland 75-822 Specifications
Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 9.4 x 2.6 x 6.7 inches |
Number of Channels | 40 CB |
Frequency Band | 26.965 – 27.405 MHz |
Display Size (W x H) | 1.375 x .5 Inches, that’s easy to read, day or night |
Power Requirement | 6AAA | Operating Temperature Range | -30 ~ +50° C |
Batteries | 6 AA batteries required (included) |
Output Power | 4 watts |
Built-In ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) | Improves reception for weak signals |
Squelch Control | Eliminates background noise |
NOAA Weather Radio | For weather/hazard information in your area 24/7 |
Dual Watch Feature | Lets you monitor channel 9 and another channel of your choice simultaneously |
Keypad Lock Feature | “Locks in” your preferred settings |
Flexible Antenna With BNC Connector | Is easily removed for transport |
External Headset Jack | Is provided for hands-free use |
What’s in the Box | Midland 75-822 Radio, AC Wall Adapter, Alkaline Battery Compartment, Rechargeable Battery Compartment, Mobile Adapter, Antenna, Documentation |
Warranty | One-year manufacturer’s warranty |
40 Channels and Dual Watch Function
Powerful Battery Life
Pros | Cons |
40 Channels with NOAA channel included | The radio is bulky |
Channel memory plus dual watch | |
4-watt antenna |
Overall
First CB Radio, Midland 75-822
4. Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Emergency Radio – Best for Truckers
- Magnetic Mount Antenna - The HH RT 50 Road Trip includes a magnetic antenna so you can operate your handheld CB radio...
- Soundtracker System – Dramatically improves the transmission and reception of CB radios by filtering through 90% of...
- NOAA Weather & Emergency Radio - Be prepared and never surprised when it comes to changes on the road ahead. Get 24-hour...
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links
Cobra HHRT50 Specifications
Item Weight | 0.64 Pounds |
Product Dimensions | 6.3 x 2 x 1.75 inches |
Number of Channels | 40 CB Channels, 10 NOAA Weather Channels 24 hours a day |
SoundTracker System | Cuts noise up to 90% |
Power Output | 4 watts, the maximum allowed by law |
High/Low Power Switch | Reduces battery power consumption by up to 75% to extend battery life | Magnetic Mount Mobile Antenna | Allows mobile operation from your vehicle |
Recharging Jack | Allows charging of rechargeable NiMH AA batteries in unit with a AC wall charger (not included) or from the 12V port in your vehicle |
DC Power Cord With Charge Tip | Included for in-vehicle use |
Range | Up to 4 miles |
What’s in the Box | Item, Antenna, User Guide |
Sound Tracker System and Dual Watch
4 Watts Efficiency Battery Function
Pros | Cons |
Includes a channel scan and NOAA channel | It needs some upgrades |
Compact and portable design | |
Dual watch function |
Overall
Video Review: Cobra HH50WXST Hand Held CB Radio
5. President Electronics BILL CB Radio – Best Speaker Function
- 40 channels AM, 12 Volts, USB 5V/2.1A, Up/down channel selector
- Volume adjustment and ON/OFF, Manual squelch and ASC
- Multi-functions LCD display; ANL filter, NB, HI-CUT, Scan, Beep Function, Roger Beep
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links
President Electronics BILL Specifications
Item Weight | 1.9 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 9 x 6.3 x 2.5 inches |
Number of Channels | 40 AM |
Supply | 13.8 V |
Channel selector | Up/down |
Number of weather channels | 7, Weather alert | Volume | Volume adjustment and ON/OFF, Manual squelch ASC |
Display | LCD multifonction, Frequencies display |
Features | S-meter, Digital Filter ANL, Filter NB, Filter HI-CUT, Scan, Beep Function, Roger beep, Key locking, Preset channel:EMG, 1 and 2 microphone plug:front (6 pins), External loudspeaker jack |
Reception | Maxi |
Sensitivity At 20 dB sinad | 0.5 microvolts minus 113 dBm |
Frequency Response | 300 Hz to 3 kHz |
Adjacent Channel Selectivity | 60 dB |
Accessories Supplied | Power cord with fuse, 1 mounting bracket with fixing screws, Ultra light electret microphone with support |
Battery Life Efficient
Powerful Speaker Function
Pros | Cons |
Digital and squelch filter | Zero adjustments available |
Weather alert | |
Multifunctional frequency display |
Overall
Video Review: President Electronics BILL CB radio
6. Radioddity CB-27 Mini CB Radio Mobile – Best Compact Design
- Ultra-compact and portable; Easy to use for beginner; Owns better sensitivity and RF gain control; AM radio station
- Squelch Control: 9 levels Automatic Squelch (ASQ) and 29 levels Manual Squelch, make this radio more flexible to block...
- Instant Emergency Channel 9 (for emergency use), Channel 19 (for truckers). Equipped with removable microphone, easy to...
Last update on 2024-10-03 / Affiliate links
Radioddity CB-27 Specifications
Item Weight | 15.2 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 4.29 x 4.09 x 0.94 inches |
Frequency | 26.965-27.405 MHz |
Frequency Tolerance | ±5.0 ppm |
Frequency Control | PLL Synthesizer |
Input Voltage | 13,8V, 1.5A | Power Consumption | Transmit: <2A |
Receive | Squelched 0.3A |
Operating Temperature Range | -20°C to +50°C |
Antenna Impedance | 50Ω |
Antenna Connector | 27MHz, SO-239 |
Mode of Operation | Simplex |
Features | Instant Channel 9/19 AM Station Squelch Control RF Gain Control Keyboard Lock Channel Scanning Car Charger Power Supply |
What’s in the box? | 1 x CB-27 1 x Removable Microphone 1 x Bracket (with 2 Screws) 1 x Spare Fuse (F5A220V) 1 x User Manual 4 x Tooth Washers 4 x Mounting Screws |
Warranty | 18-Month Warranty + Lifetime Support |
RF Gain Control and Automatic Squelch
Emergency Signal and Speaker Jack
Pros | Cons |
Works with an external speaker | Rather expensive |
Tiny and portable | |
Backlit display and memory scan |