0

Top 3 Best Cheap CB Radios In 2024

Looking for the best cheap CB radios?

In this guide, I’ll show you my top three picks that offer great value without breaking the bank. Whether you’re new to CB radios or just need an affordable option that gets the job done, these models are perfect for you. Stay tuned as we dive into the details and help you find the right fit for your needs.

Let’s get started!

Number 3. Uniden PRO505XL

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. Uniden PRO505XL is tiny, which gives it the freedom for placement during installation. 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.

Number 2. President Adams FCC

The President Adams FCC CB Radio might catch your eye for its price, but it’s more than just a budget option. This compact unit comes with a solid set of features that make it a reliable choice for both newcomers and experienced users. Let’s see what makes this radio worth considering.

It comes with 40 AM channels with a 50-ohm antenna impedance and runs on 13.8V. With a size of just under 5 inches wide and 6 inches deep, and weighing in at just under 2 pounds, it’s perfect for tight spaces in your vehicle. The multifunction LCD display is a major plus, giving you all the info you need at a glance. You also get a digital S-meter, manual squelch, and automatic squelch control for clear communication.

The user-friendly design is a big win. The up/down channel selector, volume adjustment, and ON/OFF control are super intuitive. Plus, features like the Automatic Noise Limiter and Noise Blanker filters are crucial for cutting down on static and interference, giving you a cleaner signal. Other cool features include a beep function, roger beep, talkback, and public address capabilities. The front microphone plug and external loudspeaker jack add versatility to your setup. It even comes with an ultra-light electret microphone, mounting cradle, and screws for easy installation.

Now, let’s see how it stacks up against other radios in its price range. Compared to the Uniden PRO520XL, the Adams FCC offers more advanced features like the multifunction LCD and automatic squelch control, giving you better noise control and a more modern interface. Another cb radio, the Midland 1001LWX might include weather alerts, but the Adams FCC wins in audio clarity and user-friendly controls, thanks to its ANL and NB filters.

To wrap it up, the President Adams FCC CB Radio is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into CB radio or upgrade their current setup. It’s packed with features you’d expect in more expensive models, and while it has a few drawbacks, its performance and value are hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned CB user or a newbie, this radio deserves a spot on your dashboard.

So, what are the pros and cons?

On the plus side…

Compact and lightweight
Clear audio quality
Very affordable

On the downside…

Manual Squelch Needed in Noisy Environments
and Short Antenna Connection Thread

Number 1. Cobra 19 MINI

Cobra 19 MINI is a compact yet mighty device that is hands down, the best budget-friendly Cobra CB Radio out there.

One feature that sets this radio apart, making it stand shoulder to shoulder with its bigger counterparts, is its capacity to handle both AM and FM for transmission and reception. Now that’s a game-changer. CB radios traditionally functioned with AM, and they’ve served us well. But in 2021, the FCC opened up the FM gates, and Cobra, being the groundbreaker they are, jumped right in. Now, a lot of their CB radio models, including the 19 MINI, boast AM and FM options.

Let’s clarify one thing, because I know some of you are thinking, “AM, FM…isn’t that what my car stereo has?” Yes, but here, we’re talking about modulation technologies, not frequency bands for your favorite music radio channels. The perk of FM over AM? Clearer signals that might reach a smidge further, enhancing your communication range.

There’s a slight catch, though. FM isn’t for everybody, not yet anyway. Your receiver must be FM compatible to pick up those FM transmitted frequencies. It’s a sort of tech dance – both radios must be able to sway to the same rhythm. But as FM usage grows, it’s going to become more mainstream.

That’s why Cobra is being smart, selling this radio in both AM-only and AM/FM variants. Yes, the FM version is a bit pricier, but for the value it offers? Totally worth it.

Now let’s dive into what else this little beast has to offer. The Cobra 19 MINI package tosses in a 12V cigarette lighter connector – a bonus not seen with the standard MINI radio. Then there’s the button to toggle between AM/FM, which can also act as a quick switch to channel 9/19. There are three of these handy buttons adorning the side of the backlit display. Small yet crisp LCD ensures you get all your info at a single glance.

As for the mic? Cobra doesn’t disappoint. It’s comfortable in your hand, and while it’s not flashy, the Push-To-Talk button has a nice feel, completing the overall solid experience.

So, there you have it, guys – the Cobra 19 MINI Recreational CB Radio. It’s compact, easy to install, and won’t hog your space. The audio quality is top-notch, and the dual AM/FM capability is a significant bonus. For a budget CB radio, it sure does pack a punch!