In this digital age, staying updated on the latest news and events is crucial for our safety and security. One way to stay informed is by having a reliable digital police scanner.
With numerous models available in the market, finding the best one can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget.
In this article, we will review the top digital police scanners under $100, comparing their features, performance, and value for money.
We will also provide a comprehensive buying guide and answer frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Scanner Comparison Table For Under $100
| Model | Type | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Uniden SR30C Bearcat  Check Price on Amazon | Handheld | 500 | $$ |
Uniden BC355N  Check Price on Amazon | Base/Mobile | 300 | $$ |
Uniden BC365CRS  Check Price on Amazon | Base | 500 | $$ |
Whistler WS1010 Analog Desktop Scanner  Check Price on Amazon | Base | 200 | $$ |
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT  Check Price on Amazon | Handheld | 500 | $$ |
| TSC100RA Air Band Scanner | Handheld | 200 | $$ |
What Factors to Consider When Buying A Police Scanner Under $100
Before diving into the reviews, it’s essential to understand the critical factors to consider when purchasing a police scanner under $100.
- Type: There are two main types of scanners – handheld and base/mobile. Handheld scanners are portable and battery-powered, while base/mobile scanners are designed for home or car use and require an external power source.
- Channels: The number of channels determines how many frequencies you can store and monitor. More channels mean more options to listen to different agencies and services.
- Frequency Range: The frequency range indicates the bands that the scanner can receive. Ensure the scanner covers the necessary bands for your local police, fire, and emergency services.
- Programmability: Some scanners are easier to program than others, with features like alpha tagging, which allows you to assign names to channels for easy identification.
- Value for Money: Finally, consider the overall value for money, including the scanner’s features, performance, and durability.
The 5+ Best Radio Scanners Under $100
Below is a list of the best radio scanners under $100, offering excellent performance, features, and value for money to help you stay informed and connected with public safety services.
Uniden SR30C Bearcat
The Uniden SR30C Bearcat is a versatile handheld scanner with 500 channels and a wide frequency range covering most public safety bands.
It features Close Call RF Capture Technology, which automatically tunes to nearby transmissions, ensuring you never miss any crucial updates.
The SR30C Bearcat is user-friendly, with simple programming and easy-to-read backlit LCD display.
The scanner also has alpha tagging, allowing you to assign names to channels for quick identification. The battery life is decent, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Key Features:
- 500 channels
- Wide frequency range (25-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 225-380 MHz, 406-512 MHz)
- Close Call RF Capture Technology
- Easy programming and alpha tagging
- Backlit LCD display
Uniden BC355N
The Uniden BC355N is a base/mobile scanner designed for both home and car use. It offers 300 channels and covers a broad frequency range, making it suitable for monitoring various services.
The scanner features Close Call RF Capture Technology, ensuring you stay updated on nearby transmissions.
The BC355N is easy to program and has a backlit LCD display for clear viewing. It also features a temporary lockout function, allowing you to skip unwanted channels during scanning.
The scanner can be powered by an AC adapter or a car power adapter, providing flexibility in usage.
Key Features:
- Base/mobile scanner
- 300 channels
- Wide frequency range (25-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 406-512 MHz)
- Close Call RF Capture Technology
- Backlit LCD display and temporary lockout function
Uniden BC365CRS
The Uniden BC365CRS is a base scanner with 500 channels and a wide frequency range. It comes with an FM radio and an alarm clock, making it a versatile addition to your home.
The scanner is user-friendly, with straightforward programming and a large backlit LCD display.
The BC365CRS features service search buttons for quick access to police, fire, and emergency frequencies. It also has a temporary lockout function, allowing you to skip unwanted channels during scanning.
The scanner is powered by an AC adapter and requires an external antenna for optimal reception.
Key Features:
- Base scanner with FM radio and alarm clock
- 500 channels
- Wide frequency range (25-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 406-512 MHz)
- Service search buttons for quick access
- Large backlit LCD display
Whistler WS1010 Analog Handheld Scanner
The Whistler WS1010 is a base scanner with 200 channels and a broad frequency range. It features a backlit LCD display and a built-in speaker for clear audio.
The scanner is easy to program, with a data cloning feature that allows you to transfer programming from one scanner to another.
The WS1010 has a priority channel function, enabling you to monitor essential channels without interruption.
It also features a lockout function, allowing you to skip unwanted channels during scanning. The scanner requires an external antenna and is powered by an AC adapter.
Key Features:
- Base scanner with 200 channels
- Broad frequency range (29-54 MHz, 108-136.99166 MHz, 137-174 MHz, 380-512 MHz)
- Backlit LCD display and built-in speaker
- Data cloning feature for easy programming
- Priority channel and lockout functions
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT
The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT is a handheld scanner with 500 channels and a wide frequency range. It features alpha tagging, allowing you to assign names to channels for easy identification.
The scanner has a backlit LCD display and a built-in speaker for clear audio.
The BC125AT is user-friendly, with simple programming and a priority scan function that ensures you never miss essential updates.
The scanner has a temporary lockout feature, allowing you to skip unwanted channels during scanning. It is powered by two AA batteries, providing up to 10 hours of use.
Key Features:
- Handheld scanner with 500 channels
- Wide frequency range (25-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 225-380 MHz, 400-512 MHz)
- Alpha tagging for easy identification
- Backlit LCD display and built-in speaker
- Priority scan and temporary lockout features
TSC100RA Air Band Scanner
The TSC100RA is a handheld air band scanner designed specifically for monitoring civil aviation frequencies.
It features 200 channels and a backlit LCD display for clear viewing. The scanner is easy to program and has a built-in speaker for clear audio.
The TSC100RA has a priority channel function, ensuring you never miss essential transmissions. It also features a lockout function, allowing you to skip unwanted channels during scanning.
The scanner is powered by three AA batteries, providing up to 8 hours of use.
Key Features:
- Handheld air band scanner with 200 channels
- Specifically designed for civil aviation frequencies (118-137 MHz)
- Backlit LCD display and built-in speaker
- Easy programming with priority channel function
- Lockout function to skip unwanted channels
Conclusion
After reviewing the top digital police scanners under $100, we can conclude that each model offers unique features and benefits.
The Uniden SR30C Bearcat and BC125AT are excellent options for handheld scanners, while the Uniden BC355N, BC365CRS, and Whistler WS1010 are suitable for base or mobile use.
If you are specifically looking for an air band scanner, the TSC100RA is the best choice.
Ultimately, the best digital police scanner under $100 will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this article and choose the one that offers the best value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use these scanners to listen to encrypted channels?
No, these scanners cannot decode encrypted channels. Listening to encrypted channels requires specialized equipment and is often illegal.
2. Are these scanners legal to use?
In general, using a police scanner is legal as long as you do not use it to commit a crime or interfere with law enforcement activities. However, laws may vary by location, so it’s essential to check your local regulations.
3. Can these scanners receive digital signals?
No, the scanners reviewed in this article are analog scanners and cannot receive digital signals. Digital scanners are typically more expensive than analog scanners.
4. What is the difference between VHF and UHF frequencies?
VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) are two different frequency bands used for radio communication. VHF frequencies range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, while UHF frequencies range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. Many public safety agencies use both VHF and UHF frequencies, so it’s essential to choose a scanner that covers both bands.
5. Do I need an external antenna for better reception?
While most handheld scanners come with a built-in antenna, using an external antenna can significantly improve reception, especially for base or mobile scanners.
6. How do I program my police scanner?
Programming a police scanner involves entering the frequencies of the channels you want to monitor. This process varies depending on the scanner model, but most scanners come with a user manual that provides detailed programming instructions.
7. Can I connect my scanner to an external speaker?
Yes, most scanners have a headphone jack or an external speaker output that allows you to connect them to an external speaker for improved audio quality.
8. How do I find the frequencies for my local police, fire, and emergency services?
You can find local frequencies through online databases, such as RadioReference.com, or by contacting your local public safety agencies directly.
9. Do these scanners support trunked radio systems?
No, the scanners reviewed in this article do not support trunked radio systems. Trunking-capable scanners are typically more expensive than conventional scanners.
10. Can I use a police scanner while driving?
Laws regarding the use of police scanners while driving vary by location. In some areas, it is illegal to use a scanner while driving, while in others, it is permitted. It’s essential to check your local regulations before using a scanner while driving.
