When it comes to communication, there are different means that are used nowadays, but one of the most reliable is considered a cell phone.
However, there are places where our smartphone may not prove so convenient, therefore there is a need for something that’ll be more useful.
When you hear about a handheld CB radio, you probably think that it’s just a device that’s already obsolete, and there is no use for it anymore.
Surprisingly, the handheld SSB CB radio is still very popular and convenient, especially when it comes to trucks.
The handheld CB radios have proven to be very practical in many activities in the modern world, such as hunting, hiking, offroading, emergency response, and similar things.
In cases like these, this kind of communication transmission is needed because it is easier, more reliable, and you don’t have to worry about being without a signal in the middle of the road.
See Our Best Portable CB Radios
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Best For Higher Budgets
2Uniden PRO501HH Portable Handheld CB Radio
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| 3
Best Overall
3Midland 75-822 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio
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Best For Low Budgets
4Uniden PRO401HH 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio
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1. Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip Handheld CB Radio
- Magnetic mobile antenna.
- Sound-tracking.
- Access to 40 channels.
- 10 NOAA weather channels.
This handheld radio by Cobra is jam-packed with features fit for your next road trip.
It comes with a mountable magnetic antenna which you can place on the roof of your car, so you can easily use it from inside the vehicle.
The radio has 40 channels, as well as 10 NOAA weather channels, where you can track three of them simultaneously keeping you in the know of upcoming weather changes.
Cobra has also implemented the sound tracker system, which cuts out up to 90% of static noise or interference, giving you a crystal clear sound.
You can also select to track two channels at once thanks to the dual watch, keeping you alert of the events around you.
Specifications
Pros
- Simple, compact design.
- Noise and static reduction to 90%.
- Dual watch.
Cons
- Short-range.
2. Uniden PRO501HH Portable Handheld CB Radio
- 40 channels.
- 10 NOAA weather channels.
- Automatic noise limiter.
- Selectable 4 Watt Hi / 1 Watt low power.
The PRO501HH radio by Uniden is a solid choice for handheld CB radios. It comes with 40 channels and 10 additional NOAA weather channels fitted in a rugged design.
The radio also features a built-in channel scanner, so you can automatically search for an active channel or you can easily switch to the Channel 9 emergency line with just a click of a button.
The best feature of the radio is its sound quality, which sounds excellent in an ideal environment and even better if you have a pair of earbuds that you can plugin into the radio itself.
Specifications
Pros
- Dual watch.
- Backlit LCD screen.
- Comes with a car charger.
- Channel scanner.
Cons
- Short-range antenna.
- Bulky design.
3. Midland 75-822 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio
- 40 channels
- 10 NOAA weather channels.
- Automatic channel scanner.
- 4 Watts of output power.
The 75-822 CB radio by Midland is an adequate choice if you’re looking for one for your next road trip.
The first thing you’re going to notice is its slender design, which has a backlit LCD screen so you can read it at any time during the day.
It comes with a keypad lock, so you can “lock” your preferred settings. The radio comes with 40 channels and an automatic channel scanner that stops once it finds an active channel.
Additionally, there are 10 NOAA weather channels that keep you updated on upcoming hazards.
Another feature is the automatic noise limiter which ensures there is no background or static noise interfering with the signal, giving you a crystal clear sound.
Specifications
Pros
- Automatic noise limiter.
- Dual watch.
- Cigarette lighter adapter.
- Easy to read LCD screen.
Cons
- Fragile adapter.
4. Uniden PRO401HH 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio
- 40 channels.
- Automatic noise limiter.
- Microphone/Speaker jack.
- 4 Watt Hi/Lo power output.
The Uniden PRO401HH offers quite convenient use. The radio has a very sleek, easy-to-use design and guarantees great communication.
It comes with 40 channels, all of which are accessible with the automatic channel scanner button – every time the scanner finds an active channel, it stops and establishes communication.
The radio also has excellent sound quality both for incoming and outgoing signals.
One of the best features for this model is the power output, offering 4 Watts for maximum coverage and strongest signal and 1 Watt for power saving.
You can also upgrade your radio with some accessories, such as earbuds or a microphone and you can even connect it to your car, so you can use it on the move.
Specifications
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Wide reception.
- Low power setting.
Cons
- Not suitable for longer range use.
5. Midland 75-785 40-Channel Portable CB Radio
- 40 channels.
- Hi/Lo power setting.
- Automatic noise limiter.
- PLL channel selection.
If you’re looking for a durable, yet inexpensive CB radio, the Midland 75-785 model is a perfect choice. Firstly, the design feels quite light, as well as quite sturdy, and has a great grip on the hand.
The screen only displays the channel, along with two LED lights – one for the battery indicator and another signaling transmission.
Like all CB radios, this one has 40 channels, but there are no NOAA weather channels available.
The radio is perfectly suitable for short-range communication, but it can go up to 2 miles in open spaces with little to no obstacles.
Additionally, there is an automatic noise limiter, which reduces the background noise, giving you a clearer sound.
Specifications
Pros
- Lightweight.
- User-friendly.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- No NOAA channels.
6. Cobra HH50WXST Portable CB Radio
- Sound tracker system.
- 40 channels.
- NOAA weather channels.
- Automatic channel scanner.
The HH50WXST CB radio by Cobra merges the full functionality of a classic CB radio with the convenience of a walkie talkie into an ultimate experience on your next adventure!
The radio is packed with 40 channels, as well as 10 additional NOAA weather channels informing you of upcoming hazards or weather changes.
It also comes in with a built-in channel scanner, which automatically connects to an active channel and it also has the dual watch feature, so you can track two channels simultaneously.
One of the best features is the sound tracker system, which filters the sound and eliminates background noise and static, giving you the best possible sound.
Specifications
Pros
- Compact design.
- Dual watch.
- Hi/Lo power setting.
- Great sound quality.
Cons
- Short-range with ducky antenna.
Handheld CB Radio Buying Guide
Citizen Band radios are one of the most practical ways to communicate while on the road, and truck drivers find them as the most convenient tool in their work.
If you’re a rookie when it comes to handheld CB radios and you aren’t sure what type would be appropriate for you, here are some features you’d like to consider before buying one.
If you consider all of the points on the list below, you wouldn’t have any problems choosing the right CB radio for you.
Portability
Since we’re talking about handheld CB radios, it’s very important to have one that’s easy to carry around.
Even though you’re going to use it in a truck, it’s essential that your CB radio is lightweight and easy to handle while driving.
Here, you would also like to consider the way in which the radio charges and its battery life because these things contribute to the portability of it.
Therefore, when you choose a handheld CB radio, you should opt for something that isn’t heavy, it’s easy to handle while driving, and has a convenient way of charging.
Range
Determining the greatest range of radio may be a difficult task, but you should know that handheld CB radios can reach up to a 5-mile range in ideal conditions.
When we talk about ideal conditions, here you have to consider a few things that contribute to them, such as the terrain, the antenna you’re using, and the air condensation as well.
To be able to send a signal out of a vehicle, you have to bear in mind that your radio has to have an external antenna, which will enable the transmission out of a truck.
Most of the handheld CB radios nowadays have interchangeable antennas, so you can enable a maximal range of the radio.
Therefore, an external antenna may be a priority when buying a radio.
Power
The most powerful handheld CB radios let you send signals at 12 watts instead of 4 watts of power, meaning that you’ll have 3x the transmission range.
These are called Single Side Band radios, and they contribute to achieving the max range.
However, to be able to send signals and for others to hear your transmission, they would also need an SSB radio, and you’ll communicate in perfect conditions.
But, if you aren’t able to find someone with SSB equipment, you’ll still be able to communicate because all SSB equipped radios operate well on regular CB channels (4 watts).
Features
When buying a handheld CB radio, you should consider other features that you’ll need for better communication.
These additional things will contribute to easier transmission of signals, and also they may ease up your time on the road.
These additions include Channel Scanning, Squelch Control, and NOAA Weather Channels.
Channel Scanning
A CB channel scanner works like all of the usual radio scanners, meaning that it scans all of the possible channels available for activity.
This channel scanning feature finds the channels automatically, so you wouldn’t have to look for channels manually. We’re all aware that looking for channels manually is boring and tiresome.
Squelch Control
The Squelch Control is a feature that works as kind of a break to the CB radio activity.
This activates the speaker only when a signal is received, so you wouldn’t have to constantly listen to static.
This addition is included in all modern handheld CB radios, but it’s better to find it in the description of the product before the purchase.
NOAA Weather Channels
While on the road you may experience different kinds of weather conditions, therefore it’s better to be prepared, or be able to avoid severe weather.
The NOAA Weather Channels are able to detect bad weather conditions and send you an alert, so you would know what to expect in an area you’re going towards.
Most of the handheld CB radios have this feature with more than 10 channels to determine the weather.
If you are interested to read more about best weather radios, make sure you read our guide on it.
Battery Life
One of the most important features you have to consider when purchasing a handheld CB radio is its battery life because after all, you use it in a truck where you spend a lot of time, and not always you’ll be able to properly charge it.
Most of the handheld CB radios use regular AA or AAA batteries, but the more improved ones have the ability to work on rechargeable lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries.
These kinds of batteries are a better choice because you’ll be able to save tons of money.
Another thing to consider is the estimated battery life of your device, so you’d know when you should carry extra batteries, so you wouldn’t end up with a dead battery and no communication while on the road.
Sound Quality
Most of the modern handheld CB radios have a great sound quality and the signals you’re sending are heard clearly.
But, many times you can find yourself on roads where the transmission is weak, resulting in weakening the sound quality as well.
For cases like these, you might want to consider having an additional feature in your device, such as Automatic Noise Limited (ANL), which filters the static noise and interference from the signal, resulting in better sound quality in the reception.
Pricing Range
The pricing range depends on the type of the handheld CB radio and all the features it includes.
However, you can find the cheapest CB radio at around $40, while the most expensive are above $100. If you want your CB radio to include all of the modern features, it’s understandable to expect a higher price.
You have to decide which of the features you really need, and that way you can make your choice and determine the budget you’re able to spend on a handheld CB radio.
Our Verdict
Handheld Citizen Band radios are one of the most practical ways of communication for trucks while on the road.
If you spend a lot of time on the road, you’re probably aware that you can’t really rely on your smartphone due to the fact that a lot of times you find yourself without a signal.
As you could see, the modern CB radios offer a lot of features and are quite convenient for sending messages with your buddies while on the road.
There are a lot of types out on the market, but not all of them work as you’d wish.
That’s why you’re certainly going to find our list helpful for making your decision because we’ve narrowed it down to the best radios out there, so you just have to pick one without any additional research.
