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Top 7 Best CB Radios In 2025

Updated on March 26th 2025

Looking for the best CB radio?

Choosing the best CB radio is a lot about the buyer’s personal use, available space in the cab, and of course, the quality of the communication.

Smaller units or handheld CB radios are rather useful for cars or occasional users. Many car owners don’t have enough space in the dash to make room for a full-sized CB radio. On the other hand, most truckers would prefer a full-sized radio they can easily reach and quickly glance at.

Yet, the usability of small-sized CB radios isn’t lost on truckers either. Besides, it often comes down to the conventional features on offer and how well the radios handle voice quality. These aspects include functions like RF gain, squelch control, and the ability to handle (or filter) background noise.

The CB radio can’t be all about features – ergonomic and comfortable use is as important. How the radio (or microphone) feels in your hands and how quickly you can manage the controls forms a big part of this decision.

The FCC limits the output power of CB radios to 4W and most radios hit this level rather easily. Some people do get their CB radios (illegally) modified for higher power output, but you won’t find radios being sold under this premise.

In A Glimpse

1. Uniden Bearcat 980 – Best CB Radio
2. Uniden CMX760 Bearcat – Runner Up
3. President George FCC – Best Premium CB Radio
4. Uniden PRO505XL – Best Budget CB Radio
5. Midland 1001LWX
6. President Randy FCC – Best Handheld CB Radio
7. Cobra HHRT50

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Why Should You Trust Us?

WhollyOutdoor has been providing trustworthy, objective, and informative reviews on outdoor gear since 2018. Under the guidance of editor Paul Dudley, whose expertise extends deeply into ham radios, handheld GPS devices, and other outdoor equipment, the reviews are rooted in genuine hands-on experiences and extensive research. The passion for outdoor adventures and a commitment to honesty ensures that every recommendation, especially for handheld GPS devices, comes from practical insights aimed at helping users make informed decisions.

How We Chose The Best CB Radios

Selecting the best CB radios involves evaluating multiple factors to ensure each recommendation genuinely meets users’ diverse needs and preferences. Here’s a detailed look into the methodology behind choosing top-performing CB radios:

Communication Clarity and Quality

At the heart of every CB radio is the quality and clarity of communication it offers. Radios were evaluated based on:

• Sound Clarity: Effective noise filtering capabilities, including RF gain control, automatic noise limiters (ANL), and squelch controls.
• Transmission Stability: Radios that provide stable frequency performance, particularly in Single Side Band (SSB) mode, were prioritized.
• Microphone Quality: Evaluating the mic’s build, voice clarity, noise-cancellation abilities, and ergonomics to ensure clear transmission.

User-Friendliness

Ease of use and intuitive controls significantly influence daily experience with a CB radio. Essential usability features include:

• Display Visibility: Clear and easily readable displays with customizable backlight options to reduce eye strain during night driving.
• Control Accessibility: Radios featuring well-designed button and knob layouts that drivers can quickly operate without distraction.
• Installation Flexibility: Radios with compact dimensions, flexible mounting options, and handheld designs for varying vehicle setups were preferred.

Feature Set and Functionality

A CB radio’s overall functionality, versatility, and additional features contribute significantly to its value. Important features evaluated include:

• Channel Accessibility: Availability of standard 40 CB channels, quick access emergency channels (9/19), and NOAA weather alerts.
• Versatility: Radios providing multi-mode functionality, including AM, FM, and SSB, to cater to different communication scenarios.
• Additional Convenience: Added benefits such as USB charging ports, PA (public address) compatibility, and advanced scanning options.

Durability and Reliability

Given that CB radios often operate in harsh and varying environments, reliability is crucial. Factors contributing to durability include:

• Build Quality: Solid construction materials that withstand daily wear and tear.
• Thermal Management: Radios with effective heat dissipation mechanisms to maintain optimal performance even under heavy usage.
• Long-Term Performance: Radios consistently proven to perform reliably over extended periods, backed by user reviews and experiences.

Value for Money

Ensuring each recommended CB radio provides excellent value was critical. Radios were assessed based on:

• Price-to-Feature Ratio: Balancing cost against the set of offered features and capabilities.
• Market Reputation: Brand credibility and positive user feedback, highlighting long-term satisfaction and support.

Summary of Selection Criteria:

Selection Criteria	Evaluation Factors
Communication	Noise filtering, transmission clarity, mic quality
User-Friendliness	Display readability, ease of use, installation flexibility
Features	Channel options, additional functionalities, multi-mode operation
Durability	Build quality, thermal management, reliability
Value	Price-to-feature balance, market reputation

Through carefully assessing these key criteria, the featured CB radios represent the best combination of clarity, usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring satisfaction for a wide range of users.

5 Best CB Radios Worthy Of Your Consideration

1. Uniden Bearcat 980 40-Channel SSB CB Radio – Best Premium Mobile CB Radio

Uniden Bearcat 980 is one of the company’s most-liked CB radios. It has been around for a decade and could very well boast to be a workhorse with a proven milieu. Originally, it came up as a replacement for the beloved Uniden Grant line of CB radios. 

Refreshing the design of the Grant, the Bearcat 980 uses a larger display and buttons take the place of knobs and switches. 

Compared to its competitors Cobra 29 LX and LX MAX, the Bearcat 980 puts more function buttons on the radio. While their features are similar, the Bearcat 980 relies on buttons, while the aforementioned Cobra radios prefer knobs and dials with fewer buttons on the radio.

As the screen and buttons take center stage on the Bearcat 980, the backlight becomes important. No one wants an overly bright and distracting light in the cab. To that end, users can choose from seven colors for the backlight and customize its intensity. 

Buttons flank the display towards its bottom and right. Each button has an associated indicator light that comes on at the press of the button. This is a good way to know what functions are active on the CB radio. 

Volume and squelch control are combined in the knob on the top left side of the radio in a dual function (two rings) setup. Right below this knob is the six-pin connector for the microphone. Users who prefer a four-pin mic can use the included converter cable to attach a microphone.

And you will very likely want to use a different microphone. Uniden’s included mic is flimsy and doesn’t offer good voice transmission. The company claims that the mic has noise-canceling technology, turns out, that’s just a baffle that dampens all sounds.

Uniden Bearcat 980 is amongst the company’s most reliable offerings. Unlike most CB radios, the 980 has frequency stability on SSB without any drift. It has excellent voice reception and transmission, but the factory mic is rather flimsy and downgrades the performance of this radio.

2. Uniden CMX760 Bearcat Off Road Series Compact Mobile CB Radio – Runner Up

Uniden CMX760 Bearcat is the best cb radio overall. It’s a compact mobile CB radio with a rugged design. It is suitable for most vehicles, including trucks, cars, and even boats.  At dimensions of only 4x4x1 inches, this compact radio offers easy installation. It skips controls on the main body and transfers them to the mic.

As the controls move to the mic, they open the path to creativity in deciding where to place the radio. It’s possible to install the radio under the car seat, behind the glovebox, on the dashboard, or wherever your creativity and requirements want it. This is very useful for vehicles with limited cabin space.

The setup and functions of Uniden CMX760 Bearcat often work better than its competitors like the Midland 75-822 CB radio. While the CMX760 remains attached to the vehicle, the Midland radio goes more into the territory of handheld CB radios. Even so, the Midland radio works best when connected to a 12V power outlet on the vehicle. 

Due to this setup, Midland 75-822 feels much heavier in the hand and the buttons are tiny. Arguably, it has a better quality speaker, but Uniden CMX760 does way better on controls and management.

Since the mic is all-important for Uniden Bearcat CMX760, it’s worth a closer look. A small backlit screen on the mic displays important information like channel and frequency. The same backlight also illuminates the buttons placed under the screen. The radio works with seven backlight colors customizable to user preferences.

The buttons on the mic offer conventional features including squelch control, NOAA weather channels with alerts, channel scanning, and one-touch access to channel 9/19. It doesn’t have an RF gain setting but it supports local and DX modes for better signal reception.

A built-in speaker is available on the mic. It does its job but isn’t the best at it. Uniden recommends using an external speaker like the BC15 speaker, though any compatible speaker will do.

I suspect this is partly because there’s so much going on in the mic that they sacrificed speaker quality. 

Uniden CMX760 Bearcat mobile CB radio is compact, easy to install, and rugged enough to take a beating from off-roading. It’s a good pick for most users, but if you want more conventional controls, RF gain adjustment, and a better speaker, you might want to skip this one.

Check These:

• The Most Powerful CB Radios
• Best Compact CB Radios
• Best Mobile CB Radios

3. President George FCC – Best Premium CB Radio

The President George FCC is a new CB radio that stands out for offering AM, FM, and SSB (single sideband) functionality in a sleek, robust package. Let’s start with the build and design. It is a full-size radio with a solid construction and a touch of chrome on the faceplate, giving it a premium look. The large display is easy to read, and the tactile buttons are well laid out for intuitive control. However, it’s not all looks—this device is designed to deliver functionality.

One of the standout features is the CTCSS/DCS encoding. This is a game-changer for those who want private communication on FM channels, such as work crews or family caravans. While most CB radios operate in the public domain, the George FCC allows for selective calls to cut through the noise.

Additionally, it offers scan, dual watch, and skip scan functions, making it ideal for monitoring multiple channels without getting bogged down by chatter on undesirable frequencies. It also supports weather channels and alerts, a crucial feature for road warriors who want to stay prepared for any situation.

The radio includes a 2.1-amp USB port for charging your devices—a handy addition if your vehicle lacks modern conveniences. It’s a small but meaningful touch that elevates the experience.

When it comes to performance, the President George FCC offers clean audio quality on both transmit and receive, with users praising its crisp communication even under less-than-ideal conditions. The noise reduction circuitry (NRC) works well to minimize interference, making conversations clearer, especially in noisy environments. However, like many modern radios using surface-mount technology and digital signal processing, it does introduce a noticeable noise floor. If you’re used to vintage models like the Cobra 148 or President Grant, you might find this noise level slightly distracting.

What truly sets this radio apart is its reliability. Over many months of testing, users have pushed this radio to its limits—running it with high SWR levels and in harsh conditions—and it consistently performed without issues. That said, it’s worth noting that the FCC-certified version is not modifiable. This could be a dealbreaker for enthusiasts looking to unlock extra channels or boost power.

In terms of output, the George delivers a solid 4 watts on AM and FM, with around 8–12 watts of talk power on SSB. While it’s not a powerhouse compared to some radios with dual final designs, it’s sufficient for everyday use and pairs nicely with an external amplifier if you need more power.

The Galaxy DX-959 and President McKinley SSB are solid competitors in the same price range as the President George FCC. The Galaxy offers higher raw power output and a vintage aesthetic, but it lacks modern conveniences like CTCSS/DCS encoding and weather alerts, making it less practical for everyday use. The McKinley, on the other hand, shares many of the George’s features, including AM/FM/SSB capabilities and weather channels, but its smaller display and lack of a USB charging port or private communication options put it a step behind.

On the other hand, the cheaper Chinese radios may offer high customizability but lack the reliability and brand reputation of the President line.

For those who value a plug-and-play solution with top-notch performance, the George is hard to beat. However, if you’re an enthusiast focused on modifiability or raw power, this might not be the radio for you.

To Sum up what I like is the…

• AM/FM/SSB functionality for versatile use
• CTCSS/DCS encoding for private communication
• Reliable, durable build with excellent long-term performance
• Clean transmit audio, ideal for casual and professional use
• Convenient USB charging port and modern interface

On the downside

• Higher noise floor compared to analog models
• Limited to FCC-certified settings (non-modifiable)
• Moderate RF output; it’s not a powerhouse radio

4. Uniden PRO505XL – – Best Budget CB Radio

Uniden PRO505XL is a wonderfully budget compact CB radio. This model puts its focus on value and keeps things rather straightforward.

It comes bearing Uniden’s ‘Bearcat’ brand, which once meant something, but is now in the category of any other branding or product. That’s not to say that there’s something wrong with the brand or the radios, it just makes little to no difference in the Uniden lineup.

That doesn’t take away the fact that this is a remarkable radio. Starting with its size, it’s tiny, which gives it the freedom for placement during installation since Full-sized radios need proper mounting.

It can be set up in a lot of places, including the dash and the side of your seat. The small size is useful if you want to conserve space in your cab, although, since the display and controls are on the radio’s body, you’ll have to place it somewhere where it’s clearly visible and easily accessible.

To be honest, there isn’t much going on with the controls. They’re as bareboned as you can get.

There’s a switch to move between CB and public announcement (PA), volume, squelch, instant channel 9, and channel switching. The display is backlit and rather crisp. It doesn’t have much to show, so it can show the numbers and signal strength with more gusto.

Uniden offers other similar CB radios if you want to shake things up, or want more features. Uniden PRO510XL offers a slightly refined design. It skips the buttons and simplifies controls to only include knobs for volume, squelch, and switching channels.

While Uniden PRO505XL has a dedicated button for PA, the 510XL gets rid of the button in favor of an Automatic Noise Limiter. It still supports public address systems, it just doesn’t include a dedicated button.

It’s worth noting that while all these CB radios are small, they work quite well. Modern technology is miniaturized enough that a fully functional radio doesn’t necessarily need the same space as the older ones. Although, many modern radios are built to traditional sizes, often to allow ease of mounting, or they may include additional features like SSB or SWR meters.

Uniden PRO505XL transmits on all 40 CB channels and can put out 4 Watts of power, which is the maximum allowed for CB radios by the FCC.

Pair it with the right antenna and this CB radio will not leave you wanting for sound clarity. Also, the microphone uses the conventional 4-pin jack. This makes it easy to swap it for the mic you prefer. To be clear, though this mic isn’t ideal, it does its job fairly well for its price range.

Lastly the radio package includes mounting hardware for convenient installation.

5. Midland 1001LWX 40 Channel Mobile CB Radio

For a compact and mobile CB radio, Midland 1001LWX has a surprisingly large display. This makes it possible to get all relevant information with a glance at the screen. 

In part, it helps that since the budget radio has limited functions, not much is going on at the display! It’s simple and shows the active channel, signal strength, and any active function or features. 

Key features include PA, NOAA weather, RF gain, and squelch. A large knob to the right allows switching channels. Simple as these features are, some of them lack usability. 

The squelch and RF gain are temperamental and don’t evoke much confidence in their use. The same goes for the automatic noise limiter, which though present, doesn’t seem to understand its purpose.

Midland’s factory microphone is a simple run-of-the-mill device you would expect from a budget device like this. It does its job and that’s about all you can expect. An oversized switch on the side of the mic helps in making it convenient to use and comfortable to hold.

When the radio is in weather channel mode, hitting the button on the microphone will switch the station or channel.

As we see, the additional features on this radio are lacking – and that’s putting it mildly. But let’s not take our eye off the price here. This is an excellent, compact, and budget CB radio. Measuring 4.5×1.75×1.75 inches, it is convenient to mount and doesn’t take up much cabin space.

In a sense, the features and setup for Midland 1001LWX 40 are very similar to its competition, like Uniden PRO520XL. The features and appearance of both radios are remarkably similar, though with some changes. 

The display on Uniden PRO520XL is smaller and is an old-fashioned LED display. This makes it troublesome to read the display during the day if there’s bright light. The Uniden radio also looks cheap. Well, both of these are low-cost radios, but Uniden seems to want to make it clear! 

Where Uniden PRO520XL does better than Midland 1001LWX 40 is the handling of static and switching channels. It’s not a major change, but a noticeable one anyway.

To sum it all up, Midland 1001LWX is a cost-effective, compact, and basic CB radio. It has NOAA weather alerts and PA, plus an acceptable voice clarity on transmission and reception. Those who want more functions on their radio should consider another pick.

6. President Randy FCC – Best Handheld CB Radio

President Randy FCC is amongst the best (if not the best) handheld CB radios available. For the most part, CB radios have largely stayed fixed to vehicles and avoided a full-featured handheld CB radio. Randy FCC fills that gap.

Well, there are other handheld CB radios out there. Cobra HHRT50 is another good choice, though it goes more on the simplistic side in terms of design. The Cobra CB radio looks like a mobile phone from the ’90s; Randy has a modern appearance. Also, the Cobra handheld CB radio has limited features, whereas Randy FCC could give fixed-mount CB radios a run for their money.

In some ways, Randy FCC takes design cues from modern walkie-talkies or even handheld ham radios. Yet, it remains a distinctly useful CB radio with all the features necessary. 

The fairly large display is the first to grab eyeballs on the Randy FCC. The LCD shows information on the channel, signal strength, battery level, and functions or features in use. It is backlit, as are the buttons, and there’s the option to customize the backlight color and intensity. A total of seven color options are available for the backlight. 

Most buttons for control functions find their place below the display. Since this radio aims to be a full-function CB radio, it includes most of the conventional features. It offers NOAA weather scan, a dedicated button for emergency channel, roger beep, automatic squelch controls, and noise gate.

Given all these features, the fact that it is a handheld isn’t lost on President Randy FCC. It includes options for a key lock, VOX, flashlight, and hi/low transmit power. At low power, the radio transmits at 1 Watt. Switched to high power, it transmits at 3 to 4 watts, depending on the battery backup.

The handheld CB radio runs on a Lithium-ion battery, though it can connect directly to a 12V power source as well. Included in the box are an AC adapter, short antenna, belt clip, wrist wrap, and lighter plug.

President Randy FCC is a reliable handheld CB radio with an impressive design and good features. It doesn’t quite offer the range and ease of use of a fixed-mount radio, but it does a good job where handheld portability is important.

7. Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio

As handheld CB radios go, Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio is a remarkable gadget. While my preference in this niche would go to President Randy FCC, Cobra HHRT50 is by no means a slacker. It has good range and excellent voice clarity.

Cobra has done a disservice to this radio with its design. It looks dated, to say the least. Compare its appearance to the Randy FCC and you’ll see what I’m talking about. While the Cobra is nominally cheaper than Randy’s offering, that gap reduces once you consider the cost of getting the power cable and the cost of AA batteries. 

For the power source, this radio needs nine AA batteries. It’s possible to use a rechargeable NiMH battery as well, but a pack of nine cells can be difficult to come by. Alternatively, you can buy the power cable and connect this radio to the vehicle’s 12V supply. 

In many cases, it is preferable to connect Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip CB Radio to a 12V supply. It tends to struggle with output signal power when running on batteries. The magnet mount antenna and the included cable help with the range.

Performance gets better once the radio connects to the vehicle’s supply. In this setup, it can work with the full 4W power and the range improves considerably. Its adaptability to power supply is a feather in the cap of the Cobra HHRT50. 

Many of the power limitations of this radio are understandable. It isn’t targeted at the commercial trucker or the CB enthusiast. This one’s more about a group of friends going on a Road Trip and wanting to stay in touch with different vehicles.

The use of an omnidirectional microphone underlines this approach. It attempts to pick up voices from all sides of a vehicle and transmits them. If you want a more conventional approach, it’s possible to connect a speaker/microphone through the available jack.

Putting the approach aside, let’s not forget that this is still a CB radio. So, it has some useful features to fit its role. Cobra HHRT50 has access to 10 NOAA channels and audible emergency weather alerts. 

When on battery power, the Hi/Lo button switches between 1W transmit power and higher. The display is small, but it shows relevant information like channel, battery level, signal strength, keypad lock, and a few others.

Those who need a CB radio occasionally will find the Cobra HHRT50 the right fit. It works with a variety of power sources, has a good battery backup, and decent sound quality. Those who want more from their CB radio might find this one a bit under-powered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CB Radios

1. What is a CB radio used for? A CB radio (Citizens Band radio) is used for short-distance personal communication, often by truckers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts for instant contact and sharing road information.
2. How far can a CB radio transmit? A CB radio typically transmits between 3 to 20 miles, depending on the antenna quality, terrain, weather conditions, and radio power.
3. Do you need a license to use a CB radio? No, you do not need a license to use a CB radio in the United States. CB radios are free to use for everyone under FCC regulations.
4. What are the emergency channels on CB radios? The emergency channels on CB radios are Channel 9 and Channel 19. Channel 9 is specifically reserved for emergency communications and distress calls.
5. Can you increase the power output of a CB radio legally? No, the FCC legally limits CB radio power output to 4 watts for AM and FM modes and 12 watts for Single Side Band (SSB). Any modification to exceed these limits is illegal.
6. What’s the difference between AM and SSB modes on CB radios? AM (Amplitude Modulation) is standard on CB radios, while SSB (Single Side Band) allows for clearer communication and extended range, especially valuable in noisy environments.
7. How do I reduce background noise on a CB radio? You can reduce background noise on a CB radio by using features like RF gain, squelch control, noise limiters (ANL), and upgrading to a noise-canceling microphone.
8. What does RF gain do on a CB radio? RF gain adjusts the sensitivity of the CB radio’s receiver. Turning it down reduces background static, while turning it up enhances the reception of weak signals.
9. Can handheld CB radios communicate with vehicle-mounted CB radios? Yes, handheld CB radios can easily communicate with vehicle-mounted CB radios, though their range might be limited by smaller antennas and lower power.
10. Are CB radios useful in emergencies? Yes, CB radios are highly useful in emergencies as they operate independently of cellular networks and provide reliable communication when other systems fail.