Some people believe that Citizens Band (CB) radio is not relevant in modern times. This is not true as they are reliable in times of emergencies or desperate need to communicate.
Whether you are trying to get an alternative route, get help for a mechanical breakdown or health-related crisis or get the weather forecast, you are sure to have a CB radio with you; read on to find out the best CB radio to get.
Best Long-Range CB Radios
Below are key highlights and features of the best ten long-range CB Radios:
Galaxy DX-959B
This radio offers truckers tons of benefits, which include:
- Most powerful SSB CB radio
- Longest Range SSB CB Radio (15-30 miles)
- Large easy-to-read meter
- Galaxy Noise Filter
- 3-position tone switch for receive
- Starlite backlit faceplate
- Clarifier control (delta tune)
- built-in SWR meter
- 40-channel access
Uniden Bearcat 980 40 Channel SSB
The Uniden Bearcat radio is an excellent option that offers:
- Most popular SSB CB radio
- Channel scanning feature
- 40-channel access
- Noise-canceling microphone
- Built-in SWR Calibration
- 7 weather channels of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- RF gain feature allows easy adjustment
President MCKINLEY USA SSB 12/24V CB Radio
This radio is the best if you’re a trucker looking for:
- Most Rugged SSB CB radio
- 40 channels AM/SSB
- Multi-function LCD
- Weather channel with an alert
- Solid SSB frequency stability
- Compact and rugged design
- Automatic squelch control assures quality communication
Cobra 29 LX
Cobra’s take on the CB radio offers:
- 40 CB radio channels
- 4-color LCD
- Heavy-duty Dynamic Microphone
- Switchable Noise Blanker
- Immediate access to emergency channel 9
- Adjustable dynamic boost increases voice clarity
- Clear communication through RF Gain
Midland 75-822
The Midland 75-822 can’t be beat if you’re looking for:
- Smallest CB radio with 40 CB channels
- Best Handheld CB radio
- Most recommended for motorcyclists
- squelch control and automatic noise limiter (ANL)
- Ten (10) channels of NOAA
- rugged design Power with six AA batteries
Galaxy DX-979 40 Channel AM/SSB Mobile CB Radio
The Galaxy DX-979 radio is one of the best. It offers:
- Most Compact SBB CB Radio
- Smallest SSB CB radio
- Compatible with all antennas
- Ultra-compact design
- NB/ANL noise reduction
- Variable talkback feature
- Great transmission and reception
Galaxy DX 949
The Galaxy DX 949 is most affordable SSB CB radio. It’s highly durable and offered neatly arranged knobs and controls. It is also GNF and NB/ANL to reduce noise and it has rear jacks for external speaker.
Galaxy DX 2547
- Best base station SSB CB radio
- Easy to set up and operate
- six-digit frequency counter
- Bulky central control dial
- handheld microphone
- Pin-on-mic jack
- Works on AC as well as DC
Uniden Bearcat 880
This radio is great for those long hauls. It is perfect for people who need:
- Great outdoor SSB CB radio
- Sleek and stylish design
- Stylish rugged construction
- 6-pin noise-canceling microphone
- Powerful transmission & clear reception
- Access to NOAA weather channels
Uniden Pro510 XL
The Uniden Pro510 is in it for the long haul, offering features like:
- Heavy-duty CB radio
- Communication range of 2-25 miles
- LED display type
- long-coiled microphone
- Affordable
- Automatic noise limiting
What to Consider While Buying CB Radio
It is important you lookout for the following features before you choose the CB radio for your truck. Below are the most important factors to consider.
Channels
The number of channels you can get with any radio matters a great deal. The quality of feedback you get from the radio is dependant on the number of channels the radio has.
Communication Range
Although handheld CB radios are suited for short-range communication, it is recommended that you buy one that can cover a wide area of the range. When you have such long-range CB radios, you will be able to connect to channels clearly and seamlessly.
Batteries
An important factor to consider when buying a CB radio is the battery. You need to buy radios with strong batteries that last and don’t get drained quickly. The objective ought to be to purchase high-power CB radios that you can use for a while without the power draining quickly and disappointing you when you need it most. It is best to go for a CB radio that can be powered by normal batteries and rechargeable batteries.
Other features
Another important factor you should consider before buying a CB radio is the display of the radio. LED display radios are better than those with LCDs. You should likewise consider the construction of the machine and if it is waterproof.
Final Thoughts
The type of signal to be transmitted determines the maximum power for the CB radio you can use. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits AM signals to 4 Watts of power and 12 watts peak envelope power for SSB mode. The CB radios with the longest range of 15 – 30 miles are offered by the SSB mode along with a good CB antenna and with the least noise.
