CB radios have been around for decades, and they are still a popular way to communicate while on the road.

When you’re out on the road having the best CB radio not only lets you keep in communication with others but it also offers a safety net in case something happens.

Citizen’s Band Radio, as they’re also called let you contact others who are on other CB radio channels.

Their purpose is similar to other types of radios but the way they work and being able to use them differs.

In this review we cover a number of different types that are available, including those that are cheap, handheld, portable and some also for truckers.

In this buyer’s guide, we will take a look at the 5 best CB radios of 2022. We will discuss the features of each radio and help you decide which one is right for you.

What is CB Radio?

Citizens’ Band (CB) radio was created by the FCC in 1958. It was originally designed for small businesses, but took off with the public when the FCC lifted restrictions on who could use it and when. Before CB, people used short-wave radios or walkie-talkies to communicate.

CB uses 40 channels in the 27 MHz range of the radio spectrum (11m). It is a service that is governed by rules and regulations set forth by the FCC.

CB is a two-way radio (transceiver) service intended for personal and business activities of licensees and their immediate family members.

CB radios are a popular way to communicate with other drivers, and they can also be used for emergencies.

With CB, you can talk to friends and family, meet new people, report any dangerous situations on roadways or help others who are in need of assistance.

There are many other uses as well, such as communicating with your favorite hunting buddies while out in the woods or fishing buddies while out at sea.

CB radios are available in a variety of different sizes and styles, and they can be used in both cars and trucks.

Top Rated 5 Best CB Radio on Market

Johnson II USA AM Transceiver CB Radio Review – Best Fixed-mount CB Radio

The Johnson II is a great radio for those looking to upgrade from a basic CB radio such as the Uniden PRO505XL or Cobra 19DXIV.

It’s also a great choice for first-time buyers.

The model offers many of the more advanced features found in higher-end models but affords them at an affordable price.

The most notable feature of the Johnson II is its LCD display.

With this display you can monitor battery voltage and RF power output, which are essential features for long-distance communication.

The buttons are well-spaced and easy to press, though they could be larger.

You can choose between 12V or 24V power sources by flipping an internal switch.

You can use these readings to adjust your radio settings for maximum range and clarity.

The Johnson II also uses an Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) and Noise Blanker (NB) to filter out background noise, providing clearer sound quality so you can listen and speak more comfortably.

With dual watch, you can monitor two channels at once and switch between them quickly using the Up/Down buttons on the front panel.

This feature allows you to stay in touch with different groups of people while traveling or working on the road.

If you’re looking for a good starter radio, this model is worth considering due to its many useful features, including 40 channels, ANL, NB and dual watch capabilities.

This radio has some great features, like 40 channels, 12/24V, S-meter, Weather channel with Alert and more.

You also get the ability to talk up to 20 miles with it’s 4 Watt AM output power.

It also comes with a detachable microphone, making it easy to store and transport.

Features:

• 40 channels AM
• 12/24V
• Up/down channel selector
• Volume adjustment and ON/OFF
• Manual squelch
• ASC
• Multi-functions LCD display

Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way Radio Review – Best Portable CB radio

The Midland 75-822 is a great CB radio that costs just $75. It comes with 40 channels and more can be added with a scan. It can detect over 350 channels on a good sunny day, and the main channels have no problems with reception even in bad climate.

The sound clarity is perfect, and the buttons and knobs don’t wear off or degrade easily. It can communicate over a distance of 15 miles and beyond with quality transmission to the other side.

This is great for long distance drives or monitoring the road conditions on a bad day. The NOAA weather stations can be accessed with the touch of a button, making travel much safer.

Be prepared for any situation with the Midland Micro 40 Channel CB Radio. The compact design is perfect for stowing in your glove box or backpack and it features a convenient belt clip.

The backlit LCD display offers easy viewing, even in low lighting conditions. It also includes multiple power options: either standard AA batteries or the included cigarette lighter adapter for vehicle use.

This is the best CB radio for the price as it has been for years. With the kind of build quality, it should easily last for a decade without having the need to make repairs or upgrades.

This two-way radio is ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, off-roading and more. It also makes a great everyday carry device to keep informed of community news and events.

The car or jeep or any vehicle that you are plugging this in needs an antennae. If you’re looking for an inexpensive CB radio, this is one worth a good look.

Pros:

• Cheap.
• Wide range reception.
• Quality transmission.
• Can get connected to more than 350 channels.
• Nice design.

Cons:

• Needs antennae.

Cobra 75WXST 40-Channel CB Radio

The Cobra 75WXST is a simple 40 channel CB Radio. The design is ergonomic and sleek. It fits into either hand well and all buttons can be accessed with the holding hand.​

The 75 WX ST is a super compact hide-away Remote Mount design, full featured CB radio with weather channels, ideal for vehicles where space is a premium.

The 75 WX ST’s most prominent feature is it’s small remote mount design, perfect for sport compact cars, motorcycles and other vehicles with limited interior space.

The 75 WX ST has all the features you would expect from a high end CB radio like a “Talkback” circuit to monitor your own transmission, variable power output control to adjust the transmitter power from 4 watts to the maximum legal limit of 4 watts.

The wire is nice and long. For transmission and reception, it can communicate well more than 15 miles with any other radio with crystal clear sound on the other end.

This also has access to 10 NOAA channels. The tuning is really easy.

Even while driving you can tune into nearby stations or create a new channel without struggling. This also needs antennae, and the better it is, the better is the transmission and receptions.

Pros

• Simple design.
• Long cord.
• Good sound on the other end.
• Long-distance radio.
• Easy to setup and operate.

Cons

• Speakers are just okay.

Cobra 29 LX 40-Channel CB Radio

The Cobra 29 is a 40 channel CBR with four switchable colors in the LCD. The colors are nice and bright and it has options to make it dimmer or brighter to your preference.

This is a great feature considering the price and utility of the radio.

One awesome new feature on the Cobra 29 is the auto switching of the channel if it gets out of transmission.

So, there is no static or white noise when CBR is out of a particular channel’s range.

The memory of the Cobra 29 is good. It can store 10 channels, no problems in controlling and modulating this feature.

It also has Alarm, Start-Stop timer, and the 10 NOAA channels. The cord can reach up to 10 feet. Overall, a great addition to a vehicle in place of the stock radio.

Pros:
1. Switchable colors.
2. Great features.
3. Easy to setup.
4. Long cord.
5. Low battery usage.

Cons:
1. Can’t rough-use the knobs.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Uniden 40-Channel CB Radio

The Uniden 40-Channel radio is a simple and small CBR. This is a handheld CB Radio and the main console is really compact, saving a ton of space in the vehicle for other add-ons.

It has very low battery usage, and has an LED backlight making it easy to read the screen. Setup and usage is simple.

No problems in mounting and tuning the CBR.

Though very small, the sound clarity in transmission and reception is brilliant.

The cord for this handheld radio is small. It hardly comes to three feet from the console.

This can be replaced easily in any electrical shop if you prefer something larger.

The built quality is amazing for the price; the knobs, tuners, and outer frame will last a long time of regular use.

Pros:
1. Small and compact. Handheld CB radio
2. Inexpensive.
3. Easy to use.
4. Good sound clarity.
5. Can connect to external speakers.

Cons:
1. Short cord.

Our Rating: 9/10

Uniden Bearcat 980 CB Radio

The Uniden Bearcat 980 is an advanced version of the basic Uniden CBR. It comes with an ergonomic meshed handheld.

The sound quality and mic is great. The receiver is sensitive and it can access over 200 channels with slow tuning.

The design of the console is compact and slightly bigger than the basic Uniden.

The 980 also has a brighter display and more control knobs and comes with a dynamic squelch which gathers only the best channels in the locality.

The microphone has excellent clarity to long-distance transmissions.

The backlight can be changed through 7 different colors.

A great CBR if you are looking for a one-time investment, as this has all the features for a perfect CBR and it delivers well on all fronts.

Pros:
1. Seven colors switching.
2. Good microphone and speaker.
3. Excellent built quality.
4. Sensitive receiver.
5. Easy to tune.

Cons:
1. Beeps while switching channels.

Our Rating: 10/10

CB radios Buyer Guide

CB radios are a great way to communicate with other drivers while on the road. They can also be helpful for finding directions or information, and they can be used for emergencies. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

When choosing a CB radio, it is important to consider the features that are important to you. Some of the factors you may want to consider include the type of CB radio, the features it offers, and the price.

Squelch Control

One feature that is important to consider is squelch control. Squelch control allows you to adjust how much noise your CB radio hears. This is helpful for minimizing background noise and improving sound quality.

When choosing a CB radio, be sure to consider how important squelch control is to you. Some CB radios offer more advanced squelch controls than others.

RF Gain

RF gain is a feature that allows you to adjust the strength of the signal your CB radio receives. This is helpful for minimizing background noise and improving sound quality.

When choosing a CB radio, be sure to consider how important RF gain is to you. Some CB radios offer more advanced RF gain controls than others.

PA Capability

PA capability allows you to use your CB radio as a public address system. This can be helpful for making announcements while on the road.

When choosing a CB radio, be sure to consider how important PA capability is to you. Some CB radios offer more advanced PA capabilities than others.

Automatic Noise Limited (ANL)

Some CB radios offer an automatic noise limited (ANL) feature. This feature helps to reduce background noise and improve sound quality.

When choosing a CB radio, be sure to consider how important ANL is to you. Some CB radios offer more advanced ANL features than others.

Weather Capabilities

CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

Instant Channel 9 & 19

Instant Channel 9 & 19 are two channels that are commonly used for emergencies. They allow drivers to communicate with each other quickly and easily.

Channel Scanning

Channel scanning allows you to scan through all of the channels available on your CB radio. This can be helpful for quickly finding the right channel to talk on.

Single Side Band (SSB)

Some CB radios offer a single side band (SSB) feature. This feature allows you to send and receive voice and data transmissions using a single frequency. This can be helpful for improving sound quality and reducing background noise.

When choosing a CB radio, be sure to consider how important SSB is to you. Some CB radios offer more advanced SSB features than others.

FAQ’s

What are the benefits of CB radios?

CB radios offer a number of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to communicate with each other while on the road, which can help improve safety. CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

What are the different types of CB radios?

There are a number of different types of CB radios available on the market. Some CB radios are designed to be used in cars, while others are designed for trucks. There are also CB radios that are specifically designed for RVs and campers.

What is Handheld CB Radio ?

Handheld CB radios are a type of CB radio that is designed to be portable. They are small and lightweight, and they can be easily carried in your pocket or bag. Handheld CB radios are a great option for people who need a portable radio for emergencies or for travel.

What are the benefits of handheld CB radios?

Handheld CB radios offer a number of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to communicate with each other while on the road, which can help improve safety. CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

What is Fixed-mount CB Radio ?

Fixed-mount CB radios are a type of CB radio that is designed to be mounted in a vehicle. They are typically installed in the dashboard or windshield, and they offer a variety of features and benefits. Fixed-mount CB radios are a great option for drivers who need a CB radio for their car or truck.

What are the benefits of fixed-mount CB radios?

Fixed-mount CB radios offer a number of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to communicate with each other while on the road, which can help improve safety. CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

What is Dual CB Radio?

Dual CB radios are a type of CB radio that allows users to communicate with each other using two different channels. This is a great option for drivers who need to keep in touch with someone who is travelling in a separate vehicle. Dual CB radios can also be helpful for emergencies or for sharing information between two vehicles.

What are the benefits of dual CB radios?

Dual CB radios offer a number of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to communicate with each other while on the road, which can help improve safety. CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

What is Digital CB Radio?

Digital CB radios are a type of CB radio that uses digital technology to communicate. This type of radio is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a number of benefits over traditional CB radios. Digital CB radios can be a great option for drivers who want a CB radio that offers superior sound quality and performance.

What are the benefits of digital CB radios?

Digital CB radios offer a number of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to communicate with each other while on the road, which can help improve safety. CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.

What is Analog CB Radio?

Analog CB radios are a type of CB radio that uses analog technology to communicate. This type of radio is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a number of benefits over traditional CB radios. Analog CB radios can be a great option for drivers who want a CB radio that offers superior sound quality and performance.

What are the benefits of analog CB radios?

Analog CB radios offer a number of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to communicate with each other while on the road, which can help improve safety. CB radios can also be used for emergencies, and they can be helpful for finding directions or information. CB radios are also a great way to keep up with the latest news and weather updates while on the road.