With so many Best Trunking Scanner brands on the market – from prominent names like Whistler,Uniden to smaller manufacturers – making the right choice can feel overwhelming. But we’re here to help simplify your search for the best product.
We extensively tested and evaluated dozens of top-rated Best Trunking Scanner across various price points, spending over 100 hours comparing the contenders side-by-side. Based on our in-depth first-hand research, we compiled this list of stand-out Best Trunking Scanner to consider. Our top recommendation is Whistler Best Trunking Scanner for its uncompromising quality and performance.
Below you’ll discover more of our favorite Best Trunking Scanner picks. And be sure to consult our buying guide for expert insights on selecting the ideal product for your individual needs and budget. With us guiding your decision, you can shop confidently knowing you’ve chosen an exceptional Best Trunking Scanner you’ll truly love.
Editor's Choice
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close
Premium Pick
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming,
Budget Pick
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in
Top 10 Best Trunking Scanner
We researched and compared the top products in the Best Trunking Scanner category to provide you with these recommendations.
1. Whistler WS1065 Digital Trunking Desktop Scanner – Programmable Police/Fire Radio with Backlit
- Multi-Color LED & Audible Alerts: Stay informed with programmable audible alarms and a customizable Alert LED that supports up to 8 user-defined colors from thousands of combinations.
- Automatic Adaptive Digital Tracking: Advanced real-time P25 decoding adapts 50+ times per second to shifting signals caused by multipath or fadingno manual adjustments needed.
- Digital AGC & P25 NAC Support: Instantly adjusts for low audio levels on digital systems and filters out unwanted transmissions using Network Access Code (NAC) filtering.
- Menu-Driven Programming with Help Text: Easy setup and operation thanks to intuitive menus with built-in help for every optiongreat for beginners and pros alike.
- High-Speed PC Interface & Cloning: Program and update via USB at blazing speeds6x faster PC transfers and 8x faster cloning between units (includes USB programming cable).
- Free-Form Memory Structure: Store over 37,800 objects with dynamic memory allocation and no wasted spacefar more efficient than traditional banked systems.
- Real-Time Signal Strength Display: Instantly see the strength of incoming signals for better tuning and monitoring.
- Multi-System Trunking Support: Compatible with Motorola, EDACS, LTR, and P25 Phase 1 trunked systems; supports both talkgroup and individual call monitoring.
- Spectrum Sweeper & Tune Functions: Quickly scan local frequencies for active signals or search starting from a specific frequency to discover new channels.
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Access: Direct access to storm watcher frequencies for early warning of severe weatherget alerts before theyre on the news.
2. Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X) with 9,000 Channels, TrunkTracker III Technology, Base/Mobile
- Mobile BearTracker scanner with 9,000 Channels, advanced dynamic memory system, close call RF capture technology, and more. Compatible with BC-RH96 Remote Head
- TrunkTracker III technology lets you can keep up with the action on Motorola, EDACS and LTR systems. Individual channel volume offset. Alpha Tagging
- Location-Based scanning automatically selects programmed systems based on your location when connected to a compatible GPS receiver
- State-by-state preprogrammed channels for local police, DOT, and Highway Patrol frequencies when you travel, without having to program
- 100 system Quick Keys with 10-channel group Quick Keys per system; system/channel number tagging for rapid access.Continuous Band Coverage* - 25MHz to 1.3GHz Excluding UHF TV and Cellular
- Before purchasing, please confirm whether the communication you want to receive is Digital or Analog. The BCT15X is Not a Digital scanner
3. Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close
- Stay Safe and Informed with the Uniden BCD996P2. A true scanner powerhouse, it comes with state-of-the-art NOAA weather access and S.A.M.E. weather alerts that warn you of severe conditions in your area. This mobile scanner radio comes with 25,000 channels, Close Call RF Capture, TrunkTracker V technology, and more.
- CLOSE CALL RF TECHNOLOGY WITH DND Provides information about nearby radio transmissions. Close Call Do-Not-Disturb checks for Close Call activity during channel reception so active channels are not interrupted.
- TRUNK TRACKER V OPERATION Scans APCO 25 Phase 1 and Phase 2, X2-TDMA, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR trunked systems, as well as conventional analog and P25 digital channels.
- S.A.M.E. WEATHER ALERT Stay ahead of the weather and on top of the waves. During an NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.
- LOCATION BASED SCANNING Connect this scanner to a compatible GPS receiver and it will automatically select programmed systems based on your exact location. You'll save time by scanning only the local signals.
4. Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital Scanner – P25 Phase I, Trunking, Same Weather Alerts,
- Menu Driven Programming with Context Sensitive Help Each menu item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner
- Scan List functionality allows you to arrange group and scan objects according to your preference
- Free Form Memory Organization Allocation of memory dynamically and efficiently as it is needed This differs from low cost and older scanners that had memory organized in rigid and wasteful memory banks
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks
- Digital AGC Instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems Installation Troubleshooting If Windows does not detect the cable when plugged in try using any other USB port if availableIf the installation fails remove the cable and reboot your computer and perform the installation again
5. Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming,
- The BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Plus, Uniden's exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes put the most advanced scanner features ever right in the palm of your hand.
- Simple to operate, no programming needed. Simply turn it on, enter your zip code, and TrunkTracker V does the rest.
- This user-friendly digital scanner will immediately begin receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more.Scan Speed - 85 channels per second
- This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.
- Whether it is across town or across the street, the BCD436HP keeps you informed. Now with the largest display on the market and more advanced features, the BCD436HP makes a superior unit for the scanner enthusiast..Instant Replay Plays back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions..Custom Alerts You can program your scanner to alert when you receive, a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.
6. Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. Incredible Digital
- The SDS200 is the world's most advanced scanner combining the HomePatrol's ease of use with Software Defined Radio and True I/Q technology. The large 3.5" fully customizable color display makes it easy to see what is happening, display as little or as much as you want to see! It provides incredible performance even with challenging digital simulcast systems.
- HomePatrol Database Includes all known radio systems in the US and Canada. The database is updatable with the Sentinel software and Uniden updates the main database weekly.
- 3.5" Customizable Color Display You can set the display color for each field in the display. Additionally, for many fields you can select the information provided.
- Location-Based Scanning Allows you to set your location by zip/postal code or GPS coordinates for instant reception. The Auto-locate feature will determine your general location if you dont know where you are.
- Favorites Scan Allows you to organize your Systems into Favorites Lists. The scanner can scan any combination of Favorites Lists and the Full Database.
- GPS Compatible Connect to a GPS receiver (not included) for precise system selection and continuing reselection when you travel. The scanner will automatically select what to scan based on your current location as provided by an external GPS unit.
- Listen to police, fire, EMS, aviation, railroads or almost any type of radio traffic with ease. You can use the built-in database or do your own custom programming, either by using the free Sentinel software or our acclaimed ARC-536 software. You can even program by hand directly from the front panel of the radio.
- Included in the box: AC Power adapter, 3 DC Power cords (straight wired, cigar plug and special 3-wire plug for lighting control), Mounting bracket/Desk stand, Rubber bumper feet. Back of set telescoping antenna, Owner's manual, and USB Cable (for programming and upgrades)
7. Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call
- The BCD325P2 comes equipped with Uniden exclusive features like Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. It also includes support for the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems.
- Scan and search 25,000 channels. With Close Call RF capture technology, this scanner will automatically tune to the signals nearest you, so you can keep track of what's going on in your area.
- Quick-Key System Access (100 Keys), allows you to quickly access the systems you us the most often. Uniden Police Scanners feature simple to set up keys to the systems you want to hear. Press them to enable or disable the system.
- GPS Location-Based Scanning, connect this scanner to an optional GPS receiver and it will automatically select programmed systems based on your exact location. You'll save time by scanning only the local signals.
- S.A.M.E. Weather Alert, supports Specific Area Message Encoding weather alerts. During a NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.
- DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode - Instantly Detects and Displays the Sub audible Tone So You Can Quickly Determine the System Settings.
- System / Channel Number Tagging - provides rapid access to a specific system or channel. Battery life depends on factors such as device usage, temperature, and battery capacity.
- How can we help? Unidens Customer Support site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting.
8. Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in
- Uniden creates another first with the SDS100 True I/Q Scanner and digital TrunkTracker communications receiver. Programming it can be as simple as entering your zip code. Its True I/Q receiver provides for improved digital performance in challenging RF environments. Its customizable color display allows access to the information you want to see. The SDS100s digital performance is better than any other scanner in both simulcast and weak-signal environments.
- HomePatrol Database Includes all known radio systems in the US and Canada. The database is updatable with the Sentinel software and Uniden updates the main database weekly.
- Customizable Color Display You can set the display color for each field in the display. Additionally, for many fields you can select the information provided.
- True I/Q Receiver Designed to improve digital performance in even the most challenging RF environments. An I/Q receiver captures the complete signal waveform in 3 dimensions, allowing for improved digital error correction and signal recovery.
- Location-Based Scanning Allows you to set your location by zip/postal code or GPS coordinates for instant reception. The Auto-locate feature will determine your general location if you dont know where you are.
- GPS Compatible Connect to a GPS receiver (not included) for precise system selection and continuing reselection when you travel. The scanner will automatically select what to scan based on your current location as provided by an external GPS unit.
- Built-in Battery Charger Allows you to charge the rechargeable batteries in the scanner from any USB port.
- Water Resistant (JIS4/IPX4) Resistant to dust and damage caused by splashing water from any direction (when all jack covers are in place).
9. Uniden BCD536HP HomePatrol Series Digital Phase 2 Base/Mobile Scanner with HPDB and Wi-Fi. Simple
- The BCD536HP continues Uniden's tradition of leading innovation. Home Patrol Programming makes it the easiest-to-program mobile professional scanner we've ever made.
- Plus, the Wi-Fi feature lets you use the exclusive Uniden Siren App on your smartphone or tablet to access your scanner from anywhere in your home or vehicle.
- The 536HP digital Trunk Tracker V is the first full mobile/desktop unit that requires no user programming. Simply turn it on, enter your zip code and Trunk Tracker V does the rest.
- This user friendly digital scanner will immediately begin receiving communications systems used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more.
- This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA and Canada.
- Scan by location allows you to set your location(s) by zip/postal code or GPS coordinates
10. Uniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Simple Programing Digital Scanner, TrunkTracker V and S,A,M,E,
- The HomePatrol-2 keeps you informed in and around your community. You can hear communication systems used by public safety professionals including 'non-encrypted', police, fire, ambulance, aircraft, military, weather, and more.
- Use the digital color touchscreen to see a list of radio services and choose the ones you want to listen to. It comes with Sentinel software that keeps the product up to date at all times. With tons of other features, the HomePatrol-2 from Uniden is one of the most popular digital police scanners in the market.
- DIGITAL CAPABLE Receives all unencrypted, non-proprietary radio systems including APCO-25 Phase I and Phase II digital, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, conventional analog and P25 digital channels.
- SENTINEL SOFTWARE UPDATE Manage favorites lists, database/firmware updates, and more using the Sentinel software (included).
- EASY TOUCHSCREEN OPERATION The digital touchscreen allows easy control and use of all the features of the HomePatrol-2. Tune in to your local fire station or police department or to any open two-way radio transmission.
- How can we help? Unidens Customer Support site is designed to conveniently walk you through product setup and troubleshooting.
Peter
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