Best Handheld CB Radios

Updated July 2022

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more

Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Handheld CB convenience with an external magnetic-mount antenna for vehicle use.

Pros

Complete 40-channel range. Includes 10 NOAA weather frequencies. SoundTracker feature eliminates most static noise. Magnetic antenna mounts easily and provides a range of up to 4 miles. Rechargeable batteries via 12V car port or AC wall charger.

Cons

AC wall charger not included.

Best Bang for the Buck

Uniden

PRO401HH Handheld CB Radio

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Excellent Deal

Bottom Line

An entry-level handheld CB that performs comparably to high-end units.

Pros

Can reach the full range of 40 CB channels. High and low power modes for efficient battery use. Power comes from either rechargeable Ni-MH batteries or 9 AA batteries. Dual Watch feature lets you talk on 1 channel while monitoring another.

Cons

No access to NOAA channels. No channel memory. Screen may be hard to see in bright light.

Cobra

HH50WXST Handheld CB Radio

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Simple Yet Solid

Bottom Line

A capable and dependable handheld CB for camping, hiking, hunting, and more.

Pros

Slim and ergonomic design. Full 40-channel CB range and 10 NOAA channels. High and low power modes extend battery up to 75%. Charge from rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, car DC port, or AC charger. SoundTracker system improves signal clarity.

Cons

Does not come with AC wall charger.

Feature-packed and intuitive, this handheld CB is a longtime favorite among experts.

Pros

Full access to 40 CB channels and 10 NOAA channels. A 12V DC vehicle adapter. Automatic Noise Limiter cuts down on interference and static. Can scan channels for activity. Provides 4 watts of output power.

Cons

Does not include rechargeable batteries. Range is limited to about 2 miles.

Uniden

PRO501HH Portable Handheld CB Radio

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Bright Display

Bottom Line

This slim, compact model has a helpful display and can be used in or out of a vehicle.

Pros

Bright, visible display. Can output 4 watts of power on high or 1 watt on low mode. Offers 40-channel range plus 10 weather channels. Comes with built-in automatic noise limiter. Includes belt clip and vehicle power port adapter. Uses removable batteries.

Cons

Some feel the stock antenna is too limited. Doesn't come with a case.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
Considered

115

Consumers
Consulted

Hours
Researched