The best CB radios not only keep you in touch with your dispatchers and team mates, they also allow you to monitor weather and traffic conditions and instantly call for help in the event of an emergency. Most models use either push-button or switch controls for instant channel 9 access so you can contact rescue workers and authorities if you have problems while off-roading or driving cross-country. Many modern CB radios like the Uniden PRO510XL feature compact and lightweight designs that can easily be mounted in a window or under a dashboard to keep your vehicle’s interior clutter-free and keep your field of vision clear so you can safely drive without distractions. Handheld models like the Midland 75-822 often use 12V power or batteries, giving you more freedom of movement while staying connected to dispatchers, family, or rescue workers. 

A lot of models give you unprecedented control over your radio, including RF gain, noise cancellation, and even signal strength. This allows you to fine-tune your radio for crystal clear transmissions. If you want customization options, some CB radios allow you to connect external speakers, wireless microphones, or headsets for hands-free use or better output volume. No matter if you’re an off-road enthusiast who wants peace of mind while hitting the trails or a truck driver delivering goods across the country, there is a radio model out there to suit. We’ve gathered up our top picks to help you decide which CB radio is right for you. 

The Uniden Bearcat 980SSB radio may look like a fancy CD player faceplate, but it packs plenty of features that cross-country truckers, dispatchers, and off-roaders will appreciate. The 7-inch LCD display can be set to one of seven colors to show off your personal style and is controlled with easy to read buttons that are laser-etched to keep them from wearing away over time. The handset features noise-canceling technology and built-in RF gain protection so sent and received messages come through loud and clear. 

Best Design

Uniden BEARCAT 980SSB CB Radio

  • Weather alerts

  • Wireless mic compatible

  • Noise cancelling handset mic

  • No Bluetooth connectivity

The unit can be operated hands-free with a compatible wireless microphone so you can safely respond to radio calls without taking your eyes off the road. With NOAA weather alert channels, you can stay ahead of or avoid dangerous weather along your route. The radio has a spectrum of 40 different channels and automatically switches to channel 9 in case of an emergency so you can call for help when you need it. 

If you need a CB radio with more features, but still want to stick to a budget, the Uniden PC78LTX is an excellent option. This radio features multiple controls for microphone gain, RF gain, volume, noise-canceling, and Hi Cut to keep your transmissions crystal clear. The faceplate and control knobs of the radio have a stylish chrome finish for a clean, modern-looking CB radio. This model also has an SWR meter on the front panel to let you know your signal and antenna connectivity strength at-a-glance so you can quickly assess and fix problems. 

Best Value

Uniden PC78LTX 40 Channel CB Radio

  • Under $75

  • Instant channel 9

  • Plenty of controls

  • No Bluetooth

  • No NOAA channels

If you ever have an emergency on the road, this radio has an instant channel 9 function so you can call for help when you need roadside assistance or are having a medical emergency. The radio also has a PA function for talking to anyone outside of your truck or making announcements without having to get out of the cab.

If you’re looking for a CB radio that has all the bells and whistles, the Cobra 18WXSTII is a great choice. This radio not only uses the 40 FCC-approved AM channels for communication, it also has 10 NOAA channels for keeping tabs on weather conditions along your route so you can avoid storms and dangerous situations like flooding or mudslides.

Best Features

Cobra 18WXSTII Mobile CB Radio

  • Dual channel monitoring

  • Instant channel 9

  • NOAA channels

  • No Bluetooth

If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, you can instantly switch to channel 9 to call for help with the push of a button. Dispatchers and team members alike can take advantage of this radio’s ability to monitor two communications channels at once, allowing you to speak to multiple drivers at a time, or keep in touch with team members while staying up-to-date with weather conditions. 

The radio features Cobra’s proprietary Soundtracker system, which gives you tons of control over your mic and RF gain, squelch, and ANL levels for crystal clear communication. The front-facing speaker ensures that every incoming message can be heard clearly, and the 9-foot handset mic cord makes it easy to answer dispatch calls or check-ins without having to take your eyes off the road. 

CB radio novices and newcomers can kickstart their hobby with the Midland 1001LWX radio. This radio features simplified controls for volume, channel switching, and RF gain and squelching to refine your incoming transmissions. With the push of a button, operators can turn the ANL function on or off to isolate your voice for clear, understandable outgoing transmissions so you can accurately give your location to dispatchers or communicate with other radio operators. The LCD display is backlit so it’s easy to read both day and night so you can monitor your signal strength and channel selection at-a-glance. 

Best For Beginners

Midland 1001LWX CB Radio

  • Auto weather scan

  • ANL

  • Easy install

  • No NOAA alarms

  • No Bluetooth

The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to place in a dashboard cubby, in a center console, mount under the dashboard, or window mount to keep your vehicle clutter-free and your view unobstructed; the radio comes with everything you need to install the unit including a bracket and all the wiring. When you need to keep an eye on the weather while you’re driving cross-country or doing some off-roading, the radio automatically scans for and locks onto the strongest NOAA weather channel so you can stay ahead of dangerous storms and flooding. 

If you can’t permanently install a CB radio in your vehicle or use multiple vehicles for your job, the Midland 75-822 is the perfect option. This handheld model is designed to switch vehicles with you, easily clipping to a sun visor, belt, or pocket for quick and easy access when you need it. With the 12V adapter, you can plug this CB radio into any cigarette lighter-style outlet in your truck, car, or SUV for power without needing to hardwire into your vehicle’s fuse box or electrical system. It also runs on either 6 AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack available from Midland. This is a great power option for if you have a roadside emergency and need to communicate issues to dispatchers or rescue workers; you can switch the unit to battery power and take it with you outside of the vehicle so you can relay information in real-time. 

Best Handheld

Midland 75-822 CB Radio

  • Dual channel monitoring

  • Battery or DC power

  • No hardwiring needed

  • No rechargeable batteries included

  • Shorter range than other models

Along with the standard 40 CB channels, it also can scan for any of the 10 NOAA weather channels to let you keep up-to-date with weather conditions along your travel route. With the push of a button, you can instantly access emergency channel 9 or information channel 19 if you need to call for help or monitor traffic situations. The dual-monitor function allows you to listen to your communication channel and either an emergency, weather, or information channel simultaneously so you’ll never miss important incoming transmissions from dispatchers or anyone calling for help. The handset is compatible with headsets so you can use the radio hands-free, keeping you driving safely and legally.

Gone are the days where CB radios were built like tanks and massive in size. The Midland 5001Z is the perfect CB radio for anyone who wants to tuck it away on a shelf or mount it in a smaller vehicle like an SUV or typical passenger car. The body of the radio measures just 6 x 10 x 2 inches and weighs around 3 pounds, making it easy to carry from vehicle to vehicle or from a workshop to the car. The front panel not only features simple dial controls for selecting channels and adjusting volume and RF gain, but it also has a meter for monitoring analog power output so you can quickly assess any issues preventing you from clearly sending or receiving transmissions. There is also a dimmer switch to reduce the brightness of the LCD channel display; this is great for cross-country truck drivers who need to sleep in their cab bunk. 

Best Compact

Midland 5001Z 40 Channel Mobile CB

  • Ergonomic handset mic

  • Dimmer switch

  • Instant channel 9

  • No NOAA channels

  • No Bluetooth

The handset microphone has an ergonomic design, making it comfortable to use for long, over-radio conversations with dispatchers, team members, or fellow off-roaders. It also has a clip on the back that lets you secure it to your sun visor or seatbelt for easier access. If you encounter a roadside emergency, a simple flip of a switch lets you instantly access channel 9 to call for help. The body of the radio also has external speaker jacks so you can customize your radio setup for better sound and volume output. 

About Our Trusted Experts

Taylor Clemons has over three years of experience writing about games and consumer technology. She has written for Lifewire, Digital Trends, TechRadar, and her own publication, Steam Shovelers.

  • What is the average range of a CB radio?
  • This answer can depend on your particular setup or even environmental factors. But stationary CB radio can typically reach 10 to 15 miles, a mobile unit 5 to 7, and a handheld unit can reach up to 2 miles. These estimates are based on the assumption that your radio is using the maximum wattage allowed by the FCC.
  • Do I need a license to operate a CB radio?
  • The FCC used to require a license to operate CB radios but has since discontinued that requirement.
  • What exactly is a CB Radio?
  • CB stands for Citizens Band, and is a 2-way voice communications system for the general public, as opposed to police or military bands. Having a CB radio simply allows you to communicate with other CB radios that are in range and are on the same channel.

This answer can depend on your particular setup or even environmental factors. But stationary CB radio can typically reach 10 to 15 miles, a mobile unit 5 to 7, and a handheld unit can reach up to 2 miles. These estimates are based on the assumption that your radio is using the maximum wattage allowed by the FCC.

The FCC used to require a license to operate CB radios but has since discontinued that requirement.

CB stands for Citizens Band, and is a 2-way voice communications system for the general public, as opposed to police or military bands. Having a CB radio simply allows you to communicate with other CB radios that are in range and are on the same channel.