What is the Best Police Scanner to Buy?
As a citizen, staying informed about what’s happening in your community is crucial. One of the most effective ways to do so is by using a police scanner. With a police scanner, you can listen to police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) communications in real-time, giving you a unique perspective on what’s happening in your area. But with so many options available, choosing the best police scanner can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll help you navigate the market and find the perfect police scanner for your needs.
What to Look for in a Police Scanner
Before we dive into the best police scanners on the market, let’s talk about what to look for in a police scanner. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Frequency Range: Make sure the scanner can receive the frequencies used by the agencies you’re interested in monitoring. In the US, this typically includes VHF, UHF, and 800 MHz frequencies.
- Number of Channels: A higher number of channels means you’ll have more options for monitoring different agencies and frequencies.
- Memory Capacity: A larger memory capacity allows you to store more channels and frequencies, making it easier to monitor multiple agencies.
- Audio Quality: Look for a scanner with good audio quality, including features like noise reduction and compression.
- Additional Features: Some scanners come with additional features like GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone apps.
Best Police Scanners for Beginners
If you’re new to police scanning, you may want to start with a basic scanner that’s easy to use and doesn’t break the bank. Here are some top picks for beginners:
| Scanner | Price | Frequency Range | Number of Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whistler WS1065 | $150 | VHF, UHF, 800 MHz | 10,000 channels |
| Uniden BC355P | $100 | VHF, UHF, 800 MHz | 10,000 channels |
| GRE PSR-500 | $200 | VHF, UHF, 800 MHz | 500 channels |
Best Police Scanners for Advanced Users
If you’re an experienced scanner user or want more advanced features, here are some top picks:
| Scanner | Price | Frequency Range | Number of Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniden SDS100 | $400 | VHF, UHF, 800 MHz | 100,000 channels |
| GRE PSR-600 | $300 | VHF, UHF, 800 MHz | 6,000 channels |
| Icom IC-R8600 | $600 | VHF, UHF, 800 MHz | 100,000 channels |
Best Police Scanners for Specific Uses
If you have a specific use in mind for your police scanner, here are some top picks:
- **Marine Scanner: If you’re interested in monitoring marine communications, the Uniden Atlantis 35 is a great option. It’s specifically designed for marine use and can receive VHF and AIS frequencies.
- **Airband Scanner: If you’re interested in monitoring air traffic communications, the Icom IC-A25CE is a great option. It’s specifically designed for airband use and can receive frequencies up to 136.975 MHz.
- **Trunking Scanner: If you’re interested in monitoring trunked systems, the Uniden SDS100 is a great option. It’s specifically designed for trunked systems and can receive frequencies up to 960 MHz.
Conclusion
Choosing the best police scanner for your needs can be overwhelming, but by considering the factors we discussed and looking at the top picks in each category, you can find the perfect scanner for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there’s a police scanner out there that’s right for you.
