The 5 Best desktop Police Scanners (2023 reviews)

The scanner is a must have accessory for your daily purpose. This Scanner suffers from overload and IMD when using an outdoor antenna and has a difficult time with weak, distant stations. It is great with the internal speaker. It is used for transmitting also. It is a breeze to program with the computer.

This Scanner does have AM reception capability, does not have any CB channels currently programmed. The sound quality is outstanding and it's a very nice looking unit to boot. There is an upgrade to the software that will allow it to work with this model. This scanner does have AM reception capability, and does not have any CB channels currently programmed. It is a nice scanner and works real well.

Why We Like This:

Picks up everything, police, fire, troopers, swat, everything
Have many 'conventional channels programmed in, and reception is good, using the oem antenna
Different colors and audible alerts for each frequency

Best Runner up: Whistler Awesome Scanner

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Whistler line of scanner come in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. This scanner is not at all difficult to program. It picks up a wide variety of services including aircraft, police, fire and many others. It is super easy to use after it's programmed to your liking. The "Dim" setting is about the same brightness as the "Bright" setting on the older units. It is a breeze and very powerful.

This scanner is far and above the best for size, sound quality, and reception. It is really fun and challenging to program. It is programmed locally by a retired two way radio professional.

Why We Like This:

Good reception even at a distance, recommend addition of external speaker
Scanner antennas for cars can work well for at home listening
New and hot release

Best For Home: Uniden desktop Police Scanner

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The uniden desktop police scanner is capable of outshining several other scanner featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The Uniden Bearcat bc355n mobile base scanner is one of the most feature packed, user. It features “close call rf capture technology, which instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters. It includes 300 channels, close call rf capture technology with do-not-disturb, and temporary lockouts. It is easy to use and fun to listen to ems etc. The solid antenna for indoor use works well.

The bc355n comes complete with a backlit display, making it easier to read in low light conditions, along with ac adapter, a dc power cable and an automotive power outlet plug, giving you more options for supplying power at home or in your car. It includes the most interesting "action" bands where you can hear police, ambulance, fire, amateur radio, public utilities, weather, and more. This includes everything you need to get going right out of the box.

Why We Like This:

Great size, doesn't take up much room
Great simple scanner for analog am/fm
Good investment for long term

Best With FM Radio: Radioshack desktop Police Scanner

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Best part: radioshack desktop police scanner costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The 405 desktop radio scanner picks up police and fire frequencies in many areas, as well as aircraft, marine, fm, frs/gmrs and ham communications. It can receive these bands additionally it is designed for 12 volts. It handles analogue broadcasts like FM radio. It uses a wall wart that puts out 9 volts. It is easy to add more channels and there is an instruction manual included.

The batteries are for back when your power goes out you can use 1or2 antennas. It is very easy to program with local call numbers. It is easy to listen to a specific service.

Why We Like This:

New and hot release
One of the new comers and featured product

Best premium: Whistler desktop Police Scanner

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Whistler desktop police scanner is the epitome of what a great scanner should be. This 200 channel scanner features data cloning, pc updatable database capabilities, and dedicated skywarn storm spotter functionality. It provides instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks. The built in alarm clock lets you wake to your favorite fm station, a weather channel, or scanning. The scanner also features AM/FM clock radio with snooze and NOAA weather broadcasts.

Why We Like This:

Easily search bands commonly used for police, fire/ems, aircraft, amateur radio, and marine transmissions
New and hot release