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Space is not a luxury in any of the vehicles. This is why CBers prefer to get small CB radios which can easily be installed in their vehicles.
I’m sure that knowing the best compact CB radio for your vehicle will cheer you up. Who else is in a better position to guide you through the selection of such mini CB radio than us?
We know precisely what you are looking for in your dream CB system.
- Outstanding reception and transmission
- A device that perfectly fit in your small space
- Long-range communication
With our top picks, you will no longer have to stare at your small dashboard. Yeah, we have you covered!
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the outstanding and powerful small-sized CB radios which are worth the investment. Tell you what, these CBs are the perfect fit for SUVs, cars, and motorcycles.
Eager to grab one? Here is an overview of the top players:
Table of Contents
Best Small CB Radios
CB Radio | Highlights | Price |
Uniden PRO520XL (Editor’s Choice) |
| ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Cobra 75WXST (Most Popular Choice) |
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Midland 75-822 (Best handheld Small CB) |
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Cobra 19 DXIV |
| ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Uniden CMX760 (Best for Offroad) |
| ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Why buy a Compact CB Radio?
It is very important to get a compact CB radio if there is not much space in your vehicle. Most people often think that a small-sized CB radio just saves some space in their vehicle. But, what if I tell you that it does more. Here are the advantages:
- No More Space Issue: If you are a CB enthusiast with space issues, compact CB radios are the best choice. You can easily install your radio in a cluttered dashboard and feel proud while retracting the mic’s cord.
- Rugged Design: Most of these mini CB radios are designed for harsh environments. You don’t have to worry about exposing them.
- No Compromise on Quality: Size is not everything. Even with the small size, these CBs are known for producing high-quality performance. This is why some of these CBs hold a place in our list of best CB radios ever made.
Best Compact CB Radio Reviews
It’s time to look at the top mini CB radios in the market in detail. Below you can find our reviews of these CB radios. We have justified why these CBs are a great investment if your vehicle is short of sufficient space.
Let’s start!
#1. Uniden PRO520XL- Our Top Pick
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➥Click for latest Price on Amazon
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The top one in our list is from none other than Uniden. Uniden PRO520 XL is a high-quality rugged CB unit known for its performance. The two years warranty the brand offers is a direct indication of its built-quality.
This U.S. FCC regulated CB radio with 40 Channels has a microphone mounted at the front. This fore-positioned mic comes with a long coiled cord to add flexibility and comfort to this radio system. The microphone works amazingly well and you won’t need a replacement mic with this CB.
Other key features of the CB are:
- Automatic noise limiter
- Auto-squelch
- Signal/RF meter
- Instant channel 9 access
- PA Capability
Thanks to the ANL and Auto Squelch Control, you will get clear and crystal sound quality with Uniden PRO520XL. Both these work together to in filtering surrounding noise to give you proper signals.
The CB radio also has Signal/RF meter and LED indicators for monitoring signals and activities. This product from Uniden also provides channels 9 and 19 to get connected to both the truck and emergency world when needed.
#2. Cobra 75WXST: Most Popular Compact CB in the market
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Although it’s second in our list, Cobra 75WXST is the most bought mini CB radio out there. The amazing reviews the product receives in various online platforms is the solid proof behind its reliability.
You can say goodbye to space constraints in your vehicle with this compact CB radio. Moreover, it’s not just the size that makes it the most popular small CB in the market. In fact, the highly-rated performance is another great thing that attracts CBers towards this.
You can instantly access to channel 9 and 19 with dual-watch and channel scan. The 4-channel programmable memory locations are another great addition. You wouldn’t be worrying about feeble sound as it has amazing noise-reduction technologies.
Other features:
- 10 NOAA Weather Channels
- Compact Design
- Channel scan
- Item Dimensions 1.6 x 2.8 x 4 inch
It’s designed perfectly to help you install in vehicles without any troubles. We normally recommend Cobra 75WXST for cars. With Remote Mount System, you can easily install it on your car’s dashboard. It can easily be called one of the best car CB radios in the market.
#3. Midland 75-822: Best Mini handheld CB
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Midland 75-822 is actually a handheld CB radio. More than cars, this one works best for motorcycles. You will see the CB holding a prime spot on our list of best motorcycle CB radios.
Comes with 40 channels, the small CB radio provides a power output of a maximum of 4 Watts. With the available Channel Scan feature, all 40 channels are checked automatically to monitor all activities. The scanning takes place for 5 seconds for each channel.
Other features:
- Portable CB radio
- 10 NOAA channels
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Instant access to NOAA Radio, channels 9 and 19
- ANL and Squelch Control
This amazing product also comes with the memory feature, allowing you to store the top five favorite channels for instant access. It also comes with a smart feature that allows you to switch to the last channel you had tuned before powering off.
ANL feature built into your system improves reception, whereas squelch control eradicates the noise from the background.
Midland 75-822 comes with NOAA channels for weather updates along with emergency channels. The ‘Dual Watch’ feature enables you to monitor any other channel you desire. The multifunctional backlit LCD display is another key feature worth having a look at. At any time of the day or night, you can read the display easily.
For powering your CB system, you will use its six AA batteries that have a battery life extender feature. Midhalnd has crafted the high (4w) /low transmit (1w) power settings. The good news is, it also comes with a mobile adopter for powering the radio by connecting it to your car’s ‘cigarette lighter’ socket.
#4. Cobra 19 DXIV
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Yeah, we have got one more product from the esteemed Cobra brand on the list. Cobra 19 DXIV is for people who are looking for the bare basic functionalities in their CB.
The compact nature of the CB radio makes it easy to install anywhere in your vehicle. You can buy it without any doubts for small pickups and cars. It can give you a range of 2 miles and with some of the best CB antennas, you can even extend range up to 5 miles.
Here are the features of Cobra 19 DXIV:
- Dimensions : 4.5″ W x 7″ D x 1.75″ H
- Item Weight: 2.43 pounds
- Public Address
- LCD Display
- Instant Channel 9/19
- RF Gain
#5. Uniden CMX760: Best offroad Small CB
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Pros | Cons |
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Uniden CMX760 is a relatively new player in the market. This is an off-road specific CB from Uniden to make communication smoother for travel freaks.
The compact nature itself is the top-selling feature of the CB. You can buy this mini CB radio when mounting or space constraints are there in your vehicle. I have seen many weekend travelers investing on this CB.
Although its performance is of a high standard, we still recommend you to get an external CB speaker. You can find some here: Best CB External Speakers: 7 Amplified PA Speakers for Your CB Radio
FAQ
How many amps do a small CB radio require?
Most of the small CB radios are AM CBs and they need 5-7 Amps.
Can I install a compact CB myself in a car?
The best part of the small CB radios is that you can install it yourself, without the help of any technician. Just follow the instructions provided in the manuals.
Does the size of CB radio affect its range?
The size of the CB radio doesn’t affect the range. In fact, the range of a CB radio depends on a lot of factors including the type of the CB(AM/SSB), antenna, terrain, etc.
Conclusion
When installation space and mounting is a big issue, we have no option than resorting to some of the best compact CB radios in the market. But apart from the size, these small CB radios are known for giving outstanding performances and at times, they can even match the biggies too.
Our reviews have given you 5 amazing choices. You can buy one of them for your cars or pickups and enjoy the reception.
Before we wrap up, let us have a quick look at our top 5 products you can consider for buying in 2019 :
CB Radio | 10 NOAA Channels | Instant Chanel 9 | Color Options | Dimension | Price |
Midland 75-822 | Yes | Yes | Black | 2.6 x 9.4 x 6.7 in | ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Cobra 75 WX ST | Yes | Yes | Black | 1.6 x 2.8 x 4 in | ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Uniden PRO520XL | No | Yes | Black | 4.5 x 6.8 x 1.4 in | ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Cobra 19 DXIV | NO | NO | Black | 4.5x 7x 1.75 in | ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Uniden CMX760 | Yes | Yes | Black | 4×0.97x 3.86 in | ➥Check latest Price on Amazon |
Let us know what you feel once you make the purchase. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
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