10 Best CB Radios 2026 in the United States

The President Walker III FCC AM/FM CB Radio is a versatile and user-friendly CB radio offering 40 AM/FM channels along with 7 weather channels that include alerts, helping users stay informed about weather conditions while on the road. It features a standard 4-watt transmission power, ensuring clear communication over typical distances. An automatic squelch function helps reduce background noise, improving listening comfort.

Designed in a single-DIN format, this radio is easy to mount either in or under a vehicle's dash. For better sound quality when mounted inside the dash, an external speaker is recommended, though not included. The multi-functional LCD offers seven backlight colors for customization and clear visibility in various lighting conditions. It supports both electret and dynamic microphones and includes a lightweight electret mic for clear and comfortable communication.

This radio is not water-resistant, making it best suited for vehicle use rather than outdoor portable scenarios. It has a basic set of controls, providing straightforward operation but fewer advanced tuning options. The device is reliable and performs well, making it a practical choice for casual or regular vehicle use. It is important to note the need for an external speaker to achieve louder sound and that it is primarily designed for car or truck setups rather than handheld or outdoor use.

The Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 stands out in the CB radio category due to its hybrid capabilities, combining traditional CB radio functions with a digital scanner for public safety communications. One of its biggest strengths is its ability to scan for and alert you to police, fire, ambulance, and DOT transmissions, which can be incredibly useful for those who need to stay informed on the road, such as truck drivers or emergency service personnel. The inclusion of a GPS feature that automatically selects nearby channels is a nice touch, ensuring you never miss important updates, especially during travels across the US and Canada.

Power output is another highlight, with 4 watts enabling decent range for typical CB communications. The 40-channel capacity provides flexibility, allowing users to connect across various frequencies. The 7-color display is visually appealing and enhances usability, especially in low-light conditions. The ergonomic noise-canceling microphone also deserves praise, as it helps to improve audio quality in noisy environments, making conversations clearer.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While it offers a plethora of features, the BearTracker 885 is not water-resistant, which may be a concern for users who operate in wet conditions. Its size might be cumbersome for those with limited cab space, and some users might find the initial setup and features a bit overwhelming if they are new to CB technology. The talking range is quite limited, at a maximum of 1 meter, which may not meet the needs of those requiring longer-range communication. The Uniden BEARTRACKER 885 is best suited for users who value dual functionality in a CB radio and need to stay informed on public safety channels while on the road. Its combination of features makes it an excellent choice for professional drivers and those who frequently travel through various jurisdictions.

The Cobra 29LX is a solid choice if you want a CB radio that covers essentials well. It offers 40 channels, which is standard for CB radios, giving you plenty of options to communicate. Its dual-mode AM/FM feature allows access to more users and often clearer sound, which is a nice plus. The radio includes important weather alerts through NOAA channels and an alert scan that automatically tunes to the strongest weather signals — very handy if you’re often outdoors or on the road. The device is moisture resistant and has a moderate size, making it suitable for mounting in vehicles or a fixed spot without taking up too much space.

The display is a color LCD with four selectable colors, helping with visibility in different lighting conditions. It also shows the frequency and supports auto-scan, which simplifies finding active channels. For sound quality, the microphone is professional-grade, aiding clearer communication, though some users might find it a bit bulky compared to simpler handheld models. Noise filtering features help reduce background static, but it’s not perfect in very noisy environments.

On the technical side, the radio supports a maximum talking range up to about 10 miles, which depends heavily on conditions like terrain and antenna quality. It runs off a standard 12-volt power source and includes SWR calibration to ensure good signal strength, but setting this up might require some initial adjustment if you’re new to CB radios. The radio also has a clock and alarm, which is a small but useful extra for keeping track of time during long trips. The Cobra 29LX is well-suited for drivers, travelers, and emergency preparedness enthusiasts who want a reliable, feature-packed CB radio. It balances ease of use with advanced functions but may be more than casual users need if they prefer a simpler device.