CB radios facilitate short range communication on a two-way public channel.
They are, in most basic terms, a box with a mic, dials, and antennae. They operate on SSB and, or AM frequencies. These frequencies can be accessed by anyone in possession of a CB radio.
They are most commonly used nowadays by truck drivers and CB enthusiasts. They are sometimes monitored by and responded to by the emergency services, mainly the police force. This is because there is a dedicated channel for emergencies on the road.
While the technology has given way to more modern advances, such as mobile phones and hands-free communication, the world of CB still exists and thrives. There are thousands of CB radio models in circulation.
It can be tiring to trawl through and figure out which CB radio will give you the most value for your hard earned cash. So, that’s where we come in.
This is a helpful, informative, researched guide. It’s going to cover the ten most powerful CB radios currently available. It will also take a look at what’s important when considering a CB purchase.
With no further delay, here is our list of the ten most powerful CB radios. They are all strong contenders for best in show.
BEARCAT 980 is a small sized radio that can be mounted and placed easily. It doesn’t take up a lot of room. But, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in features and function.
It measures 3.5 × 15 × 8.5 inches. You can store it easily and mount it easily too.
Please don’t let the size put you off! The display on this model is undefeated. It is clear, bright, and bold. You can adjust the brightness settings to maintain optimum visibility regardless of weather or time of day.
You can even pick from seven color options for the display screen. So you get that personal touch.
Pros
Cons
One of the best things about the Galaxy DX 959B is its five digit digital display. The numbers are very clear and easy to see at a glance.
The dials are clearly labeled and easy to access and use as well. There are more dials on this CB than other models, as it boasts more features than what is typical.
Which brings us to the four scale meter.
Pros
Cons
McKinley provides access to the standard 40 CB channels.
You get the preset and repurposed channel 9 for emergencies and 19 for truckers. You also get handy weather channels for updates regarding road conditions, strong winds, snowfall, ice, and more.
There are seven different channels dedicated to weather updates, so you’re in the loop wherever you are.
The channels are AM, FM, USB, and LSB.
LCD can be altered for brightness and also color. The background color and light enabled clearer digit readings.
The LCD is complemented by the dials on the front of the CB. These include volume control, on/off push button, frequency dial, and menu button.
You also get the handy roger-beep function. This is an automated beep to signify the end of a transmission when you finish talking.
Pros
Cons
ANL Filter is an in-built feature on this CB radio. Noise limiters filter out background noise and contribute towards a clear and focused sound receiving and transmitting.
SWR Meter which can be connected to the antenna to read incoming signal glitches and other problems you might encounter. It helps you to understand which frequencies give you a finer sound.
Roger-Beep to alert your correspondent to the end of your side of the transmission. A clear beep tone that sounds out when you finish talking, so there is no confusion on either side.
AM & SSB can be accessed across 40 channels. You can enjoy all the seven weather channels readily available, so you’re always up to date with any major weather alerts.
The front of the CB radio has a mix of seven small dials and push buttons, one large dial, a mod/pwr/SWR display, five switches, and a small screen that displays the channel number.
The smaller dials and push buttons control volume, mic gain, RF gain, RF power, brightness, talkback, and clarifier.
The five switches are SWR, ANL, PA, LSB, and tone.
There is a small screen with a two digit display to show the channel you’re currently tuned into.
Pros
Cons
President has made this CB radio with preset channels. You get all the usual 40 channels, plus preset weather, emergency, and truck driver channels already tuned in. You can access them with just a push of a button, and it saves having to fight with the tuning system.
The Bill radio has an LCD screen. They are often clearer than other types of digital displays. You can change the color of the display, with seven different color options, including orange, green, three different shades of blue, purple, and yellow.
The screen is complemented by a simple interface. There are only a few dials on the radio, making for simple and easy to follow controls. There is a six digit frequency counter and a large two digit channel display.
It has an ANL filter, volume controls, roger-beep, and a jack for external speakers.
Pros
Cons
All 40 channels come as standard. You can use the radio on SSB, AM, or FM frequencies. There is also LSB and USB access, for a more refined tune.
The radio is PA capable.
The front panel is big and clear. There is a six digit frequency counter, alongside a two digit channel display. It is LCD, with an orange background and black digits.
10-meter radio means that you get a radio with an influx of power. This means you can access a higher watt, within the recommended, legal limits.
Pros
Cons
Six digit frequency counter with large and easy to read digital letters. More digits mean better frequency access and a clearer user experience.
Automated SWR is a real attribute. You don’t have to plug anything extra into the antenna, and you get diagnostics in real-time without any effort on your part.
Roger-beep is a feature that should be on all CB radios, It serves as an end of transmission, and eliminates all confusion regarding turn-taking and communication errors.
AM and SSB give you access to the 40 channels. You can preset these yourself so that you don’t have to tune in every time and can access your favorites with no effort at all.
Pros
Cons
Weather alerts are a top tier feature for people who spend their lives working on the roads. It can be essential in bad weather to be aware of road blockages and general conditions.
There are also emergency alerts on the preset channel 9, reserved for crisis calls.
PA capable means that you can address a bigger crowd if the need arises. There is a jack port for external inputs.
Wireless mics with a strong connection range mean for a safer, hands-free experience. This is especially relevant for truck drivers and the like. A wireless mic is an innovation when it comes to CB usage on the road.
The SWR meter means you always know what’s wrong with your signal.
ANL creates a crisper, finer sound. You also get the standard 4 watts for your signal going out and coming in.
GPS feature means that the CB device automatically picks up local alerts. You don’t have to retune as you go, every new area you reach, updates straight to your radio.
Pros
Cons
This is the only CB radio on the list that is completely handheld. It doesn’t have a rectangular box interface like the others. It is small, and light.
You still get access to all 40 channels. There is an LCD display with a two digit channel count.
The antenna is attached through a strong magnet. It is a strong one, but you can’t really attach an SWR meter and there isn’t one built-in. That being said, there are no complaints from us about Cobra’s capacity for interpreting incoming and relaying outgoing messages.
Pros
Cons
CB radio has 40 channels in total. Anyone with a CB can access any of these channels. However, it is common knowledge among CB users that certain channels are for specific purposes.
We won’t dive into all 40 channels. Instead, let’s take a look at the channels that have common purposes.
First up, channel 4. As with every channel, it can be used by anyone. But, it’s most commonly used by 4×4 drivers.
Next, channel 9. Channel 9 is one to remember. It is the channel dedicated to emergencies. That means any emergency and emergency services use 9 to communicate vital information. It is one to steer clear of unless, of course, you have an emergency yourself.
Channel 14 is popular with walkie-talkie users. It is for general chat and liaising.
Channel 19 is most frequently used by truck drivers. They use it to communicate with each other on the road. There is even specific jargon for truck drivers that is quite colloquial and hard to follow if you don’t know it. It’s best to avoid 19 if you don’t drive trucks for a living.
The remaining channels are for general use. Anyone can chat on them. You access them through tuning into a specific frequency.
It is worth noting that any frequencies not associated specifically with CB radio are illegal to access, and are controlled by other agents. For example, the government and the military control certain frequencies.
There are heavy sanctions for misusing CB frequencies, including a $10,000 fine!
From time to time, you may suffer from a weak radio signal, which can hinder communication and cause noise disruption.
There are a few things you can try before throwing the towel in.
1.Choice of location: This isn’t always an option if you are, for example, driving a truck. However, some locations yield better signal results than others.
If you are struggling with a weak signal or choppy frequencies, you could try moving.
2.Antenna: The antenna directly receives frequencies and translates them to the CB transmitter.You can get antenna signal boosters, longer and stronger antennas, and adjust their position to try to attract a stronger signal.
3.Increase watts: Most CB radios will be able to transmit and receive signals in around a four-mile radius, at a push. However, if you opt for a CB with SSB enabled, your signal will push further afield.
Top Tip: It is illegal on standard CB radios to exceed 4 watts, so make sure you’re up to date with the rules to avoid fines and penalties!
4. Install SWR meter: SWR stands for standing-wave radio. An SWR meter analyses your CB output. You connect it to the CB antenna and let it do its thing.
You can’t boost your signal with an SWR meter alone, but you can find out exactly what’s happening with your frequencies.
Noise interferences are a familiar problem for CB radio users.
Some radios come ready made with their own noise filters.
Noise filters act to suppress the incoming noise in order to create a more clear receiver.
These are known as ANLs. Or, automatic noise limiters. Though it is more functional on AM channels, so not always appropriate for some CB channels.
There are, with some CB radios, in-built filters. However, if your model doesn’t have one, there are other products you can try using.
PA, or public address, is a way to reach a larger audience with your CB.
Think of it as a speaker. It amplifies the volume of your broadcast, making it much louder than normal.
With a PA attached, you can talk to people other than those on the other end of the line. You can talk to people outside of your truck or vehicle, loud and clear.
Not all CB radios are PA compatible. So if that’s what you want, you just have to do a bit of research and spec checking before you make a purchase.
When talking about display features, we are referring to the front of the CB radio.
This is all about the dials, the numbers, and the outputs.
Lots of CB radios have been given a modern makeover in their overall aesthetic. You can find CB’s with digital numerical displays with anything up to five digits. This is where you can see the HZ frequency that you’re in tune with.
Dials wise, you should be looking for a device with at least a clarity control for the fine tuning and therefore better listening experience.
You may also want a display dimmer. This adjusts the hue and brightness of the screen. It’s useful for night-time drivers, as naturally, you don’t want your eyes distracted
CB radios run on AM and some, not all but most, have SSB as well.
AM is limited to four watts. SSB can push four or five times more than that. It can also fine tune HZ to create a much clearer, less distorted incoming and outgoing sound frequency.
SSB gives more clarity and precision to all 40 channels that CB radio uses.
When you use AM, it is harder to get a specific HZ ratio. Your audio quality is therefore depreciated.
We have already touched on the uses of SWR meters. As we’ve seen, they are a useful little tool for detecting signal and frequency issues.
They attach to your antennae through coaxial cables and read then analyze the incoming data.
They are not a necessity for using a CB radio successfully, however, they are a necessity for understanding signal problems and accessing the optimum frequency HZ.
SSB function, strong antenna, SWR meter, and at least 4 watts. These are the things combined that make for a powerful CB radio and therefore a crisper communication with a solid range.
Generally speaking, a 4 watt CB radio can reach up to anything around four miles. This range can be increased by up to 5 times by a radio that is SSB capable.
Any one of our top 10 most powerful CB radios will give you a great CB experience.
Certain strengths outweigh others. If you are looking for a strong signal, and strong communication with little interference, read through the advice in this guide and chose your CB accordingly.
All of these radios have been tried and tested and well-reviewed.
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