Best CB Radio Reviews: Most Powerful & High Performance CB Radios for Long Range Communication

Last Updated on January 4, 2020 by Wayne

Let’s face it!

It has been years since people started wondering what is the best CB radio out there in the market.

With lot of products and changes in technology, finding the right CB that works is not an easy task. I had gone through this and I know how difficult it is to get a good CB radio that gives long-range communication.

There are two factors that make the search for an outstanding CB radio difficult:

Yeah, you read that right. But there’s always a way around…

We have researched and tested a lot of CBs to come up with 7 high-performance CB radios.

Here’s an overview of our favorite choices:

Top CB Radios

Why Buy a High-Performance CB in 2019?

It’s 2019 and you might be wondering whether you really need a CB radio or not!

But I’m damn sure that the below-mentioned reasons will enforce you to get one:

Best CB Radio Reviews

Let me tell you that finding the best and most powerful CB radios was definitely a heavy task.

But I have done the extra mile to find the top ones in the market.

Here is how we did it.

We started filtering out the vital features that contribute to the performance of a CB radio. These critical factors are:

The next step was to analyze other factors like performance, value for the money and interface.

Based on all these, we have tested and came out with the top 10 CBs.

Let’s dive in:

1. Cobra 29LX – Best High Range Multicolor CB Radio

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Cobra 29LX is undoubtedly the best you can get. I vouch for this matchless device with a marvelous design and a remarkable multicolor display system. This is the most feature-rich CB radio on the planet. As xRoadGPS.com says, this is the most modern CB you will ever get.

One of the alluring features of the product is its selectable four colors (red, blue, green and amber) display system. It has a dimmer which helps to adjust the brightness during the dark especially when you are on a night drive.

One of the most amazing features of the CB is that it automatically locks into 10 NOAA Weather Channels to provide an emergency weather alert and warn the driver at times of severe climatic conditions efficiently. The additional clock/alarm facility comes extremely handy for professional drivers. However, with the large display may cause inconvenience for radio placement in small spaces.

In short, Cobra 29 LX is quality assured weather channel CB radio for your truck or car.

2. Uniden BEARCAT 980 – Best Single Sideband Radio

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I went for Uniden BEARCAT 980 as it is a popular name on the list of highly advanced CB radios available on the market. This in fact the best SSB CB radio you can ever get.

The brilliant backlit keys and illuminating and colorful display offer high visibility and visual appeal.

The CB radio offers an advanced feature set for an impressively low price. If you check out the catalog of the CB radio, there won’t be any CB features missing that list.

The most ravishing feature of the CB is the unique Single Side Band and weather capability which offers high performance even at long distances.

The advanced weather scan technology warns the drivers of the impending weather conditions on the way. The weather push-button gives you an update of the weather condition in your area.

Another great feature to mention is its compatibility with wireless mics. This will help you using the Uniden Bearcat 980 even without using your hands. This may be the best thing Uniden did for truck drivers.

This is a great CB radio for long-range and it fulfills the utilitarian ends of the users to the maximum extent.

3. Uniden BEARCAT 880 – Amazing Flashy Radio

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Uniden BEARCAT 880 offers a unique visual experience to the customers with its brilliant seven color backlighting and a large easy-to-read display. The device assures clear reception and transmission of signals.

I found it very convenient during the late-night trips as the dimmer allows the user to adjust the brightness during day and night. If you’re someone who doesn’t like super-bright display, you can stay away from this CB.

If you’re like me who hates wired connections, then this radio is worth trying. Uniden 880 is compatible with Uniden’s CB microphone which works on the wireless. Most of the truck drivers know how clumsy it is to have lots of wiring in their truck.

You will easily get the range up to 10 miles with this killer CB radio. The weather option is outstanding and is very easy to use too.

The noise-canceling mic clears off the noise obstructions in the surroundings and offers a clear voice service. Extra-long mic cord becomes handy for professional truck drivers.

The amazing display and sound quality make the product worth flaunting.

4. Galaxy DX959-  High-Quality Features

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Galaxy DX 959 is indeed a treat for the customers as it is loaded with highly advanced features.

The first and foremost highlight of the product is its unique SSB feature that gets you a long-range and high performance. Moreover, with the full spectrum, you can modify the color setting of the device so easily.

It is a widely acknowledged fact that Galaxy is a dignified brand that puts forth quality products for the customers. This Galaxy 959 is known for its great signal reception. You can easily talk up to 15 miles with some customization. Yeah, it can be a great custom CB radio.

If you’re a truck driver, you will love using it. Thanks to the best voice clarity and the stylish but easy interface. The stock mic that comes along with the CB does a good job.

From my deep association with the device for years, I can assert that this CB radio has done full justice to its brand name. We recommend it for truck drivers and cars. Yeah, 959 has been one of the top-selling CB radios from Galaxy for the last 16 years.

5.Midland 75-822 – Best Handheld CB

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Midland 75-822 is one of the most advanced portable CB radios available on the market at present. This is infact the best handheld CB radio in our list.

Compact and stylish, this one will really steal your heart.

The dual watch feature facilitates the user to use two preferred channels simultaneously. The enhanced weather radio delivers weather reports on a frequent basis.

Its construction is so unique that you can perfectly slip it into the car docking base. Moreover, the backlit function facilitates the user to operate the device at any time- day or night.

The alluring package also includes AC wall adapter, rechargeable, and alkaline battery compartment, mobile adapter and antenna.

In fact, this is an excellent product that shows an upward market trend at present. We will never recommend this for regular CB users. But if you’re an occasional user, this is the best one you can get!

6. Cobra 18 WXSTII – Best Dual Watch Radio

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If you go through the market surveys, you can infer that Cobra 18WXSTII is one of the fast-selling CB radios on the market. Although it is not that fancy, this one is a great choice for those who are looking for compact and simple CB radio.

The in-built weather scan technology facilitates the user to be aware of the imminent dangers on the way. The dual watch facility allows the user to watch two preferred channels simultaneously. It also facilitates last channel retention for your convenience.

The user-friendly CB Radio offers a large and easy-to-read display for the users. Moreover, the PA switching sounds to be beneficial for professional truck drivers to make a public address in an emergency. It has a long microphone cord of approximately 9 feet.

Another striking feature about this Cobra CB radio is it will easily mount in in-dash installations! We have seen that this one works great with Jeeps. The only problem with the CB is that its in-line fuse requires proper maintenance

Cobra 18WXSTII offers all the basic requirements of the users in a tremendous way.

7. Uniden PRO510XL – Top Choice for Beginners

If you are tired of browsing through affordable CB radios available on the market at present with the advanced CB features, then I guarantee you that Uniden is an excellent brand worth considering.

Uniden PRO510XL is an ultra-compact CB radio that offers impressive mobility and works absolutely well in rough conditions. For the convenience, the microphone is front-positioned with an extra-long coiled cord.

The device has a striking RF Gain that offers striking voice clarity in a noisy environment. With its limited number of knobs and dials, it offers smooth operation.

Moreover, high-quality CB radio offers a good range when tuned properly. The transmissions are crisp and clear and the package includes a microphone, mounting bracket, and mounting hardware.

It lacks some of the key features like Instant Channel 9/19, Weather channels, Public Addressing, etc. But this one is not meant for hardcore CB enthusiasts. This an affordable CB radio that is intended at occasional users. We would say this is a great choice for the entry-level.

How to buy the Most Powerful CB Radio

It’s very common that newbies find it a bit hard to understand the technical attributes behind CB radio. Needless to say, this makes the buying process quite perplexing.

But here’s a detailed outline to get the best CB:

Recommendations for Vehicles

The truth is that not all CB radios are everyone’s cup of tea.

Here is how you can pick a CB for your vehicle:

• Large-sized CB radios consume a great deal of space. These are best for heavy vehicles like trucks, semi-trucks and base stations.
• You can use compact CB radios for cars, SUVs, and motorcycles.
• If you prefer to use the CB radio as a walkie-talkie, it is better to opt for a handheld CB radio with rechargeable batteries. It is also often recommended for motorcyclists.

CB Radio Buying Checklist

• Get the Right Size

While choosing the CB radio, make sure that it rightly slips into your vehicle. If you do not have enough space to mount the CB radio in your vehicle, go for a compact-sized one.

Making a note of the available size in your vehicle is an important consideration before dashing into the shop.

• Don’t Compromise on the Material Quality

If you are going to be a regular user of CB radio, always look for a brand that offers high quality. Some of the big brands in the CB industry are:

1. 1. 1. Cobra
      2. Galaxy
      3. Uniden

Chrome-based CB radios are the best in terms of durability and strength. However, if you are opting for a plastic-based brand, then go for a durable plastic.

• Get Large-sized Display

If easy reading is one of your priorities on the list, then opt for a CB radio that offers a large display.

We highly recommend this for truck drivers as they often need to check the display while driving through rush traffic.

• Multicolored Display

Multicolor displays add vigor and enthusiasm to late-night trips. The illuminating colors create a rejuvenating ambiance in the surrounding. The brightness can be adjusted during the daytime. You can easily switch to your preferred color of light that matches the accessories in the surrounding.

 The Features/Specifications to Look for in a CB Radio

Must-Have CB Radio Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

Found the Perfect CB for You?

CB radios prove to be a wise investment worth flaunting for being a 24 hours-companion in a dynamic way and investing in a good CB radio is not at all a bad option. The ones we have listed are top of the line CB radios you can spend your money on.

With their advanced features, these CB radios meet the most pressing demands of the customers in a remarkable manner. Being compact and handy, these modern CB radios offer greater mobility in comparison to the conventional models.

We hope that our reviews of the best CB radios in the market will help you have an outstanding experience with these two-way radios.

Get the CB that suits you and enjoy it!