Are you new to scanners or buying one as a gift and not sure which one to buy?
Choosing the right police scanner can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models and features available today. The best scanner for you depends on several factors, including where you live, the types of systems used in your area, and whether you want a portable handheld scanner or a base/mobile unit for home or vehicle use. Some scanners are designed for simple analog systems, while others can monitor advanced digital systems used by many modern public safety agencies.
At Scanner Master, we offer a range of scanners to match different needs and budgets. Entry-level models are great for monitoring local analog communications and are easy to get started with, while more advanced digital scanners are designed to track complex trunked radio systems used by many police, fire, and emergency services today.
Quite frankly, choosing the right scanner when you're a beginner, or perhaps even an intermediate level scanner hobbyist, is not as easy as it used to be! We strive to find and solve potential problems BEFORE you make your purchase. Our first and foremost recommendation would be to contact us using the form below.
What we'll need:
- City, county, and state (or ZIP code)
- What agencies you want to monitorWhether you prefer a handheld or base/mobile scanner
Fill out the form below and we'll help you choose the right scanner.
Things to Know Before Buying a Scanner
Encryption: sadly, some areas of the country are using encryption. This varies and is one of the main reasons to contact us in advance. The bottom line is, there is no scanner that can or will ever be able to receive encrypted radio traffic. Knowing in advance can save major headaches!
Project 25 "Simulcast" radio systems: Not every Project 25 (P25) capable scanner will work properly on these systems. As a matter of fact, most won't! The ONLY current models that do are the Uniden SDS series of scanners. This brief third-party video is a go-to by us that offers a simple explanation of what simulcast does and how it effects your non-compatible scanner. Watch the YouTube Video Here. This is pretty much "required viewing" for this topic.
Project 25 radio systems. All currently available Uniden P25 capable scanners will work to receive unencrypted radio traffic on these systems, whether they are trunked or conventional.
The Uniden BCD160DN and BCD260DN scanners: These are the most misunderstood scanners out there, sadly. People see the magic word "digital", buy them, and are often very disappointed to find out that they will not work in their area. They work for the alternate digital communications modes of DMR and NXDN. They DO NOT support P25 and they DO NOT support trunked radio systems. Again, this is a great reason why it is good to call first! They do have a viable use in some cases. We will let you know if these may be suitable for your area.
Other types of radio traffic: "Analog" reception is simply non-digital. It is in use still in many areas of the country. All scanners are capable of receiving analog radio traffic. All scanners are also capable of receiving civilian aircraft communications, and in many cases military air traffic as well. Railroad and maritime traffic will be available for monitoring as well depending on your proximity to their transmissions.
There are many other aspects of this great hobby to consider. While most folks will be happy with an indoor antenna for a desktop scanner, or a "rubber duck" style antenna for a handheld scanner, outside antennas for both home and mobile use are a good consideration. Again, these are topics that can be best answered and decided through a phone call or an email.
Phone conversations: Sometimes call times can be excessive. It depends on call volume. Please be patient if calling, or formulate your questions and email us. We will respond!
Conclusion:
Sound daunting? It really isn't, but it is best to make an informed decision. We are here to help, and we will narrow your choices to the correct ones BEFORE you spend your hard earned money. Again, please contact us using the form and we'll help clarify your choices. We appreciate your business!