Top 12 Digital Radio Scanners (Handheld and Desktop Models)

There are few devices handier than a digital radio scanner if you want to explore the radio waves around you. Unlike regular radios, digital radio scanners like digital police scanners have the unique ability to access frequencies and two-way radio transmissions that are undetectable by most of the public. As a result, digital radio scanners let you tap into a world of communication that would otherwise be hidden.

Having a digital radio scanner is kind of like having a superpower. While they won’t let you walk on walls or soar through the skies above, they will, however, allow you to pick up on messages and communications that are invisible. That is to say, radio messages that do not get picked up by the general public.

In the past, analog scanners were sufficient for tapping into most two-way radio calls. These days, many private radio messages undergo a “trunking” process where they are converted into a digital signal. To get around this obstacle, you need a digital radio scanner.

Are you interested in purchasing a digital radio scanner? Today more than ever, digital radio scanners are necessary for staying informed about local happenings and being privy to what police officers and journalists are saying around you. If you want to get in on the action, check out our guide to the best digital radio scanners on the market today.

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Best Handheld Digital Radio Scanners

There are countless handheld digital radio scanners on the market. In fact, there are so many that deciding which one to buy can be a daunting task. To help you navigate the market effectively, we decided to put together a guide to the best handheld digital radio scanners available today.

Uniden BCD436HP

As part of Uniden’s HomePatrol Series, the BCD436HP is one of the very best digital handheld scanners money can buy. Although many handheld digital radio scanners are loaded with features these days, the BCD436HP stands out for its inclusion of a Favorites List and a “temporary avoid” setting that cannot be found in most other models.

With 4GB of internal memory, the Uniden BCD436HP makes for a great everyday radio scanner since it can store hundreds of hours of saved content. Unfortunately, this radio scanner requires three AA batteries which is a disappointment since a USB-rechargeable unit would have been more convenient. However, we recommend this scanner for heavy power users.

Whistler WS1040

The Whistler WS1040 is one of the better handheld digital radio scanners on the market. Using menu-driven programming, the LCD menu is easy to navigate and intuitive to use. From the moment we first removed this scanner from its box, we knew that this phone was durable and built to last. Even after dropping it several times on concrete, we could not make a dent in it.

We appreciated how fast the WS1040 was able to scan our local radio frequencies. Within one or two seconds, the WS1040 had already picked up on five different police channels! Plus, the digital AGC sensor automatically adjusted the volume to make it instantly audible to us. Overall, we have virtually nothing negative to say about this fantastic handheld radio scanner.

Uniden BC125AT

Like most other models from Uniden, the Uniden BC125AT is a prime example of how to make an excellent digital radio scanner. This handheld scanner is capable of picking up on up to 500 separate channels, with each being assigned its own alphanumeric name. The BC125AT also features separate bands for military and civil aircraft, which is an added bonus.

The BC125AT is a great choice for those looking to pick up a professional grade radio scanner without a professional grade budget. This device is loaded with all the bells and whistles that a radio enthusiast will appreciate, like having 10 separate banks and CTCSS and DCS programming modes, while also being sold at an attractive price.

DSR Pro UHF DPMR Radio Transceiver

The DSR Pro UHF DPMR Radio Transceiver is a fantastic device for picking up on radio signals while on the move. This device stands out for its lightweight build and ergonomic design. When held in your hand, the transceiver feels comfortable and natural as if you could hold it all day without having to put it down.

Featuring both digital and analog capabilities, this device has 16 channel knobs and a total of 256 channels overall. Plus, the large yet simplistic LED monitor provides easy to read instructions without having to strain your eyes or wince. If usability and portability are major concerns for you, you should consider testing a DSR Pro UHF DPMR transceiver.

Uniden BC75XLT

With the launch of the BC75XLT, Uniden cemented its status as the gold standard in the world of digital radio scanners. Featuring a whopping 300 channels, this radio scanner offers loads of performance value at a budget-friendly price point. Overall, we feel as though this digital scanner is one of the best on the market in terms of overall value.

One of our favorite aspects of this scanner is its ability to enter “Do Not Disturb” mode. When in this setting, the radio scanner will not release any audible sounds and will essentially be put into a “sleep” setting until you pick it up again. All in all, we highly recommend using the Uniden BC75XLT if you want to maximize the return on your dollars spent.

Uniden BCD436HP

The Uniden BCD436HPis the flagship device in Uniden’s HomePatrol series of handheld digital radio scanners. This device is a cut above most others on the market, as it is designed for professional users who are interested in using the scanner as a workplace device. However, that does not mean that a regular enthusiast can’t use it.

In fact, we had loads of fun using this radio scanner to pick up on radio conversations going on miles away. The dual-band antenna system resulted in one of the strongest receptions we have ever received from a handheld scanner. It’s no surprise, then, that the BCD436HP is one of our all-time favorite digital radio scanners.

Best Desktop Digital Radio Scanner

Interested in a desktop digital radio scanner? Unlike handheld devices, desktop scanners generally pick up stronger and more reliable signals. Read on to discover which desktop radio scanners are the best in the industry.

Whistler WS1065

TheWhistler WS1065 is one of the finest desktop digital radio scanners available today. Its menu-driven design makes usability a key selling point as it is easy to navigate and browse through the various built-in menus. Plus, its scan list function allows users to quickly organize channels according to personal preference.

In general, we found that the Whistler WS1065 was easier to use than its handheld counterparts. This is because it provided a stronger signal with less drop-out than most handheld devices, and we could more enjoyably browse the menu using the onboard directional pad.

Whistler TRX-2

The Whistler TRX-2 is a fantastic digital scanner that sits low and blends into any desktop setting. A breeze to program, the Whistler TRX-2 is notable for its intuitive menu and worry-free setup process. Plus, the CTCSS and DCS subaudible decoders boost signals and allow for an even better auditory experience without having to even press a button.

Best of all, the TRX-2 can update automatically via the Internet, which makes it a truly self-run machine. With the TRX-2, there is little to no maintenance required. Simply plug it in, and enjoy a powerful dual band radio scanner capable of outperforming most other models on the market.

Uniden BCD996P2

The Uniden BCD996P2 is a desktop digital radio scanner that suits just about any office, home, or working environment. Featuring a modern all-black design, this device is chic and looks awesome when sitting next to a computer monitor or home workstation. With a blue LED screen, this machine is certainly eye-catching and capable of drawing lots of attention.

Overall, our impression of the BCD996P2 was positive. We found it intuitive to use, and visually stunning. With 25,000 dynamically allocated channels and a massive band coverage, we were pleasantly surprised to find that this radio scanner was one of the strongest in the industry. We cannot recommend it enough for enthusiasts and power users alike.

Uniden BearTracker Scanner

The Uniden BearTracker Scanner is a great choice for users who want a desktop radio scanner that can also be used during trips and outings. In fact, this radio scanner can be installed inside your vehicle’s console if you want to use it inside your car. However, it perfectly sufficed as a desktop unit for the two and a half weeks that we used it.

We enjoyed using this device, as it was able to easily pick up on over 9,000 channels using its advanced dynamic memory system. Plus, its patented TrunkTracker III technology lets us keep up with communications being sent by Motorola and LTR systems. We were able to listen in on State Police and Highway Patrol frequencies using this incredible device.

Uniden 800 Scanner

The Uniden 800 Scanner is an excellent digital radio scanner if you need a budget-minded device capable of delivering great results. Compatible with up to 300 channels, this device uses close call RF capture technology to search through channels at industry-leading speeds. In our experience, we were able to access police, fire, and weather service channels.

Ultimately, we were happy with our experience using the Uniden 800 Scanner. Although it is clunky, heavy, and a bit of an eyesore compared to many other models on the market, it is a reliable device that can deliver serviceable results at a low cost. When it comes to desktop radio scanners, is there much more than you can ask for?

Uniden BearTracker 885 with BearTracker Warning System

Once again, Uniden has outdone itself. The BearTracker 885 desktop digital radio scanner is one of the most innovate all-in-one devices available on the market today. Truly, this device does it all. It is suitable for at-home use, use in the car, or while out in the bush during camping trips or long expeditions.

This device comes with a 7-color LCD display and an incredibly clear PA capability which makes user input a breeze. All you must do is pick up the microphone to start recording your own messages to be relayed over the PA system. If you need to alert others in the area, this is the perfect digital radio scanner for you.

Buyer’s Guide

We covered a lot of ground in this article. We understand if you don’t have time to thoroughly read every product review we went over today. That’s why we threw together this handy buyer’s guide, so you can shop with confidence regardless of what you think of our product reviews. Simply follow the tips and guidelines below the next time you’re in the market for a scanner: