Best Analog Radio Scanners of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Analog radio scanners are devices that allow users to listen in on a variety of radio frequencies. These scanners are particularly useful for hobbyists, law enforcement personnel, and emergency responders who need to stay informed about what's happening in their area. Analog radio scanners are easy to use and come in a variety of models with different features and capabilities. They can pick up signals from police, fire, and EMS departments, as well as other public safety agencies. Some models even allow users to program specific frequencies, making it even easier to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Uniden BC365CRS Analog Scanner and Alarm Clock Cover #TOP 1
Uniden BC365CRS Analog Scanner and Alarm Clock
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner Cover #TOP 2
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner Cover #TOP 3
Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 Analog Radio Scanners

Uniden BC365CRS Analog Scanner and Alarm Clock

BC365CRS
Black
One Size
Uniden BC365CRS Analog Scanner and Alarm Clock Cover
Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock, Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety transmissions and more

The Uniden BC365CRS is an all-in-one conventional Analog Scanner, Alarm Clock, and FM Radio with 500 channels that can store your favorite local broadcasts. It has a clear LCD backlit display that's easy to read at night, and the buttons are nicely laid out for ease of use. You can save your most important frequencies into priority channels and set the BC365CRS to wake you up to scanning, a weather channel, or your favorite FM station. Please note that this scanner is not for receiving digital communications.

What We Like
Wide frequency coverage
Easy to program
Excellent audio quality
Affordable price
Weather alert feature

Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner

BC125AT
Multicolor
computer
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner Cover
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.

The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is a compact radio scanner with 500 alpha-tagged channels, Close Call RF capture technology, and PC programmable features. It offers the ability to listen to over 40,000 frequencies, including civilian and military bands, Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events. The lightweight portable design makes it easy to take on the go, and the preset feature allows for quick access to popular searches. Please note that this scanner is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Alpha tagging feature
Easy PC programming software
Good analog reception (AM/FM)
Versatile scanning modes
#TOP 3

Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner

BC355N
Black
One Size
Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner Cover
Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more

The Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner is a comprehensive scanner that can pick up analog receptions such as Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Marine, Air, Weather, and CB frequencies. Its pre-programmed search allows you to instantly tune to signals from nearby transmitters and helps you stay on top of local happenings and emergencies in your area. You can save up to 300 frequencies that are scanned along with the preset frequencies. The scanner comes with a backlit display, making it easier to read in low light conditions, and gives you more options for supplying power at home or in your car.

What We Like
Clear audio quality
Easy to program
Wide frequency coverage
Good reception in rural areas
Compact and portable
#TOP 4

Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner

BCD996P2
Black
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner Cover
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close Call RF Capture Technology, 4-Line Alpha display, Base/Mobile Design, Phase 2

The Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner is a powerful and useful Public Safety scanner with an advanced digital decoding system and large memory bank. It comes equipped with Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. With 25,000 channels, TrunkTracker V technology, and location-based scanning, you can stay informed when you're on the go. Additionally, it offers DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert to quickly detect and display sub-audible tones and alert you of severe conditions in your area.

What We Like
Solid build quality
Wide frequency coverage
Customizable system quick keys
Excellent digital decoding
Strong reception performance
#TOP 5

Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X)

BCT15X
Black
Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X) Cover
Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X) with 9,000 Channels, TrunkTracker III Technology, Base/Mobile Design, Close Call RF Capture Technology with Location-Based Scanning, - Black Color

The Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X) is a mobile scanner with 9,000 Channels, TrunkTracker III Technology, and Close Call RF Capture Technology. It features location-based scanning, state-by-state preprogrammed channels, and 100 system Quick Keys. The scanner offers continuous band coverage from 25MHz to 1.3GHz, excluding UHF TV and Cellular. Please note that this scanner is not compatible with digital communication.

What We Like
Excellent reception quality
Custom frequency naming
Easy group programming
Sturdy build quality
Versatile antenna compatibility
#TOP 6

Whistler WS1025 Analog Desktop Scanner

WS1025
Black
Whistler WS1025 Analog Desktop Scanner Cover
Whistler WS1025 Analog Desktop Scanner – Programmable Police/Fire/Weather Radio with 200 Channels and Backlit LCD Display – Easy-to-Use Base Unit – Black

The Whistler WS1025 Scanner is designed for experienced users who want to monitor multiple channels efficiently. It offers a priority channel feature that lets you focus on one important frequency by checking it every two seconds during scanning, ensuring you never miss critical updates. The scan delay holds the scanner on a channel for a couple of seconds after activity, so you can catch responses without missing any part of a conversation. Additionally, the tune function helps you discover new or unlisted frequencies starting from a specific point, making it easier to find all active channels in your area. This scanner’s features make it a handy tool for staying informed about police, fire, and weather communications.

What We Like
Priority channel monitoring
Scan delay for replies
Tune for new frequencies
Backlit LCD display
#TOP 7

Uniden HomePatrol-2 Simple Program Digital Scanner

HomePatrol-2
Multicolor
Uniden HomePatrol-2 Simple Program Digital Scanner Cover
Uniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Simple Programing Digital Scanner, TrunkTracker V and S,A,M,E, Emergency/Weather Alert, Digital Capable, APCO P25 Phase 1 and 2, Covers USA and Canada

The Uniden HomePatrol-2 Digital Scanner is designed for those who want to quickly listen to communications systems used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more. With the digital touch screen, users can easily see a list of radio services and select the ones they want to listen to. The scanner is equipped with a standard headset jack, and it can receive all unencrypted, non-proprietary radio systems, including APCO-25 Phase I and Phase II digital, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, conventional analog, and P25 digital channels. The scanner covers the USA and Canada, and an optional GPS receiver is also available.

What We Like
Easy to use digital touch screen
Equipped with a standard headset jack
Can receive all unencrypted, non-proprietary radio systems, including APCO-25 Phase I and Phase II digital, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, conventional analog, and P25 digital channels.
#TOP 8

Uniden Bearcat BC355N Scanner

Uniden Bearcat BC355N Scanner Cover
Uniden Bearcat BC355N Base/Mobile Scanner1 (UNNBC355N) & (BC7) Bearcat 7-Watt External Communications Speaker

The Uniden BC355N Scanner is a user-friendly device designed for easy monitoring of various analog frequencies like police, fire, and weather. It features Close Call RF Capture Technology, which quickly detects nearby active signals, helping you stay informed about local events and emergencies. With the ability to save up to 300 frequencies, you can easily customize your scanner to include new channels as you discover them. The backlit display ensures you can read the screen clearly even in low light, and the multiple power options let you use it at home or on the go, providing flexibility and convenience for your scanning needs.

What We Like
Close Call RF Capture
300 frequency storage
Backlit display
Multiple power options
#TOP 9

Uniden BC355N Scanner

BC355N
Black
One Size
Uniden BC355N Scanner Cover
Uniden BC355N 800 MHz 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner and RoadPro RPSP-15 Universal CB Extension Speaker with Swivel Bracket

The Uniden BC355N Scanner is a highly versatile and user-friendly mobile/base scanner. With its extensive range of features, including 6 service banks for monitoring various frequencies, this scanner is perfect for keeping up with local happenings and emergencies in your area. The Close Call RF Capture Technology allows for instant tuning to nearby transmitters, ensuring that you never miss important signals. The scanner can save up to 300 frequencies, giving you quick access to the frequencies you want to hear. Additionally, the backlit display makes it easy to read in low light conditions, and the included AC and DC power options provide flexibility in powering the scanner at home or in your car.

What We Like
Versatile
User-friendly
Close Call RF Capture Technology
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you still use analog scanners?

These scanners are obsolete primarily due to the fact that over the past few years, more and more public safety agencies have been transitioning towards operating on trunked and digital radio systems making some of these older analog scanners obsolete. ...

2. Will a digital police scanner pick up analog?

Digital: If you get more into it, you'll want to upgrade to a digital scanner because most digital scanners can pick up both analog and digital signals. ... If this is the system your local agencies use, you'll need a scanner with trunk-tracking capabilities.

3. Is a radio scanner illegal?

Still, just about every state makes it legal to own a police scanner radio. So you may be allowed to legally listen in on the police. ... Other states like California, Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia allow mobile scanners, but make it illegal to use them in the commission of a crime.

4. Whats the difference between digital and analog scanners?

Hello varian1, From what i understand the difference between analog and Digital is that analog goes out over the airwaves just as it is Digital is when speaking into the radio the voice is converted to 0s and 1s and goes out over the airwaves as 1s and 0s and gets converted back with a digital ready scanner to voice ...

Editor's Notes

During our analog radio scanner research, we found 18 analog radio scanner products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 129,529 customer reviews through our big data system to write the analog radio scanners list. We found that most customers choose analog radio scanners with an average price of $263.41.

The analog radio scanners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of analog radio scanners, including Uniden, Whistler. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.