A CB radio is one of the most enduring forms of mobile communication. Whether you are stuck in peak hour traffic or traveling along a lonely country road, a reliable, easy-to-use CB radio will keep you connected to work buddies or friends until you reach your destination.
Travel Smart with a Reliable CB Radio
The citizen band (CB) radio has been around for years as the prime source of instant communication for law enforcement professionals, emergency personnel, or ham radio enthusiasts.
This two-way radio continues to be the number one choice for on-the-road communication for road warrior truckers, campers, 4WD adventurers, motor-home vacationers, survivalists, farmers, or boating enthusiasts.
Even though a CB radio may have a short-range signal in comparison to a long-range walkie-talkie, there are lots of advantages to owning a CB radio.
- There are no age restrictions to use a CB radio.
- You do not need an operator’s license to operate the two-way radio.
- It is more reliable than other forms of mobile communication as it is not reliant on cell towers.
- A CB radio can be quickly installed in any type of vehicle, your home, or a dispatch office.
- Keeps you stay connected to friends, family, colleagues while you travel to work, cruise along a muddy road, or while you fix a fence on your property.
- You have instant access to 40 channels, including weather alerts, traffic alerts, and an emergency channel
- Gives you complete control over the radio’s sound, signal, and audio quality.
The 8 Best CB Radios
- Midland 1001LWX Mobile CB Radio
- Cobra 29LTD Professional CB Radio
- Cobra HHRT50 Handheld CB Radio
- Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio (Our Top Pick)
- AnyTone CB Radio
- Radioddity CB-27 Mini CB Radio
- President MCKINLEY USA CB Radio
- Uniden PC78LTX Professional CB Radio
Our Top Pick for the Best CB Radio
Our top pick for the best CB radio is the Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio.
We highly recommend the Uniden BEARCAT CB radio for professional and everyday CB operators. Whether you need reliable two-way communication for work or for exploring a country road, the Uniden BEARCAT 880 has cutting-edge technology that guarantees a super strong signal and crisp audio quality.
Once you set up BEARCAT 880, you will have great mobile communication functionality at your fingertips, for the road, at home, or anywhere in between.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best CB Radio
Mobile CB Radio
A mobile CB radio, such as the President MCKINLEY USA CB Radio, is the most common type of CB radio that is used by professional drivers, off-roading enthusiasts, and truckers. You have plenty of buttons or dials that provide fast access to different audio or diagnostic functions.
A good-sized illuminated LCD screen displays the channels and other types of information. The CB radio has a powerful speaker that is usually located on the front of the unit and a handheld microphone that you use to talk to friends or teammates.
This type of CB radio is quite easy to install in any kind of vehicle, just under the dashboard, on the roof, or even in the space where the ashtray sits. However, a bulky model may not be suited for a vehicle with limited space.
All-in-Handset CB Radio
An all-in-one handset CB radio, such as the Cobra HHRT50 Handheld CB Radio, has all its operating buttons conveniently located on the handset so the radio can be used one-handed. It has a small power box which makes it the perfect device for a vehicle that has limited dashboard space.
Base Station CB Radio
A base station CB radio is primarily designed for indoor use. However, there are mobile CB radios that can be used for your home or a dispatch office such as the Cobra 29LTD Professional CB Radio. You will need a suitable adapter to plug it into a wall and a powerful antenna that is mounted up high on your roof to get a strong signal.
Channels
As a CB radio has 40 channels, you have plenty of communication options. The radio may have a channel scan function that quickly scans the channels so that you do not have to cycle through the channels one by one.
Weather, Emergency, and Information Channels
Sitting in peak hour traffic can be frustrating and being stuck in the middle of a blinding hail storm can be dangerous. However, not when you own a CB radio that has special frequencies that connect to the NOAA, which is a 24/7 nationwide network of radio weather stations. You will also have instant access to emergency channel 9 and the traffic information channel 19.
Power
CB radios usually have 4-watts of power that provide a signal range between 2-5 miles. However, ultra-powerful radios, such as the Uniden Pro Series PRO520XL, deliver a dedicated signal range of 5 miles or even more.
Antenna
A CB radio usually does not come with an antenna so you will have to find a suitable one. Some CB radios can be used with an existing antenna on your jeep or SUV, such as the Midland 1001LWX Mobile CB Radio. Ultimately, your signal will depend on the quality of your antenna. Uniden has a great video that provides some helpful tips on how to choose a good antenna for your CB radio.
LCD Screen
The LCD screen is very important as it displays the radio channels and other types of information, such as a standing wave ratio (SWR) meter. Most LCD screens are colored and display large digits which allow you to read the info in a single glance, especially at night.
Control Panel
A CB radio’s control panel may have a few basic features, such as a channel display, a built-in weather channel scan, RF gain, and a volume On/Off button, which is ideal for beginners.
Experienced CB operators will appreciate having lots of buttons to achieve complete control over the radio’s functions. Overall, the controls should be highly responsive and have individually labeled buttons that allow for quick identification.
RF Gain and Squelch
One of the most valuable audio features for a CB radio is the RF gain button. An RF gain or microphone gain button allows you to control the signal strength and increase the microphone’s sensitivity. The CB radio may have a squelch or noise-filtering button that improves audio quality by minimizing background noise and static.
Cord Length
The coiled power cord can make all the difference to how you use the CB radio. A 6-foot power cord gives you good maneuverability, but a 9-foot cord is especially useful in a larger vehicle.
Public Address (PA) System
Not all CB radios have a public address (PA) capability which allows you to attach an external speaker to the radio. A PA system comes in handy when you have to broadcast messages to your team or work crew on a site.
SWR Meters
A built-in SWR meter provides a quick diagnostics check on the radio’s system and its antenna to make sure that they are working properly.
8 Best CB Radios – Reviews
1. Midland 1001LWX Mobile CB Radio
The Midland 1001LWX Mobile CB Radio is a great communication device for a jeep, truck, or motor home.
Its compact size fits most vehicles, and the simple control panel is well-suited for CB radio beginners or advanced operators who need quick access to the buttons.
The highly responsive 40-channel digital tuner accurately locks onto your selected channel for fast connectivity. As the CB radio has a 4-watt output, it delivers a maximum signal range of up to 5 miles.
An ultra-bright orange LCD screen provides good visibility especially at night but the light is not adjustable. The microphone handset fits comfortably in your hand, and it is conveniently located on the front of the unit.
Smart weather scan technology locks onto the strongest signal from the NOAA weather station. You also have access to emergency channel 9 and information channel 19.
RF gain control adjusts reception sensitivity to improve a weak signal. Squelch control and an automatic noise limiter eliminates unwanted background noise or static to ensure crystal clear sound.
You can toggle easily between the public address system and the normal CB operation button.
Even though the CB radio does not come with an antenna, it is compatible with most CB radio antennas, or you can use the external antenna that is already mounted on your vehicle.
The easy-to-install CB radio comes with all the mounting hardware and a bracket.
Midland offers a 1-year limited warranty on the CB radio.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Extremely affordable price
- Ideal for beginners or experienced CB users
- Perfect for a jeep, truck, or motor-home
- Compact design
- Easy to install
Large , ultra-bright orange LCD screen- Weather Scan Technology
- Emergency and information channel access
- Highly sensitive RF gain and squelch
- Automatic noise limiter
- Loud and clear output
- Easy to toggle between CB function and the PA system
Comfortable microphone is conveniently located on the front of the unit- Compatible with most antennas
- Can be used with an existing antenna
- Easy to install mounting hardware and bracket
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- LCD brightness is not adjustable
- Weather channel signal strength will depend on the power of the antenna
- Cycling through different NOAA weather channels can be annoying
2. Cobra 29LTD Professional CB Radio
One of the most popular CB radios, the newly upgraded Cobra 29LTD Professional CB Radio is a perfect match for professional drivers, pick-up trucks, semis, or even a dispatch office operator.
This high-tech CB radio unit with 4-watt power
The space-age-looking 4-pin microphone fits well in your hand, and its front panel connector allows for convenient in-dash installation. Its extra-long 9-foot cord lets you reach your controls easily from anywhere inside your vehicle.
You can quickly navigate through the 40 channels and adjust the functions with convenient tactile controls. An enhanced LCD channel display shows your channel selection and can be adjusted for day or night driving.
To help you drive safely, you have instant access to emergency channel 9 and information channel 19. The signal strength meter swings proportionally to match incoming receive, and outgoing transmits signal levels.
Upgraded features include a built-in SWR calibration system, an antenna alert light, and a PA function button.
The Noise Reduction (NB/ANL) button and the RF Gain button with Dynamike boost eliminate static and increase voice clarity. A TalkBack button allows you to adjust the sound for precise modulation during transmissions.
The 29LTD is compatible with all CB antennas on the market. It also comes with a mounting bracket, screws, and a microphone hanger.
Cobra offers a 2-year warranty on the CB radio.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- High performance
- Upgraded high tech design
- Durable, sleek special-edition chrome interface
- Convenient tactile controls
- Enhanced blue LCD channel display has dimming control
4-watt output provides maximum communication- Space-age-looking microphone fits well in the hand
- Front microphone connector
- Built-in SWR calibration system
- Antenna warning indicator light
- Full 40 citizen band channels
- Instant access to emergency channel 9 and information channel 19
- RF gain control
- Dynamike Boost
- Noise reduction NB/ANL
- Analog signal meter
- Adjustable talk back sound modulator
- Can be used as a PA system
- Compatible with all CB antennas
- Comes with mounting bracket and screws, and a microphone hanger
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Display might be too bright in a smaller cab
- CB radio is too bulky for small dashboards
3. Cobra HHRT50 Handheld CB Radio
The Cobra HHRT50 Handheld CB Radio is a great mobile communication device for a road trip or a trucker and will keep you ready for anything, wherever your travels take you.
Compact and portable, the HHRT50 gives you the convenience of a handheld CB radio and the security of having access to the longest range possible up to 4 miles. All the controls and the speaker are contained in the handset, which has a good-sized power cord.
The 4-watt CB radio has 40 channels, a dual watch function that lets you monitor 2 channels simultaneously, and a channel-scan monitoring function system. You will be prepared for any weather emergency with the 10 weather channels that provide 24/7 changing weather forecasts from NOAA, and the radio produces an audible tone if an emergency or threatening weather is nearby.
If you are driving at night, the illuminated LCD screen provides bright and clear visibility and the control panel has large, soft buttons. You will experience great sound and voice clarity with the smart Sound Tracker System that cuts noise up to 90%. The omnidirectional microphone allows your voice to be picked up from multiple directions.
The HHRT50 also comes with a magnetic mount for in-vehicle use, a recharging jack that you can use charging 9 NiMH AA batteries (not included), and a speaker/microphone jack.
Cobra offers a 2-year warranty on the handheld CB radio.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Compact and portable handheld design
- Bright blue LCD screen light provides very good visibility
- Control panel has large, soft buttons
- Very good 4-mile range
- 40 channels
- 10 weather channels
- Radio produces an audible tone if an emergency or threatening weather is nearby
- Dual watch
- Channel-scan monitoring system
- Sound Tracker System cuts noise up to 90%
- Omnidirectional microphone
- Good-sized power cord
- Magnetic mount
- Recharging jack for batteries and speaker/microphone jack
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Speaker is not very loud in a larger vehicle
- No PA function
- Rechargable batteries provide longer life
4. Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio
If you are a professional trucker, the Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio is the perfect communication device for your big rig.
Powerful and packed with plenty of smart features, the sturdy BEARCAT 880 will keep you in direct contact with your buddies. Its 4-watt output can produce a good signal range depending on the terrain. There are 40 channels that are easily selectable with the large channel dial.
As the channels are displayed in bold green digits on the large, easy-to-read LCD screen, you see them at a glance, and you can adjust the screen’s brightness or choose from 7 different display colors. You will be able to cruise safely along the highway with instant access to emergency channels 9 and 19 and NOAA weather information.
With a sleek black and silver interface, back-lit green buttons, laser-etched keys, the BEARCAT 880 will also have you traveling in style. The noise-control microphone fits well in your hand and its extra-long power cord connects to the front of the radio.
Quickly fine-tune the sound with the dynamic squelch control, the RF gain control, and the SWR clarity button. Eliminate any static by adjusting the ANL/Noise Blanker. The bright green SWR meter tunes precisely for the best signal.
Other user-friendly features include a memory scan, wireless microphone compatibility, and the BEARCAT 880 can even be used as a PA broadcasting system. The radio comes with a mounting bracket kit and a microphone adapter.
Uniden offers a 1-year limited warranty on the CB radio.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Affordable price
- Powerful 4-watt output can produce a good signal range
- Great sound quality
- Sleek and sturdy
- Smart design
- 40 channels
- Instant access to channels 9 and 19
- NOAA weather information
- Large, easy-to-read LCD screen has bold green digits
- Seven color display options
- Green backlit controls and laser-etched keys
- RF gain button and SWR clarity button
- ANL/Noise Blanker and squelch control
- Comfortable noise-cancelling microphone
- Memory scan
- Wireless microphone compatibility
- PA ability
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Internal speakers are not very clear at high volume
- Beeping sound when pressing the keys or changing channels cannot be turned off
5. AnyTone CB Radio
Highly versatile, the smart AnyTone CB Radio functions as an AM/FM radio and as a CB radio. This compact radio can be modified to a two-way CB radio so it is very versatile.
You can access up to 40 channels, which include the emergency channel and the information channel 19. The channels and all the signal strength information are displayed on the easy-to-read bright orange LCD screen.
This great little radio has a very powerful 12-watt output and lots of easy-to-use features. Although the AnyTone produces a very loud and clear sound, you can turn the RF gain or squelch dial to eliminate static or external noise. It has a channel scan button, a memory button, a keypad lock button, a large power on/off, a volume dial, a dual watch button, and an antenna jack.
Communication is made easy with the front-facing microphone jack and the microphone has a push-to-talk button and UP/DN volume buttons. You can also attach a speaker and use the radio as a PA system.
The CB radio comes with a mobile mounting bracket, installation hardware, and a long power cord.
AnyTone offers a 1-month money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty on the CB radio.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Works as a AM/FM radio and as a CB radio
- Compact
- Very loud and clear volume
- Ideal for a holiday road trip or everyday use
- Extra-powerful 12-watt output
- Easy-to-see white and orange buttons
- Bright orange LCD screen
- RF gain and squelch dials
- Channels and signal information are displayed on the LCD screen
- Channel scan button, dual-watch button, memory button, and a keypad lock button
- Access to information and emergency channels
- Large power on/off volume control dial
- Front-facing microphone jack
- Push-to-talk button and UP/DN volume buttons on the microphone
- Antenna jack
- Can be used as a PA system
- Comes with a mobile mounting bracket, installation hardware, and a long power cord
- One-month money-back guarantee
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- May not be ideal for professional use
6. Radioddity CB-27 Mini CB Radio
Whether you are a beginner CB radio user or a ham radio enthusiast, the Radioddity CB-27 Mini CB Radio will keep you connected with friends, family, or an off-roading team.
The CB-27 is affordable, offers you all the communication features you need for safe travels, and best of all, it is very easy to use.
Its powerful 4-watt power output keeps you connected to radio chatter, and the ergonomic removable microphone provides very good clear sound and it has a long power cord, a push-to-talk button, up and down volume buttons, and a handy hanging hook for easy storage.
Each button on the radio has a white label which can be easily seen against the black background. The 40-channel LCD screen displays the channels in large black digits on an orange backlit display.
You can quickly tweak the sound to get rid of any static with the squelch control and the RF gain button. There is a large on/off volume dial, a channel scanning button, an emergency channel 9/19 keypad lock, and an external speaker jack that you can use for a PA system.
If your vehicle, like a truck or a bus, has limited dashboard space and you need a smaller CB radio that won’t take up too much room, the Radioddity CB-27 comes in a convenient ultra-compact size. As the radio fits in the palm of your hand, it is very easy to transport from your home or office to your vehicle.
Radioddity includes a universal mounting bracket, a power cord with an in-car charger, 2 screws, 4 tooth washers, 4 mounting screws, and a spare fuse. The only thing you will have to buy separately is an antenna.
The Radioddity CB Radio is covered by an 18-month warranty and lifetime support.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for beginner CB users or Ham radio enthusiasts
- Very easy to use
- Ultra compact
- Portable design
- Can be used in a vehicle or on a property
- 4-watts of power sends and receives good signals
- Reliable performance
- Very good clear sound
- 40 channel display has large black digits on an orange backlit display
- Easy-to-read buttons with white labels
- Large on/off volume control dial
- Squelch button
- RF gain button
- Channel scanning button
- Emergency channel 9/19 keypad lock
- Ergonomic removable microphone provides clear sound
- Microphone has a push to talk button, up and down volume buttons and a handy hanging hook
- Can be used as a PA system
- 18-month warranty
- Lifetime support
Cons
- No advanced features
- Not recommended for industrial or heavy-duty use
7. President MCKINLEY USA CB Radio
The modern-looking President MCKINLEY USA CB Radio is a fantastic mobile communication device for SUV wilderness explorers or pilot car drivers.
If you have limited space in your cab, the slick AM/SSB 12/24-volt CB radio has a compact design, but it does not scrimp on must-have features.
The large LCD-lit presentation is easy to read day or night, and it has a dual watch function. You can even customize the screen with 3 different colors: orange, green, or blue. You will stay connected during your travels with a 4-watt output signal that reaches up to 5 or 6 miles. The radio has 40 channels, a weather alert button, and a preset emergency channel 9, and information channel 19. The channel scan button also has a 3-memory scan function.
Achieve crystal clear sound with the manual and automatic squelch controls, a fine/coarse clarifier, a microphone/RF gain, or the RF power button.
Other operator-friendly features include an on/off volume button, a switchable talk-back button, and an internal SWR meter for 24/7 system transmission diagnostics.
You can use the CB radio hands-free as it has a VOX ability. If you need to rally your team, the radio becomes a powerful PA system.
PRESIDENT ELECTRONICS also includes a comfortable microphone with a standard 3-pin power cord that plugs into the front of the unit. For easy installation, the CB radio comes with a mounting bracket and hardware.
The President McKinley CB radio is covered by a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for CB enthusiasts
- Compact design
- Large, bright 3-color LCD screen with a dual watch function
- 40 channels
- 12/24-volt
- Channel scan button with a 3-memory scan function
- Weather alert button
- Preset emergency channel 9 and information channel 19 button
- Volume adjustment and on/off button
- Switchable talk-back button
- Internal SWR meter
- Fine/coarse clarifier
- Squelch control
- ANL/ NB/ HI-CUT filter
- Microphone/RF gain button
- RF power button
- Front-facing speaker
- Roger beep
- Hands-free VOX ability
- Can be used as a PA system
- Comfortable microphone with a standard 3-pin cord
- Microphone plugs into the front of the unit
- Easy to install
- Comes with a mounting bracket and hardware
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- A little pricey
- Dual-style buttons might be a little difficult for beginners to use
8. Uniden PC78LTX Professional CB Radio
The Uniden PC78LTX Professional CB Radio will keep you connected while you travel the open road.
Although the PC78LTX is a high-tech device, it sports a simple, user-friendly control panel. Its rugged design is tailormade for vehicles that have limited dashboard space.
You will never miss another transmission as this powerful 4-watt CB radio has a good mile signal range. The 40 channels are illuminated with bright red text on the LCD screen, and you can dim or brighten the display. It even has a separate button for the all-important emergency channel 9.
You can finely tune the receiver for the best static-free signal with the RF gain, squelch dial, and microphone gain dial, and eliminate external noise with the ANL switch. An integrated SWR Meter helps you to precisely tune your antenna for the best signal strength.
The new front-facing microphone jack and an extra-long coiled power cord allow for easy maneuverability. If you need to make announcements to your team, you can attach external speakers and flick the PA/CB switch and turn the radio into a public address system.
The PC78LTX comes with all necessary hardware to install this CB radio into your car, truck, or bus, a mounting bracket, and a microphone holder.
Uniden offers a 1-year limited warranty on the CB radio.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Rugged and compact design
- Powerful signal mile range
- Easy to install
- Customizable features
- Ideal for jeeps or trucks
- 40 channels
- Seperate button for emergency channel 9
- Front-positioned microphone with extra-long, coiled cord
- Precise tuning control for sending and receiving signals
- Built-in automatic noise limiter ANL switch
- Squelch button
- RF and signal strength meter
- Can be connected to external speakers for use as a PA system
- Comes with a mounting hardware, mounting bracket, and a microphone holder
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Does not come with an antenna or cable
- No NOAA weather alerts
Our Top Pick for the Best CB Radio
Our top pick for the best CB radio is the Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio.
We highly recommend the Uniden BEARCAT CB radio for professional and everyday CB operators. Whether you need reliable two-way communication for work or for exploring a country road, the Uniden BEARCAT 880 has cutting-edge technology that guarantees a super strong signal and crisp audio quality.
Once you set up BEARCAT 880, you will have great mobile communication functionality at your fingertips, for the road, at home, or anywhere in between.
Check the price on Amazon
