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10 Best Digital Police Scanner 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Whistler TRX-1 Handheld Digital Police Scanner Radio – Portable Scanner with EZ Scan, APCO P25 Phase I & II, DMR, NXDN, and USA/Canada Database – Black

The Whistler TRX-1 is a solid handheld digital police scanner designed with flexibility and ease of use in mind. It covers a wide range of frequencies and supports both digital and analog signals, including APCO P25 Phase I & II, DMR, and NXDN, which are essential for modern public safety communications. Its trunking capabilities extend to Motorola, EDACS, LTR, and P25 systems, allowing comprehensive monitoring of various dispatch channels and talkgroups. Users can manage up to 200 customizable Scanlists, making it easy to organize channels effectively.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Frequency Coverage
Digital vs. Analog
Trunking Capability

Most important from
2009 reviews

Frequency Coverage
Performance is excellent indoors and outdoors, easily picking up local emergency channels as well as aviation and weather frequencies.
Digital vs. Analog
Fast scanning and sweeping capabilities combined with excellent voice quality make this a highly capable scanner for digital and analog signals.
Trunking Capability
Despite some drawbacks, this scanner offers broad functionality including trunking support, a spectrum sweeper, and I/F output for advanced audio decoding, making it one of the best options available.
Ease of Use
Programming this scanner becomes surprisingly straightforward with a subscription to RadioReference.com and the Butel ARC500 software, even for those with basic radio knowledge.
Portability
It runs off 3 AA batteries and tends to consume them quickly during scanning, so having rechargeable batteries and a USB charger is recommended for extended use.
#2
7.9 score

Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.

The Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner offers several advanced features making it a solid choice for those needing a comprehensive digital police scanner. With support for both digital and analog systems, including the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II, this scanner is highly versatile. The frequency coverage is robust, allowing you to scan and search through 25,000 dynamically allocated channels. This means you have access to a vast amount of information from various sources, which is beneficial for staying informed about local happenings and emergency situations.

Rating
7.9
Frequency Coverage
Digital vs. Analog
Ease of Use

Most important from
1126 reviews

Frequency Coverage
Replacing the stock antenna with a Remtronix antenna can significantly improve reception quality.
Digital vs. Analog
A fantastic choice for those needing a P25 Phase II handheld scanner.
Ease of Use
Once you understand the scanner's methodology, programming it is straightforward and efficient.
Portability
The form factor is well-liked, making it easy to carry and use.
#3
7.6 score

Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. Incredible Digital Performance. TrunkTracker X Technology Provides The Best Digital Decode Performance in The Scanner Industry.

The Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X is a top-tier digital police scanner designed for both home and mobile use. One of its standout features is the TrunkTracker X technology, which excels in decoding digital signals, making it highly effective for listening to various types of radio traffic including police, fire, EMS, aviation, and railroads. The scanner covers a broad range of frequencies and supports both digital and analog transmissions, enhancing its versatility. It also supports trunking, which is essential for monitoring complex communication systems used by many public safety agencies.

Rating
7.6
Frequency Coverage
Digital vs. Analog
Ease of Use

Most important from
837 reviews

Frequency Coverage
The scanner programmed itself for multiple states within its range by simply entering a zip code.
Digital vs. Analog
It properly decodes simulcast, eliminating the frustration of choppy audio.
Ease of Use
The SDS200 is the most advanced and user-friendly scanner on the market.
Portability
The scanner's audio is crisp and clear, and it comes with all necessary cables for home and mobile use.

Top 10 Best Digital Police Scanner 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Whistler TRX-1 Handheld Digital Police Scanner Radio – Portable Scanner with EZ Scan, APCO P25 Phase I & II, DMR, NXDN, and USA/Canada Database – Black

Frequency Coverage: wide frequency range
Digital vs. Analog: supports digital and analog signals
Trunking Capability: Motorola, EDACS, LTR, P25 systems
Number of Channels: up to 200 scanlists
Ease of Use: user-friendly one-handed controls
Portability: compact, lightweight (7.4 ounces)

Chosen by 1321 this week

Whistler TRX-2 Digital Police Scanner – Desktop/Mobile Scanner with EZ Scan Software, APCO P25 Phase I & II, DMR, NXDN, and USA/Canada Database Preloaded

Frequency Coverage: wide range of frequencies
Digital vs. Analog: supports digital and analog signals
Trunking Capability: supports Motorola, EDACS, LTR, P25
Number of Channels: stores millions of channels
Ease of Use: simple controls; programmable alerts
Portability: compact, rugged; 2.1 pounds

Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert, Covers USA and Canada

Frequency Coverage: wide range in USA and Canada
Digital vs. Analog: digital
Trunking Capability: yes
Number of Channels: 85 channels per second
Ease of Use: HomePatrol technology, no programming
Portability: lightweight and easy to carry
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Buying Guide for the Best Digital Police Scanner

Choosing the right digital police scanner can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find a model that fits your needs perfectly. A digital police scanner allows you to listen to various public safety communications, such as police, fire, and emergency medical services. When selecting a scanner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and features for your specific requirements.
Frequency CoverageFrequency coverage refers to the range of radio frequencies that the scanner can receive. This is important because different agencies and services operate on different frequencies. Scanners with wider frequency coverage can pick up more channels and services. Generally, scanners are divided into those that cover VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands. If you want to listen to a variety of services, look for a scanner with broad frequency coverage. If you are only interested in specific services, check the frequencies they use and ensure the scanner covers those.
Digital vs. AnalogDigital scanners can decode digital radio transmissions, while analog scanners can only pick up analog signals. This is important because many public safety agencies have switched to digital communications for better clarity and security. If the services you want to monitor use digital systems, you will need a digital scanner. If they still use analog, an analog scanner will suffice. To determine which type you need, check the communication systems used by the agencies in your area.
Trunking CapabilityTrunking is a method used by agencies to efficiently use a small number of frequencies for a large number of communication channels. A scanner with trunking capability can follow these conversations even as they hop frequencies. This is important for listening to police and other public safety communications that use trunked radio systems. If the agencies you want to monitor use trunking, you will need a scanner with this capability. If they do not, a non-trunking scanner will work fine.
Number of ChannelsThe number of channels a scanner can store determines how many different frequencies you can monitor at once. This is important if you want to listen to multiple services or agencies. Scanners with more channels allow you to program and scan more frequencies. If you only need to monitor a few services, a scanner with fewer channels will be sufficient. If you want to monitor many different services, look for a scanner with a higher channel capacity.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how user-friendly the scanner is, including its interface, controls, and programming. This is important because a more intuitive scanner will be easier to operate and program. Scanners with features like pre-programmed channels, easy-to-read displays, and simple navigation are generally easier to use. If you are new to using scanners, look for a model that is known for its ease of use. If you are more experienced, you might be comfortable with a more complex model that offers advanced features.
PortabilityPortability refers to whether the scanner is handheld or desktop. This is important depending on where and how you plan to use the scanner. Handheld scanners are portable and can be used on the go, making them ideal for mobile use. Desktop scanners are larger and typically offer more features, making them better suited for stationary use at home or in an office. If you need a scanner for use while traveling or moving around, a handheld model is best. If you plan to use it in a fixed location, a desktop model may be more appropriate.

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