10 Best Radio Scanners in The UK

Last updated on 03/07/2025

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Best Choice

9.8

Exceptional

Uniden

Uniden UBC-125XLT 500 Channel Handheld Scanner Pre-Programmed Version

Why We Love It

Standard Antenna and optional extras.
User-friendly with pre-programmed frequencies.
Compact size for portability.

Main Highlights

Package INCLUDES: Radio, Standard Hand-portable Antenna, Worldwide Charger (with UK and EU 2-pin Plugs), USB Data/Power Lead, 2x AA NiMh Rechargeable Batteries, Carry Strap, Manual (English) - Compact Model, 500 Channel Memories, 10 Banks (Storage space for channels), Scan speed: 90 step/sec
Programmed Version - The most popular AM/FM Radio, Close Call function, Scanner, now with all the most popular frequencies pre-programmed into the memory slots, to make it so much easier to use out of the box
Frequency Bands: 25-30 CB radio + 30-88 MHz Lav VHF Landmobile radio + 108-138 MHz Air & traffic + 138-174 MHz VHF landmobile radio + 225-512 MHz UHF landmobile radio + 806-960 MHz UHF public services, with 5/6.25/8.33/10/12.5KHz frequency steps. Inc Military Aircraft Band, CTCSS/DCS Squelch Modes, Alpha Tagging too. Ideal listening Civil Air traffic Control, Boats, CB radio, Ham Radio/Amateur, Sporting events, Churches, Mosques etc
Size: WxDxH 67x33x115 mm -- Weight: 175 g - BNC Antenna Connection (50 Ohm) - Standard Antenna Included (So, able to connect OPTIONAL: Super-gainer Antenna, Vehicle Antenna, and Home Antenna)
Frequencies in the Memories - PRE-PROGRAMMED: Major UK Airports, UK Military Airports, Marine Band, etc

UBC 125XLTC Handheld Radio Scanner, 500 Channels, 25-960MHz, USB-C Charging

Why We Love It

Wide frequency coverage available.
500 channels for organization.
Impressive scanning speed and sensitivity.

Main Highlights

FREQUENCY COVERAGE: Wide-ranging scanner covering 25-960MHz bands including CB radio, VHF/UHF landmobile radio, air traffic, and public services
CHANNEL CAPACITY: Features 500 programmable channels organised into 10 banks for efficient frequency management and organisation
SCANNING PERFORMANCE: Impressive 90 steps per second scan speed with 0.3µV receiver sensitivity and 80dB IF rejection for reliable reception
POWER OPTIONS: Versatile power supply using 2 AA batteries with included USB-C lead for charging
AUDIO & CONNECTIVITY: Delivers 360mW audio output through 24 Ohm speaker, features USB port for charging and data transfer, 50 Ohm antenna connection

Uniden UBC-125XLT Handheld Scanner

Why We Love It

Provides exceptional range with 500 channels.
Covers wide frequency bands.
Incorporates efficient close call function.

Main Highlights

500 Channels
25-960 MHz (with gaps)
Close call function. 10 search band
It covers 25-88mhz, 108-174mhz, 225 - 512mhz and 806 - 960mhz with 5/6
Antenna: 50 Ohm / IF rejection: 80 Decibel

Uniden UBC-125XLT 25-960MHz Handheld Scanner

Why We Love It

Great performance on budget price.
Compact, stylish, robust design.
Perfect for indoor and outdoor.

Main Highlights

Probably the best selling Handheld scanner Great performance at a budget price
Uniden UBC 125XLT is a quality handheld scanner in a stylish compact design that is made from robust materials
Uniden UBC 125XLT is designed for indoor and outdoor activities in the professional world.
The programmed channels are grouped into 10 Banks with 50 channels in each

Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-Band Reception, and Search Features to Detect Signals Faster Than Ever

Why We Love It

Innovative, performance-driven features.
Rapid system settings determination.
Ready-to-use, preloaded DMR/NXDN.

Main Highlights

The Uniden BCD160DN sets the standard for performance, features, and innovation. Exclusive Features like Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-band Reception, and a complete suite of search features help you detect those elusive signals faster than ever. Uniden Digital Scanners offer you more than ever before.
DCS/CTCSS RAPID DECODE - Instantly detects and displays the sub audible tone so you can quickly determine the system settings.
PRELOADED DMR/NXDN - The scanner comes preloaded with DMR and NXDN so you can start using your scanner as soon as you take it out of the box.
CUSTOM SEARCH - Allows you to start searching at the displayed frequency or enter a frequency and start searching.
PC PROGRAMMING - Use free Uniden software to manage your scanner’s Profiles, Favorites Lists, Databases, and firmware updates.

Uniden-Bearcat BCT15-X 9000ch Desktop/Mobile Radio Scanner with Close Call Feature

Free Shipping

Why We Love It

Advanced dynamic memory system.
Compatible GPS receiver location scanning.
Preprogrammed channels for traveling.

Main Highlights

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
International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

XHDATA D-808 Professional Portable Radio | FM Stereo/SW/MW/LW/Air Band Coverage with SSB RDS | High Sensitivity, External Antenna 2000mAh Rechargeable Battery | Dual Alarm Clock, Sleep Timer & Squelch

10% OffFree Shipping

Why We Love It

Clear, bright sound quality.
Multi-functional with easy operation.
Conveniently portable design.

Main Highlights

【Multi-function SSB&RDS Radio with Automatic Search and Storage of Radio Stations】With excellent and beautiful sound quality as the selling point, you can enjoy a comfortable radio time, whether it is FM or MW, or SW/LW/AIR bands, they can be automatically scanned and stored, each band can store up to 100 radio stations, and can be deleted at any time. There are also alarm and sleep timer functions, and the alarm can be selected as a radio or buzzer. Time display will also be a very helpful function (including manual calibration and RDS automatic calibration)
【FM SW Digital Radio】XHDATA portable full-band radio features a built-in large-diaphragm speaker，delivering clear and bright sound with strong noise reduction capability and high sensitivity，providing you with crystal-clear sound quality. Enjoy your favorite radio stations wherever you go.
【Portable Multi-function Receiver】With a medium-sized, rugged design，this receiver easily fits into backpacks or suitcases for indoor use (kitchen, living room) or outdoor adventures (gardening, hiking). Equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack，it allows private listening via stereo headphones in public spaces without disturbing others.
【Battery Powered and USB Charging】The full-band multi-function radio has a built-in 2000 mAh rechargeable lithium battery and is equipped with a USB-C charging power cord, so that you can relax and enjoy your favorite radio stations as your partner whether at home or out
【Product Guarantee】The product package includes a portable full-band radio, a USB power cord, an external extension antenna, a rechargeable battery (remove the isolation paper on the edge of the battery compartment cover before using the product), a special protective bag for the product, a product instruction manual, and of course a 12-month warranty and friendly service

TIDRADIO TD-H3 Ham Radio Transceiver, Air Band Reception, Type C &Wireless Programming Walkie Talkies, Frequency Match,Dual Band Two Way Radio, Long Range Handheld Amateur Radio for Camping-1 Pack

Free Shipping

Why We Love It

Dual band, dual watch features.
Bluetooth programming for mobiles.
Powerful 2500mAh rechargeable battery.

Main Highlights

✅𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞:TD-H3 Ham radio is the third world innovative product of TIDRADIO, if you receive the product and find some problems, 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 '𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀' > '𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽' > 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 > 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸 '𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿' > 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 '𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿' > 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, We will provide you with comprehensive technical support, 𝟏𝟐 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑𝟎-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all customers who have purchased it, thank you for your support and love.
✅Professional Ham Radio: 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, Wireless replication, One Key Match frequency, DTMF function, MIC gain, and a 1.44 inch TFT color screen, End Tone wow, 199 Channel Banks, Dual Watch,Adjustable Squelch, etc.
✅ Multiple Programming Way: 1️⃣ TD-H3 2 way radio built-in chip, the included USB-C cable which not only meets charging needs but also enables programming functions. Even lack of CH340 programming cables, it can easily perform programming operations. 2️⃣ H3 support bluetooth programming on phone(APP) and PC(Odmaster Website), it can be quickly programmed, reduce the burden of traveling. 3️⃣ we also retain the traditional 2 pin traditional programming interface, both innovative and conservative. It supports CHIRP and CPS programming software
✅ Multi-Band TX/RX:TD-H3 ham radio transceiver supports Multi-bands frequencies, VHF：144-146 MHz Tx/Rx, UHF: 430-440 MHz Tx/Rx, 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝:50-76 MHz(𝐅𝐌), 76-108MHZ, 108-136MHz(𝐀𝐌), 136-144 MHZ, 146-350 MHZ, 350-390 MHZ (𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝), 390-430 MHZ, 440-600 MHZ. the best radio for airband radio scanner enthusiasts.𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐓𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 [𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮+𝟒𝟖]
✅ Fast Copy One Channel:Hold down "1", it could identify the frequency when others radio transmitting. You can save it directly on new channel. （Menu 47 On/Off）
✅ Privacy Protection : Setting the Kill Code on Odmaster, on the same frequency, any radio with DTMF function could send the code to lock your H3 radio via DTMF. The locked H3 can not use any more unless unlock it. Pprotecting your radio and privacy. When setting the Stun Code, you could send the code to limit your H3 radio to trasmit only receive the signal. The code should be at least 5 digits. For example: the Kill/Stun code is 12345, and the unlock code is 12345# (Add the # is unlock code, no need to set it)
✅ Rechargeable 2500 mAh Battery: Compared with UV-5R walkie talkie's 1800mAh, the battery capacity of H3 radio is increased to 2500mAh, which is a 40% increase in capacity, and the standby time is more than 2 days. The durable battery ensure uninterrupted contact for camping, fishing, hiking or train stations etc.

Radtel RT-860 Multi Band Ham Radio HF UHF VHF Dual Band with AM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB Reception, 1024 Channels, 2000mAh Battery, Type-C Charging

14% OffFree Shipping

Why We Love It

Durable material for tough environments.
Sleek, lightweight, and ergonomic design.
Versatile band support for flexibility.

Main Highlights

Built with metal material for enhanced durability, the RT-860 is dust-proof, crush-resistant, and made with eco-friendly materials, ensuring it withstands tough environments while being environmentally conscious. With support for 1024 channels, it offers exceptional versatility and performance
Say goodbye to bulk! The thin and ergonomic design provides a sleek aesthetic and a lightweight feel, making it comfortable for extended use during both commercial and recreational activities.
In addition to supporting full-band AM FM USB LSB CW CB LW MW SW SSB and Air-Band RX, the device features a port for connecting a shortwave antenna, significantly enhancing signal reception. Whether for commercial communication or recreational use, it meets diverse needs effortlessly. Seamlessly switch between multiple bands, delivering greater flexibility and exceptional performance across various scenarios.
Simplify your setup with 1-second matching, eliminating the need for cumbersome cable programming. The RT-860’s quick decoding ensures effortless and seamless communication.
Equipped with Type-C quick charging, the RT-860 offers multiple charging methods via USB, keeping your device powered up with efficiency and convenience anytime, anywhere.

Radtel RT-900 8W Multi-Band Amateur Radio Handheld Walkie Talkie with Noise Reduction, 256 Channels VHF/UHF Two-Way Radio, NOAA, Marine, 2200mAh Battery, Frequency Tuning, Aviation, App-Pro

18% OffFree Shipping

Why We Love It

Easily programmable via mobile app.
Advanced noise reduction enhances clarity.
Hands-free communication with VOX.

Main Highlights

Easily program your Radtel RT-900 Walkie-Talkie via a mobile app (supports iOS and Android), PC CPS software, or CHIRP programming. These flexible methods ensure that you can configure the device anytime and anywhere according to your needs.
Enjoy clearer communication with advanced noise reduction features. The Radtel RT-900 ensures a clear, crisp signal even in noisy environments, making it ideal for use in demanding conditions such as construction sites, outdoor activities, or during travel
The Radtel RT-900 features a large, easy-to-read LCD display that shows important information such as channel number, channel frequency, and channel names. Multiple data fields are displayed simultaneously, making it easier to navigate through settings and channels.
The RT-900 is equipped with the ability to receive communication from the aviation band, allowing you to listen to air traffic communications. It is an excellent tool for aviation enthusiasts and professionals who want to stay informed about activities in the aviation radio sector.
The built-in VOX (Voice Operated Transmission) function enables hands-free communication – ideal for situations where you need to operate the radio without pressing the PTT button. This feature is especially useful for drivers, machine operators, and individuals who need to multitask during work or leisure.
The advanced noise reduction eliminates background noise for clear, focused sound in any environment. Ideal for use in noisy settings, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience.

8.9

Excellent

Save 18%

We scanned 1712 products

We reviewed these offers relevant to the Radio Scanners within online retailers such as Amazon, eBay and other local retailers, ensuring we covered all major brands and models. The products we selected come from trusted brands like Uniden, Generic, XHDATA, TIDRADIO, radtel, all of which have a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality products that users love and innovative approaches for function & design.

For the best Radio Scanners in the market, we considered we took a deep dive into 8561 online reviews , focusing on elements like user satisfaction, performance in real-world conditions, and long-term reliability. Our ranking also evaluates each review’s relevancy, authenticity, up-to-dateness and depth so that the comparison is more sound.

We concluded that:

The clear winner of our analysis is Uniden UBC-125XLT 500 Channel Handheld Scanner Pre-Programmed Version. We love many things about this product by Uniden. What sets it apart from the competition is Standard Antenna and optional extras, User-friendly with pre-programmed frequencies, Compact size for portability.
The best value product for most shoppers and where user satisfaction is continuously the highest is UBC 125XLTC Handheld Radio Scanner, 500 Channels, 25-960MHz, USB-C Charging by Generic based on online reviews by bloggers, experts and online shoppers.
The biggest bargain at the moment for Radio Scanners and the best cost-to-value ratio is Radtel RT-900 8W Multi-Band Amateur Radio Handheld Walkie Talkie with Noise Reduction, 256 Channels VHF/UHF Two-Way Radio, NOAA, Marine, 2200mAh Battery, Frequency Tuning, Aviation, App-Proat radtel with a 18% discount.
Our list of the best Radio Scanners is updated regularly to reflect new releases and changes in product availability, so be sure to check back often for the latest rankings and discounts.

10 Best Radio Scanners in The UK

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We scanned 1712 products

We concluded that: