Citizens Band (CB) radios have many uses. They can be used on long road journeys, commuting to work, oversea's, boating, caravanning, camping, hiking and home use. They are also used extensively by commercial vehicle drivers, farmers and other outdoor professionals. No matter what you’re using it for, the radios that are currently on the market are better than ever.
Finding the best CB radio for your needs can be confusing with lots of technical jargon and hundreds of options. Do you want a handheld or car-mounted system? Do you need auto squelch capabilities? Do you want a compact model or one with a larger LCD screen?
Whether you are a CB enthusiast looking to purchase a new radio, or a first-time buyer, our reviews can help you find the exact option for your situation. Read below to find the bestselling, most compact and best value CB radios!
| EDITOR'S CHOICE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moonraker Minor II plus |
Midland 78 Pro |
Anytone Mini |
Midland 48 Pro |
President McKinley |
Super Star 3900 |
|
| Mode | FM/AM | FM/AM | FM/AM | FM/AM | FM/AM/SSB | FM/AM/SSB |
| Power | 4 Watts | 4 Watts | 4 Watts | 4 Watts | 4(AM/FM)/12(SSB) | 4(AM/FM)/12(SSB) |
| Voltage | 12/24 | 12 | 13.2 | 12/24 | 13.2/24 | 13.8 |
| Size | 38 × 115 × 150 mm | 150 × 45 × 175 mm | 109 × 104 × 25 mm | 180 × 50 × 150 mm | 170 × 150 × 52 mm | 287 × 200 × 61 mm |
| VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT | VIEW PRODUCT |
1. Moonraker Minor II Plus - Best selling
The Moonraker Minor II Plus makes operation simple while still offering many of the appealing features found in today's top radios. Truck drivers, professionals and radio enthusiasts love the fact that it covers both the UK and European frequencies while remaining compact and easy to use.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Channel: 40 (Multi-standard 40 UK & 40 EU)
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Power: 4 Watts
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Dual Voltage: 12V/24V
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Size: 38mm x 115mm x 150mm
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Command microphone
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Signal Power Display
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Auto Squelch & RF Gain dials
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Up/Down navigation buttons
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Quick access knob for 9/19
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Switch for UK/EU Channels
PROS
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A good mid-range radio that is easily navigable while driving with user-friendly quick controls and simple buttons. Some great add on features such as the command microphone, RF Gain dial and signal power display meter..
CONS
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Whilst this is a compact radio, there are smaller models available and also larger models with more features.
2. Midland 78 Pro - Best Value
The first and still the most popular Midland Multiband CB! The Midland 78 Plus Multi offers a range of great features packaged in an easy to use and compact chassis. The Midland 78 Plus is 12V operation
Alan 78 Pro is high tech and complete in facing all sorts of noises: it is equipped with the Digital Squelch, that eliminates the background swish and the Noise Blanker, to cancel the environmental noises.
It is conceived for multiband frequencies and designed for long journeys and routes in Europe.
Alan 78 Pro is able to to scan available channels and is equipped with the EMG key on the front panel for immediate selection of the Emergency channel 9.
The supplied microphone belongs to “Precision Series”, with Up, Down and Lock buttons.
Alan 78 Pro has sockets to connect to an external SMeter and a 6-pin microphone connector.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Multiband CB
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Large Backlit LCD Display
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"Scan" function
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weight: 1.020kg
PROS
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The Midland 78 Pro is one of the cheapest CB radios we carry but comes with excellent features. You wont find a better value for its low cost. Plus, with 9 programmable bands and a high-quality VoX functioin, you can stay in contact no matter where your travel takes you.
CONS
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Whilst the Midland 78 pro delivers excellent value, its price means that several other models have higher specifications and a better LCD screen. It also only operates 12 Volts power supply, compared to the 12/24 Volts of the other models..
3. Anytone Mini - Best small/compact
What stands out about this release from Anytone is a versatile product designed to meet your communication needs across various regions with its multiple mode options including EU, EUH, CE, UK, PL, E1, I2, DE, and DEH.
Whether you're tuning in to AM or FM frequencies, stay connected effortlessly with its reliable AM/FM mode feature. Enhance your experience with the ASQ/SQ function, ensuring clear and crisp transmissions.
For emergency situations, rest assured with the EMG channel CH9/19 readily accessible. Plus, with the Dual Watch capability, monitor two channels simultaneously for enhanced efficiency. Stay connected, stay informed, with the Anytone Mini.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Mode: EU,EUH,CE,UK,PL,E1,I2,DE,DEH
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AM/FM mode
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ASQ/SQ function
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EMG channel CH9/19
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Dual Watch
PROS
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Size
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controls on the Microphone
CONS
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Microphone isnt removable
4. Midland 48 Pro - Best for durability
Another addition from the Midland range making our list, the Midland 48 Pro can be used across many countries as it has adjustable power 1W/4W and frequencies that can be set to the regulations of the country in which it is used. Now with Dual voltage capability it does not need reducers and therefore easy to install in both trucks and cars. It has easy installation thanks to the DIN bracket.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Band modes: AM/FM
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Modulation: AM: 90%, FM: 1.8 KHz +/- 0.2 KHz
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Channels: 400 channels
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Frequency Range: 26.565 - 27.99125 MHz
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Weight: 1kg
PROS
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Dual Voltage
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Good Audio
CONS
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Size: Quite large for some vehicles
5. President McKinley- Best high quality
Next on our list is the President McKinley is by far one of the best in terms of quality due to its impressive features that allow for audio customisation. As radios add more functions, it can become difficult to access the options in a user-friendly manner. The McKinley functionality is simple, and its user interface is impressive.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Channel: 40 (Multi-standard 40 UK & 40 EU)
- Power - 4 Watts
- Dual Voltage: 12/24Vdv
- Size: 52mm x 150mm x 170mm
- Three knobs (two are dual controls with inner and outer adjustments) and 5 buttons. Each button can be used to select 3 different functions. There is also a digital menu with a further 7 functions including an SWR function. The functions are extensive.
- Large LCD with seven colour backlight display
PROS
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Extremely durable and extensive functions.
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Easy built in SWR testing.
CONS
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Expensive
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Microphone could be better for price
6. Super Star 3900 - Most iconic
Introducing our innovative Handheld Transceiver the Super Star 3900, is an ultimate tool for seamless communication.
With its disconnectable design on the side and intuitive UP/DOWN buttons, enjoy effortless control and convenience in your hands. Navigate through channels and radio functions with ease, thanks to the vibrant backlight display featuring a clear channel indicator.
Monitor performance effortlessly with the built-in Stationary Wave Meter (ROE), ensuring optimal signal transmission. Stay informed at a glance with the Output Power and Reception Signal Indicator (SWR Meter), providing real-time feedback for enhanced efficiency.
Elevate your communication experience with our Handheld transceiver, where reliability meets versatility.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Channels: 40 Multinorm
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Modes: AM / LSB / USB / FM
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Frequency: 26,565 to 27,99125 Mhz
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Programmin lead 37-185 (not supplied)
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Dimensions: 287 x 200 x 61 mms
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Weight: 1500g
PROS
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Impressive performance and build quality.
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Full SDR technology radio in a retro style CB
CONS
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Programming lead 37-185 (not supplied)
How to Choose the Best CB Radio
When you are selecting a radio, you’ll want to consider a few factors. These will ensure that you choose the right product for your needs.
What is your budget?
CB radio comes at a unique price, but the cost is not always an indicator of quality. Look at the value of each radio in terms of its features and capabilities. This will help you get a great quality radio without having to break your budget.
Many of the top-end radios will include ‘nice to have’ features that you probably won't ever use. The lower end units are more basic click and go units. Most units can be ‘upgraded’ with external speakers and meters.
Where are you going to locate the radio?
On The Road: Typically, a radio will sit on the dashboard of your vehicle. Inspect the space before you select a radio. Each radio typically comes with a mounting kit that will help to secure your device. However, you may wish to hide your radio, and therefore a compact radio with command microphone may be more appropriate.
At Home: All radio’s can be used at home, although you will need a separate power supply. If you are radioing from home, you would typically place the unit on your desktop. At home, you will probably have more space so you should be able to choose one of the bigger units.
What size radio do you want?
Once you have decided where you are going to locate your radio, you need to consider what size works best for you. Do you want a small, compact radio or a larger unit? Generally, the larger units will have better displays and more features.
What features do you ideally want in the radio?
A few of the features you may want to consider when buying a radio include:
- Auto Squelch
- RF Gain
- Channel scan
- High-quality speakers
Auto-Squelch
Automatically adjusts the sensitivity of your CB radio to adjust for whatever signal strength you may be receiving. Lower squelch levels will allow you to receive transmissions from a greater distance, but these transmissions will contain more background noise. Higher squelch levels reduce the background noise but will eliminate some weaker transmissions.
RF Gain
One of the most valuable features for a CB radio is RF gain. Allows you to fine-tune the receiver sensitivity to pick up a signal with enough strength, but not too much background noise.
Channel Scan
This feature makes it possible to quickly scan all 40 CB channels for activity (i.e. someone talking). In some models, you can scan a smaller number of pre-selected channels. These channels can be stored in memory.
High-Quality Speaker
Some radios have better audio clarity than others. Background noise filter and transmit modulation quality are essential for the truly best audio, as well as receive sensitivity.
But don’t forget that most radio’s come with a jack socket for external speakers. This means that you do not necessarily need to rely on the unit’s speaker and instead can utilise an extension speaker.
What are the basic principles for good performance?
The standard UK output, which is true for every UK-based radio, is 4 watts of power. Every device will follow this standard. When you pay more for the radio, therefore, you are paying for additional features, higher quality components and better build quality.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal CB radio can be confusing if you don’t know much about features and brands. Use our buyers guide to help you find the right CB radio for you!