2024 Scanner Radio Buyers Guide

[@tharealgabulldog9022]

Who remember the days when you could listen in on your neighbors cordless phone conversations them was some great days ❤

[@tomwold8269]

Used to do it

[@tomwold8269]

Back in the early 90s had a radio shack pro-39. It picked up cell calls right out of the box. No modifications

[@midnightoil4339]

King Charles does!

[@blastingcapps4341]

Yeah I really found out how phony and two faced my one neighbor was

[@ticzone34]

One night I heard my neighbor talk dirty to her bf. I never looked at her the same after that..😂

[@benmeyer2916]

I have to say you are very dedicated to helping people understand the scanning hobby, thank you for that

[@samallan6616]

I have stopped buying any scanning radios since all law enforcement in my area (the main reason you buy such a radio in the first place) have encrypted. The only things you can hear are some vague fire dispatching and other non-law enforcement activities such as ham radio which, as a ham myself, has become less and less useful and interesting. In fact, I sold the SDS radios I had since they don't provide useful information anymore, so the effort at maintaining constantly-changing programming is no longer justified. I have also noticed local TV newscasts have a lot less local coverage of incidents involving law enforcement since they cannot hear L/E dispatches any longer. So, unless some tight-lipped L/E PIO feels generous and reveals something to the media, or someone sees something and calls the media, most never hear about it which L/E is perfectly happy with. The old school days of a TV news desk piled high with scanner radios is long past!

[@jefffoster3557]

Agreed. It is a dead hobby for the reasons you stated. Had it's apex in the 90s with the ability to eavesdrop on the cell phones. Those days are long gone.

[@pamjohnson3713]

It sucks everything here in Alabama went encryption including all fire and police all scanners here are paper weights here lol

[@David_Berkowitz]

In mn, the same thing has happened but if you get the “5-0 radio app, you should be able to listen in again. Works great unless there adding more encrypted frequencies then it’s down for a bit but it’s what I use here in central mn.

[@dougmarthaler3066]

Looks like for Washington County MN, I would need the simulcast scanner, correct? Most specifically, City of Stillwater. And what is ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response)…? Would love to a video on my county to confirm!

[@Pedro8k]

In most country's listening to law enforcement channels is illegal but there is still plenty to listen to if you look for it

[@Odin31b]

Child of the 80/90s growing up with CD Radios. Our antenna reached 70 miles on a good day. Amazing memories! Now I carry Uniden BC125at and looking to upgrade to Digital P25 Phase 2 Scanners. Thanks so much for the amazing video breaking it down "Barney Style" for us Special ED Heads!!

[@danielavins9603]

I cannot tell you how helpful this video was. EXACTLY what I was looking for.

[@mikeriley2766]

I would like to thank you for this video. I had been out of the scanning hobby for some time. I recently became active in the hobby again and discovered my Pro-94 was no longer usrful in the area i live, much had moved to P25. I ended up getting a BCD325P2 and am back in business for everything i want to hear. Thanks again for this informative video!

[@Greg-et2dp]

SCANNER SCHOOL 🏫 HAVE A MARRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 😊 😀 ☺️

[@markbrown7447]

I am in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@jeffroberson421]

Missouri, Phelps County, Rolla and Newburg

[@jeffkelly5972]

I found this channel while searching for something else. Wow I am glad to be here what a great channel.

[@e7walnut365]

Have had my Home Patrol II for about four years, I've found it the most versatile scanner I've owned since getting into the hobby in the early 70's. I update the database weekly, takes only two-three minutes at the most. Wish the audio were a little louder (solved that problem by using an auxiliary power speaker). And for what the radio costs, the upgrade should be available without the additional charge. For that single reason, I've opted to forgo it.

[@Triplebuc50]

I live in Oakland County in S.E. Michigan I have a Uniden XL 125 AT scanner, interested in Railroad scanning, Emergency Channels.

[@jimm8246]

I have a variety of scanners. From crystal scanners to analog. Quit buying them because the technology changed so often you would have to buy frequently to keep up. Also when agencies encrypted their frequencies , that eliminated the police band where all the action is! Was fun while it lasted but now even being in a large metropolitan area the communications are sparse and hard to follow. I live real close to a firehouse so when the trucks roll I listen to that.

[@udx-294tn5]

Phil, awesome job on this video! So informative. Thanks

[@ibetraveler5394]

Excellent video and advice, like to see more like this

[@winterburan]

I prefer RSPduo 1 kHz to 2GHz 14 bit, it is more versatile and you can monitor 2 bands at the same time if you want, the DX version is mono receiver with HDR function on some bands for low frequency lovers

[@RC944jim]

Hi Phil, you out did yourself with this video! There is so much to take in I for one will have to watch it a few times!! Thank You have a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@JeffersonMcDaniel7249]

I'm in Indiana..Elkhart county....Thank you so much...oh city is Bristol Indiana

[@timbarrett4978]

I'm in Gallatin, TN. Like to listen to police, fire, and aviation. Thanks!

[@MrBrian8749]

Well Ron, I'm really out of practice in dxing. Its been along time since I even made a video. I'm glad to see you still enjoying the hobby. 73s Brian

[@mikeh8416]

RTL-SDR (2 for best coverage), a usb port adapter, and SDR-Trunk. TOTAL COST under $100.00 Plug in the RTL dongles via the port adapter, plug into your computer and add the FREE software!! If you pay the small price for Radio Reference subscription, you IMPORT your local area, and you're done. FULL Trunking, monitor MULTIPLE channels simultaneously. Now as a disclaimer, it DOES take some computing power, so if you CAN, use an older pc you aren't using so you can run it independently, otherwise everything else you do will be a bit slow. Even if you don't have a spare lying around, get a micro pc, and you'll STILL come out cheaper than almost every "scanner" on the market. P.S. and with other FREE software, you can listen to Short Wave, Amateur, and even Weather Satellites and the ISS!! There's even FREE software that lets you track AIRPLANES in the area ON SCREEN.... A *_>>MUCH

[@frankt91t]

My name is Frank, I live in south Louisiana, Terrebonne Parish. I enjoy listening to Fire and Police first of all. I would appreciate your help and guidance. Good video too!

[@mpariba]

Michael, Los Gatos CA. next to San Jose Cal, like to listen to police and Fire. thank you for your help in finding one.

[@anthonytalley55]

I'm from Lake Charles, Louisiana I sit in the house all day because my mom is sickly this seems to be something I can get into while I'm sitting here with my mom thanks for the help 7:14

[@kygent508]

I am in Christian County Hopkinsville Ky but am very close to Todd County,Elkton Ky and close to Montgomery County Clarksville Tn.Thanks.I live in the country.

[@waynedoomad2573]

Great information

[@peterlutz7191]

In the 1980s I had a Bearcat 210 scanner, loved it! It came in handy at times when I worked for Herndon Ambulance Co. in Orlando. Also, living only 30 miles from the Kennedy Space center at that time, I could even pick up the Space Shuttle crew to ground chatter before and during liftoff! Now I live and retired in Dover, N.H. and would like to get a scanner, mainly for Fire and EMS. What's confusing me at this time is the truncking thing, how can I find out if police, fire and EMS in my area use truncking and what freqs?

[@Bootyhunter1971]

Need to find out if they are encrypted. If so, its a no go. Trunking is not a deal breaker, but encryption means you cant pick it up.

[@RVMentor]

nicely done, am still figuring out if/when to by next scanner, dealing with simulcast system in central Ohio. Keep up the good work.

[@MidwestNightWatchers]

I live in Marshall Co., Illinois in the town of Henry, IL. I would like to listen to local police and County. I used to listen to them but they changed to digital or some other system. I would love to start hearing them again.

[@warrensherman-im6tn]

Thanks for all your info. Am going to purchase a scanner soon. Lots of things to listen to besides police.. gotta hav A HOBBY. THANKS AGAIN

[@Matthew-gx1vt]

Wisconsin Marathon County City of Wausau now I'm happy you asked this question because well your results will speak for there self.

[@johnnytaylor5153]

I live in NW Al. Not far from Tn. And not far from Ms. I have found out that our local sheriff and police departments have recently switched over to digital frequencies. I like to listen to our local LEO departments. I also live in the city of Russellville, Al . I enjoyed your video about the different types scanners. I would greatly appreciate your input on what would be my best option on a scanner. I’m pretty sure my local departments are encrypted, so I’m sure there’s no way around that . Thank you for your service and video.

[@5303138772]

California. Ukiah, Mendocino County. Thank you.

[@JayShort92]

I live in Buffalo, Ny. Right now I own a Uniden Home Patrol II. I do a lot of Twitter posts for my area for EMS/PD/ Fire calls. I also work as a Dispatcher for website. I want a new base & handheld.

[@k5map]

I live in Harris County, Texas... look forward to your recommendation

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

The SDS 100 on Amazon [as I write this on 6/4/24] is only $50 less than the SDS 200. I agree with all the cons as well, but, the SDS 200 can be portable also bc it’s a mobile scanner that can be used as a base as well. I have two Uniden Bearcat scanners (BC355N and BCT7) and both are nothing but paper weights now due to all services having gone to digital and encryption. So, now I listen to my county and city law enforcement on apps…not near as fun but it works and doesn’t cost me $700 like the SDS 200 would. Good video! ~Jim~ 😮

[@kevinstarner7929]

I'm in Nashville TN, Davidson county. great video

[@dsawyer8]

I honestly think most people are looking for the latest in technology that can hear EVERYTHING we are allowed to hear with maybe some hacks or tricks to hear more. WHAT DO YOU HAVE????!!!!

[@hbryant1971]

Since 2009, I have been residing in Central Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. All you need here is any decent analog VHF transceiver (if you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator) or receiver if you can only listen. There is no 220 or UHF band here, and no digital other than Cellphone spectrum. Around $35 and you can hear everything,,,,

[@salmorreale7900]

Well done, informative, thank you for posting.

[@stooges1951]

Very good information, thank you very much! I am still learning my SDS200 its a challenge compared to the Bearcat of the 70s.

[@chadmorgan82]

Georgia, Wilcox county, Abbeville Thanks

[@justinpothen6350]

Thanks for offering to help. I’m in Georgetown, Texas, which is in Williamson county.

[@NJF60]

I agree. Been into radio over 5 decades. The way I see how all those frequencies are encrypted, there’s always air traffic control to tune into, which justifies not selling any of my receivers.

[@ElliotFranco]

Thank you so much for your informative video. I'm in Kings County, New York State. Thanks Again

[@DanGibb]

Hi I am in Calgary Alberta Canada. Thank you.

[@KRich408]

I should never have sold my Uniden 996 to upgrade to the 536HP the 996 was so easy to use and much easier to program. With the keypad, I have it in a Fifth wheel camper using a PC to program it is a PITA just adding S.A.M.E codes is a pain to monitor for tornados. Removing them is even harder without using a PC , it's ironic it has a GPS module to help but only if you preprogrammed it for the areas ahead of time. We throw a dart at a map (not literally) for our adventures but with the rise in tornadic activity it's so hard to keep up. Yes I can get a dedicated weather radio but RVs have a limited amount of room available, I'm just nit picking Because of the price Uniden charges for the 536 it should make breakfast and hook up the camper for me 😂

[@millerm155]

Georgia, Seminole County/Donalsonville, GA and Decatur County/Bainbridge, GA

[@titogarza5239]

Hello Menifee CA, Riverside County. Thanks in advance

[@TheSavageMcGee]

Aiken County, SC Thanks!

[@thorketron]

Great video. Much appreciated! I live in Kingsport, Tennessee (Sullivan county). Thank you!

[@danpierce7416]

Great job breaking things down, however, the days of listening to law enforcement is dead. So many departments are now encrypted, all you can do is listen to fire/rescue or public works. Combine this with the cost of digital scanners, economically, it just isn’t worth it anymore.

[@slyfoxx04]

I live in Euclid, Ohio. I live in Cuyahoga county, what do you suggest i need in my area and what channels?

[@yussefgalibfrangiefiol7133]

I'm in San Germán, Puerto Rico. Thanks! Great video

[@tracyharp5101]

Richmond County, Augusta GA and Burke County to the South Undecided on hand held or mobile. Like mobile, but like being able to use when power is out.

[@macpulperable]

Just bought a SDS100. Read where the scanner had to be off to charge it. B.S. Go to setting then battery control. You can change a setting there that allows you to charge the scanner while using.

[@Applesaucewarrior]

Pennsylvania; Montgomery and Chester counties. Handheld units preferred.

[@djseaneydee7657]

Louisville, Ky & Southern Indiana - was listening to metro police but it encrypted with 15 min delay on broadcastify app only used Motorola P25

[@crackerwood661]

Good morning

[@avflyguy]

I've spent a massive amount of money on scanners in the last 5 years. Initially, I learned enough to get my scanner to pick up suburb PD and FD before digital trunking slowly started taking over the airwaves in and around the DFW area. My son is a Captain in one of the areas Fire and EMS, and had a friend that kind of helped me out which worked for awhile. Now everything is crickets - nothing. Apparently they have gone encrypted, so my new antenna, 75' coax were in vain. I can still hear just routine stuff from city of Dallas as they've not made the full changeover yet. Sucks... really liked listening in, but now I'll have to choose a new hobby .😡😡😡😡

[@ArchiverUnknown]

Not really, there still is a lot of stuff you can still listen to!

[@candlstudios]

@@ArchiverUnknown Like what? I'm in the same spot as this guy. Everything goes digital then encrypted. Fire even has encrypted channels for some reason. I think it's for the ambulances. I can listen to planes.. oh yay.

[@ArchiverUnknown]

@@candlstudios Local Businesses, Schools, Probably some government stuff.

[@mossybank2000]

Gmrs. Cb radios, walkie talkies, Burger King drive thru…ham… boats, AIRCRAFT…murs… etc… lots of stuff still broadsting un-encrypted.

[@avflyguy]

@@mossybank2000 Who the helll wants to listen to Burger King, ham, boats. Aircraft, OK. Since I've been a pilot for oer 50 years, I know the ropes on the aircraft band. I do listen to WeatherNet for various counties as reliable eyes and ears that report to NWS during severe weather. Otherimes, it's just chatter. OH.. I forgot about CB - Good buddy - put the hammer down- sitting the rocking chair.

[@whiz3528]

Texas, Dallas county.

[@douggriffin2910]

excellent informational video..... nice job

[@brianpeck3120]

I'm in Jefferson County, New York. I definitely prefer a desktop version.

[@jamesbrockman8067]

I may very well be one of those scanner dorks...lol, I love my sds 200, but do not use all the features available. I know the radio is very expensive, but as you mentioned, it does way more than I currently need, so that leaves room for me to advance my knowledge. Thanks for the review.

[@rdsmith334]

Kinney County, TX It’s a very rural county on the border, and we have constant high speed chases (100mph+, several times per day) with human smuggling and LE. Lots of swerving at oncoming drivers to get LE to back off. Myself and family members have been involved in multiple. Wife even had her car spiked because the smuggler was so close to her. We’d like to avoid these chases and just be off the road when they get close.

[@garynorman7136]

Forsyth County North Carolina.

[@MUSKYDEVIL]

Milwaukee WI thank you

[@chrislucas9098]

You opened Pandora's box...Ionia, MI. 48846. I have the Pro651, looking at the SDS200.

[@russofamerica]

Very useful! Thanks for putting this together!

[@michaels8607]

I just went to scanner college and it's interesting..Bronx,NY here..I had a friend whose father had a full rig with the huge antenna on top of the house...

[@bobsummers6647]

I’m in Norman, Clexeland County, Oklahoma.

[@EXPLOREWITHME.]

Im in Sullivan county Tennessee. Thank you

[@traviswatsonjr3831]

Your videos are a huge help! I’m in Lynchburg, Va and they use a P-25 Simulcast system (D mode). I’m looking to get a decent scanner that’s capable of navigating this system. I’d love to hear your recommendations if you have time. Thanks again your videos, they’re very helpful!

[@rogerdesmond114]

Phil. Weehawken NJ. The problem is, I am not sure if they changed their frequency recently because the scanner that I have now no longer seems to hear anything on the programming I have had for years. I would love to be pointed in the direction to a simple SDR that I could host for online listening setup. THANK YOU for all you do!

[@RobWenzel84]

Most places I have heard of are switching to encryption so no one unless you have there radio can hear any thing any more

[@jayroper6830]

Michigan. Livingston/ oakland county brand new to this hobby starting from scratch

[@jayroper6830]

South lyon michigan

[@jack002tuber]

Nice video! I needed this right now. Thanks

[@minibikemadman]

i just bought a sds200..seems the best bet for a everything radio..i live south of boston and we still have plently unencrypted channels.

[@HumaneEmergencyAnimalRescue911]

Our main area of operation is Broward County, FL. We also respond to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. Looking for a scanner that will primarily receive the city/county fire departments. The police dept's as well but it's a low priority. Either a handheld with external antenna option, field changeable or rechargeable battery or detachable face mount for my 4Runner. This is a great video thanks for sharing.

[@CS-ro1mx]

A lot of comments saying their area has been encrypted. Are scanners becoming useless?

[@marklaird2599]

Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have no budget. Thank You

[@joelmelton7515]

North Carolina (Gaston County)

[@fishingwiskers6678]

Jackson County West Virginia,, Ravenswood Ripley area, State Police use SIRN

[@tomwold8269]

I have been into scanners a long time, have had some awesome scanners for different reasons. A pro-39 in the early 90s, picked up cell phone calls coming in extremely good. Before then a bearcat 210xw. It picked up a lot of police, sheriff, fire and other things very good. Fast forward to now, the SDS200. It picks up signals extremely well, police, sheriff, fire, chp, ham radio, ambulance, weather and many other things. And most of the time it shows what outfit is transmitting. The only downside to this scanner is the current price of $700. But for anybody into scanners that can afford it, it is worth every penny. Also from my understanding the sds100 is equally as good. It is a "handheld"

[@warplanner8852]

There are issues with encryption as is pointed out by other comments here, but there's a ton of "open" VHF/UHF stuff out there worth listening to. Amateur radio, ATC (air traffic control) for commercial and GA, marine band, and many others. For example, I monitor several ham repeaters - both VHF and UHF - for traffic and it's easier to have the frequencies all in one machine than the other radio. I hear traffic I want to respond to, I merely turn on the appropriate radio and blaze away. The good thing about this is that the scanner I use, while sophisticated, is "last generation" and therefore cheaper.

[@fifthlomat717]

Without police and most fire channels its useless, it's the main reason anyone buys a scanner

[@4merLawman]

I have a Unication G5 and Its great

[@tiffanyclay54]

Florida, Volusia County

[@terrystockstill251]

thank you so much

[@thomthumbe]

I have and use several scanners (SDS100, SDS200, BCD436HP, and a number of realistic and Uniden models). Both digital and analog. All of them are constantly providing great local and distant coverage. Law enforcement, fire and rescue, ATC, federal, utilities, and the list goes on. All these doom and gloom comments don’t make sense to me.

[@bobjohnson6743]

California, Los Angeles

[@Zman4u]

Thanks for making your videos. I live in Mentor,Ohio. Lake county and can use help in choosing a radio.

[@david8905]

I'm taking you up on your offer sir. Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio Many thanks.

[@benchampion4086]

San Benito, Texas. Cameron County.

[@ManuelPinner]

I have a SDR Play RSP DX and a Adalm Pluto SDR, I Use SDR Angel Software for DATV Reception and Transmission,

[@dionst.michael1482]

I’m more confused than ever. Thanx Scammer Skool 👍

[@akivarubinstein9648]

Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona.

[@gator-freighterlpd-1334]

My BCD996p2 the record jack quit working, so now I'm using the headphone jack. A bit irritating considering the price w/extras.

[@jerrykr7kz]

Uniden Bear Tracker 885 is a CB and Scanner commination. Most truckers use this radio because they drive down the road and the GPS built inside the radio will automatically change frequencies 100 miles ahead of you so you can hear all the cops/fire as you drive through the country. AWESOME. I have two of them. National frequencies are updated weekly. COOL!!! Why do you not know about this radio. It is the only scanner with GPS live!!!! KR7KZ

[@nickwille5196]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I’m from Del Rio Tx. I’m big on aviation but also wanted to have something for hearing fire and police but didn’t know what to get that would work for Del Rio? I feel like I need a digital around here but didn’t want to spend crazy amounts.

[@grahamlwilson]

Mona Vale NSW Australia, prefer desktop unit

[@haylieg2780]

You should have mentioned that there is an easy way to get around the battery problem. Get a 15,000 or 20,000 mA our portable battery and plug the USB cable into that and power the radio that way. That is what I do with my 536HP. Especially if the power goes out because of a storm or I am traveling.

[@rickmcallister8237]

Elkhart, Indiana. Elkhart County