The Best Police Scanners of 2026

This device has just about anything you could ever want from an analog police scanner. As the name suggests, it includes 500 channels, but there’s plenty more where that came from. It’s also an FM radio, an alarm clock, a weather-alert radio, and a marine radio.

It includes a large, backlit LCD display for easy visibility and has a memory function, so you can save your favorite frequencies. Whether you plan to use it for information, entertainment, or a bit of both, the Uniden BC365CRS has you covered.

All the functionality of a larger analog scanner, in the palm of your hand. This scanner includes 500 Alpha-tagged channels, which means you can label each channel you’d like to save with its own name. What’s more, this pint-sized scanner lets you hear over 40,000 separate frequencies. Its lightweight, yet durable design is great for scanning on the go.

You can listen to police, fire, and rescue frequencies to keep abreast of your local goings-on; it also has weather and marine radio capabilities. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the “close call” technology, which allows the Bearcat 125AT to tune into nearby transmitter signals instantly, without you needing to do anything.

This handheld scanner has some of the most convenient programming functions that you’ll find anywhere. It includes a two-second scan delay to allow for replies before moving on, a priority channel setting that lets you go back to a specific frequency every few seconds while scanning, and has PC-programming capabilities.

Color-coded buttons make it easy to remember programming and function commands even in low light. It’s convenient and well-built, with a 200-channel memory, and lets you exclude channels that aren’t of interest to you.

This digital handheld police scanner is one of the most high-tech ones available today. It’s fully digital and includes Uniden’s convenient close-call technology, allowing for quick access to automatic reception when there’s a signal nearby. It includes GPS connectivity, requires no initial programming, and can immediately begin receiving police, fire, EMS, military, and aircraft frequencies.

It has the largest multicolor-capable on-screen display of any handheld scanner we’ve found, and even has a record-and-replay function. It’s also trunking-capable, which means it can handle multiple users on a single frequency. This device can handle any scanning needs you might have, whether you’re managing an emergency or checking in on one with a number of listeners.

This 300-channel analog scanner is one of the most user-friendly options for beginners. While some may prefer a lot of extra functions and options, this model is best for those who want straightforward usability. While it doesn’t have trunking or digital scanner radio system monitoring, it does utilize Uniden’s close-call technology, which makes it easier to connect with active frequencies in your area.

It’s also designed to be used as either a base or a mobile scanner. It’s lightweight and portable, yet suitable as a table or desktop scanner. The Uniden Bearcat 355N can pick up any nearby analog receptions and is available at an incredibly affordable price point.