Police Scanner Frequencies
Digital Police Scanner Programming Software

Americans’ trust in the media plummeted to a record low of 32% in 2016 amid the hotly contested presidential election. The numbers are still low, hovering around 40% today according to a recent Gallup poll. Subjective reporting and lack of attention to detail has left many wondering where to turn for reliable information. Similarly, many Americans have a similarly cynical view of law enforcement agencies. Only 48% of Americans have confidence in the police, according to the New York Times. Widely publicized abuses have likely contributed to the trust gap.

As a result of these trends, many Americans are using police scanners to find out what’s really going on in their neighborhoods. Modern police scanners are incredibly easy to use compared to the complex police scanners of old. Since most of them come with preloaded national radio frequency databases, all you have to do to get started is enter in your zip code.

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Here are the best digital police scanners you can buy:

The best deluxe handheld digital police scanner

Uniden SDS100

The Uniden SDS100 is expensive, but few other digital police scanners can compete with its impressive feature set. The SDS100’s most noticeable feature is its large, tri-color display. Nearly every part of the display can be tweaked and customized. You can assign three different colors to alerts, for example.

Good

Customizable display. One of the best and most unique things about the SDS100 is its large, bright display. Deep customization options give you the ability to change its look and feel.
Configurable alert tones and colors. There are 15 volume settings, seven colors and three flash patterns that you can use for the alerts, which notify you when alerts occur. You can set up multiple kinds of alert triggers, as well.
Enhanced signal clarity. Uniden’s patented True I/Q technology helps incoming transmissions come in clear.
Easy to use. All you have to do is enter your zip code and the SDS100 will retrieve all the known radio systems near your location.
Instant playback. If you didn’t understand the message the first time, you can rewind up to four minutes and replay it.
IPX4 waterproof rating. Since it’s certifiably splash proof, it will survive accidental spills.
microSD expandable storage. You get a 1 gigabyte SD card in the box. If you need more space, you can upgrade to a 32 gigabyte card.

Bad

Bulky size. Measuring 2.4 inches wide, 6.57 inches tall and 1.97 inches deep, the SDS100 is one of the thickest digital police scanners on the market.

In a nutshell

The Uniden SDS100 is a full-featured handheld digital police scanner that has bells and whistles that its competitors lack. Few other handheld scanners offer as many customization options when it comes to alerts, for example. The primary downside is the price. The SDS100 is one of the most expensive digital police scanners out there.

The most user-friendly digital police scanner

Uniden BCD436HP

Police Scanner Frequencies

Do you often find yourself squinting at your digital devices? If you answered yes, you may want to consider the Uniden BCD436HP. Uniden says that no other digital police scanner can compete with its oversized display. Even with its extra large screen, the device itself is slim in comparison to the competition. Since all the known channels in the United States are included on the 4 GB SD card that comes with the kit, all you have to do is enter your zip code to get started.

Good

Huge display. Uniden says that the BCD436HP’s display is the largest on the market.
Easy-to-use interface. The patented HomePatrol-1 interface is designed with user friendliness in mind. You can pull up local stations just by entering your zip code.
Hassle-free updates. Sentinel software makes it easy to keep the database up to date.
Slim form factor. Measuring 2.625 inches wide, 6 inches tall and 1.25 inches deep, the BCD436HP’s slim form factor contributes to its portability.
GPS compatibility. You can either use an external GPS or manually input your GPS coordinates to look up local stations.
microSD card storage. The kit comes with a 4 GB SD card, but the slot has a maximum capacity of 32 GB.

Bad

No waterproofing. If you spill something on the BCD436HP or drop it in water, you’ll break it.
No True I/Q. Uniden’s patented digital signal enhancement technology is not a part of the the BCD436HP’s feature set.

In a nutshell

The best thing about the BCD436HP is its extra large display. According to Uniden, no other handheld digital police scanner on the market has a bigger screen. It’s less expensive than Uniden’s premium police scanners, but for a reason: there’s no True I/Q feature. Aside from that downside, its features are well rounded.

The best low-cost digital police scanner for the money

Whistler WS1040

If you don’t care about fancy features and you just want a decent digital police scanner that works, the Whistler WS1040 might be your best option. Even though it’s not as expensive as some of its competitors, it’s sturdy shell and rubber shock guard provide durability and longevity. In addition, it can pick up all the most popular digital trunking systems, like P25, LTR, DMR and others.

Good

Affordable price point. This is one of the least expensive digital police scanners you can buy.
Receives modern digital trunking systems. Even though its cost is low, the WS1040 nevertheless supports P25 Type I and II, LTR, DMR, NXDN and other modern trunking systems.
Sturdy construction. The case seems rugged enough to withstand drops, which is probably why Whistler backs up the WS1040 with a one-year warranty.
Comes with a protective rubber sleeve. The rubber shock guard provides another layer of durability.
List-based interface. You can create and edit lists for easy access to frequently accessed channels and talkgroups.
Frequency search mode. If you set the WS1040 to scan for local broadcasts, it will jump to a signal as soon as it picks one up.
Extra bright backlight. The powerful backlight can be dialed up or down as needed. It makes the WS1040 easy to use in the dark and also helps improve visibility during the day.

Bad

Difficult to program compared to other digital police scanners. The biggest complaint among WS1040 owners is its complicated interface.
No waterproof rating. There is no guarantee for protection against spills or water immersion.

In a nutshell

The Whistler WS1040 is a solid but basic digital police scanner. It doesn’t have many advanced features, but it’s portable, durable and is compatible with all the most popular modern trunking systems. Fans of this scanner appreciate its easy to use list-based interface. The extra bright backlight is another strong plus.

The best desktop digital police scanner for home use

Uniden SDS200

The Uniden SDS200 is a premium digital police scanner with all the trimmings. The 3.5 inch display can be tweaked and customized in all kinds of ways, while Uniden’s patented True I/Q signal enhancement technology provides added clarity.

Good

Large, tri-color display. The massive 3.5 inch display is the main feature that sets the SDS200 apart from other desktop-style police scanners.
Customizable alert tones and colors. The SDS100 offers excellent customization, especially when it comes to alerts. You can program in volume increases, color changes and flash patterns so that you’ll know when various types of signals come in.
Good sound quality. People who own this digital police

Police Scanner Programming Software