CB radios and scanners both work with four-watt transmit power. The primary difference between the two is in power output. SSB-equipped radios transmit at a higher power and can legally give the user a longer range. Other differences include size, features, and price. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each. Let’s take a closer look. What’s the difference between a CB and a scanner?
The two devices are similar in appearance and are essentially the same. The primary difference lies in the amount of power they can transmit and receive. The high-end models are more complex and incorporate more features and user controls. In addition, the high-end radios also have better receivers that filter out static and have Bluetooth integration. They also have clearer sound. Which one is better for you? Find out for yourself.
A CB radio has 40 channels and is dedicated to citizens band radio. A scanner, by contrast, listens to AM and FM stations that broadcast in the 535 kilohertz to 1.7 megahertz bands. It is easier to hear SSB signals because they operate on different frequencies. The main difference between a CB and a scanner is their use for law enforcement. The former is used by local police, while the latter is used by local law enforcement.
Uniden PRO401HH Professional Series 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio, 4 Watts Power with Hi/Low Power Switch, Auto noise cancellation, Belt Clip And Strap Included, 2.75in. x 4.33in. x 8.66in.
$60.99 (as of January 31, 2026 09:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AT-500M Ⅱ CB Radio Kit with 27MHz Magnetic Antenna, AM/FM Mobile CB Radio, 40 Channels, NRC Digital Noise Cancelling, NB/ANL, VOX Hands-Free, NOAA, for Trucking & Off-Road
$139.99 (as of January 28, 2026 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
KSUN Mobile Transceiver Radio for Vehicle Truck with Cigarette Lighter Plug Dual Band VHF/UHF Mini Car Radio Long Range CB Two Way Radio for Driver Off Road, UV5200D
$69.99 (as of January 28, 2026 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Texas Ranger TRE-2639 40 Channel AM CB Radio for Truckers – Metal-Reinforced Front Panel, Large Multi-Function Meter, GNF Noise Filter, Variable Power, Talkback & SWR Protection, Quick CH19
$299.00 (as of January 28, 2026 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner, Designed for Improved Digital Performance in Weak-Signal and Simulcast Areas, Rugged / Weather Resistant JIS 4 Construction
$699.99 (as of January 31, 2026 09:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MEFF M1-PRO Professional All-in-One Near-Field Detection Kit – 0–20 GHz Signal Detector for Hidden Devices, GPS Trackers, and Wireless Surveillance Signals
$4,875.00 (as of January 28, 2026 08:19 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
President Randy III FCC AM/FM Handheld CB Radio w/P Channels, NRC, Desktop Dock & Mobile Charge Module, 7Color Display, ASC, VOX, CTCSS/DCS, Weather Channel, Scan Skip, Flashlight, Key Lock (TXUS722)
$179.00 (as of January 31, 2026 09:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.
$449.99 (as of January 31, 2026 09:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. Incredible Digital Performance. TrunkTracker X Technology Provides The Best Digital Decode Performance in The Scanner Industry.
$749.99 (as of January 31, 2026 09:20 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)