The 24 best police radio brands
Motorola, Uniden and RadioShack lead our ranking of 24 police radio brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Police Radio brands, ranked
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1
Motorola
Few companies were jointly working to take the communication sector to new heights from very early. They bought new ideas and designs to the market, which were tested and later produced on a mass scale. Motorola has been one of the pioneers of developments in this sector since 1928. They offer several products such as phones like moto g and tablets like Moto Tab, and many more. They also excelled in fields like home appliances.
Website: motorola.com |Brands like Motorola
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Uniden
Uniden is a world pioneer in developing goods that make life easier, more convenient, and safer. Uniden has been improving people's lives since it was created over 40 years ago, with products ranging from home security to mobile communications. They are proud of their employees and feel everyone deserves a job where they may fulfill their full potential while still having fun. Cordless and portable phones, digital video surveillance, home and intelligent smoke alarms, child safety goods, remote controls, and other items are available.
Website: uniden.com |Brands like Uniden
Popularity 6.7/10
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3
RadioShack
Bringing back the trend of the past, Radioshack is back. They have got a new world of music and audio to your doorstep. You can now enjoy the musings of the world while sipping back a cup of coffee on a winter morning. Other than the branded radio, they also keep in touch with the modern world where they sell headphones and other accessories to the users. Radioshack has a deep-rooted passion for all things musical.
Website: radioshack.com |Brands like RadioShack
Popularity 6.6/10
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4
Icom
Icom America is a leading creator and manufacturer of two-way radios for various industries, including amateur radio, avionics, land mobile radio, and marine radio. The company has been providing new solutions to fulfill the communication demands of its consumers for over 40 years. They provide the most comprehensive variety of voice communication solutions for indoor and outdoor use. Their product line includes entry-level to elevated communication devices for individuals, corporations, governments, and military groups worldwide. Government agencies and enterprises in over 150 countries use their products. Two-way radios are used in various industries, including avionics, amateur radio, land mobile radio, marine radio, and fire/emergency services.
Website: icomamerica.com |Brands like Icom
Popularity 5.5/10
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5
Kenwood
Innovations and ideas are the fundamental structures on which development takes place. Without them, we would have been stuck in a dark age. Kenwood is the symbol of existing innovative ideas and the quality application of these ideas. They are one of the leading audio accessories and communication technology developers that helps connect people. They also offer wireless devices and cameras that can be placed inside the vehicle and several other innovations.
Website: kenwood.com |Brands like Kenwood
Popularity 5.1/10
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6
Baofeng
BaoFeng Tech is a Chinese brand that manufactures and sells communication devices across the world. It is located in Arlington, South Dakota. Their mission is to connect the world and their customers - emphasizing on the younger generation - to reliable and affordable technology. They produce gadgets ranging from handheld devices, mobile phones, antennas, AM/FM Radios, Base and Mobile Radios, speaker microphones, cables, and even t-shirts.
Website: baofengtech.com |Brands like Baofeng
Popularity 3.8/10
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7
Midland
Midland is dedicated to the art of communication. They build radios and walkie-talkies for those who go out in the wild to enjoy a good adventure. The company has been operating for many years, and they have gradually increased the amount of product they offer its customers. Midland currently has a massive collection of gear and accessories that can help outdoor activities. They have also included some merch and cute stickers for all the enthusiasts.
Website: midlandusa.com |Brands like Midland
Popularity 3.6/10
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8
Cobra
Cobra is where all golf lovers go to get their handy craft tools. The company started back in 1973. Thomas Crow is the founder of this brand who had a love for golf and had played in the tournaments a few times. Thomas wanted to give the advantage of sound equipment to the lovers of the game so that they could have a winning chance at the game with much less effort. Cobra now manufactures clubs and accessories one needs in a round of golf.
Website: cobragolf.com |Brands like Cobra
Popularity 3.4/10
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9
PRYME
Pryme is an experienced and trusted brand of top-quality and reliable products to be used with radios, such as wireless adapters, headset adapters, and wireless speakers that guarantee a smooth experience. With their own innovative designs and the meticulous planning...
Website: pryme.com |Brands like PRYME
Popularity 3.4/10
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10
Regency
Regency International is the biggest wholesale importer of holiday and home décor. Their goal is to supply their clients with unique yet cheap items that will assist them in meeting their retail objectives. All of their things are sent directly...
Website: regency-rib.com |Brands like Regency
Popularity 3.2/10
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11
Cobra Electronics
All you need for a modern driving experience, Cobra electronics provides it to you. With 50 years of hard work, it is now known to be a world leader in consumer electronics. It deals in radar detectors, professional CB radios,...
Website: cobra.com |Brands like Cobra Electronics
Popularity 3.2/10
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12
eSynic
eSYNiC is a tech brand that serves high-quality electronic appliances. Founded in 2012, it has emerged as one of the leading tech brands and offers its products across the globe. Their terms and conditions are very user-friendly, including free and...
Website: esynic.com |Brands like eSynic
Popularity 3.2/10
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13
Maxtop
Standing upon the strong foundations of quality and efficiency, Maxtop was founded in 1998. They continue to stand sturdy with their high customer satisfaction. They manufacture two-way radio accessories and communication tools. These are used by several people coming from...
Website: maxtop.com |Brands like Maxtop
Popularity 2.7/10
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14
EarHugger
EarHugger is a brand that serves the purpose of providing hi-tech sound devices for military, surveillance, workspaces, medical, and other domestic uses as well. The company believes in evolving with time and has therefore remained a pioneer in the field...
Website: earhugger.com |Brands like EarHugger
Popularity 2.4/10
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15
Bear Cat
Communication is of utmost importance in the 21st century, and we need good quality communication equipment we can rely on in adverse situations. BearCatScanner.com provides world-class radios and scanners that keep you connected with your community. Their user-friendly radio scanners...
Website: bearcatscanner.com |Brands like Bear Cat
Popularity 2.4/10
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16
Electra
Electra LED is a commercial LED lighting products brand. The company creates and manufactures premium quality, long-lasting, and energy-efficient LED lights. Electra LED offers a full range of modern and economical lights that highlights your workspace and products. The autonomous...
Website: electraled.com |Brands like Electra
Popularity 2.1/10
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17
Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, is a four-season mountain resort village. Whistler has become one of North America's most popular destinations, focusing on the complete experience of both inhabitants and visitors. Under an exclusive Destination Marketing Agreement with Destination Marketing Association...
Website: whistler.com |Brands like Whistler
Popularity 1.7/10
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18
HQ
HQ is an e-commerce site with numerous brands linked together to create a vibrant selection of items under one platform and give shoppers a choice. It is a high-energy, digital shop that provides customers with interesting brands and one-of-a-kind goods....
Website: shophq.com |Brands like HQ
Popularity 1.7/10
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19
Hytera
A prominent player in the two-way radio communications field, Hytera is known for producing novel solutions that meet each customer’s conditions. They uphold their standard by manufacturing first-rate radios and reliable systems. The company is a globally renowned industry leader...
Website: hytera.us |Brands like Hytera
Popularity 1.7/10
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20
Sepura
Sepura is a U.K.-based company and the industry leader in digital radio solutions and accessories. Founded in 2002, it has created ground-breaking solutions through manufacturing data applications, radio infrastructures, and terminals. It caters to customers worldwide and ensures to solve...
Website: sepura.com |Brands like Sepura
Popularity 1.7/10
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21
B&C
BC Surf & Sport began in Florida over three decades ago by a group of surfers, snowboarders, and skaters. Since 1977, it has been involved in producing goods for surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, and similar activities. Its products are designed to...
Website: bcsurf.com |Brands like B&C
Popularity 1.2/10
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22
Knight
Knight Tubs was established in 1984. They manufacture and sell Jacuzzi hot tubs to customers. Nothing is more luxurious than taking a dip in the Jacuzzi at your home after a rough day. The products help you relax and enjoy...
Website: knighttubs.com |Brands like Knight
Popularity 1.2/10
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23
Workman
Workman Electronics is a research and development business that focuses on electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles. Workman Electronics' premium-quality goods are designed to improve the user's experience. They have a staff of electronics professionals that can...
Website: workmanelectronics.com |Brands like Workman
Popularity 1.2/10
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24
Larsen
Larsen light aims to provide a reasonable and expensive range of LED lights and other electrical products. All the lights are tested for radio interference and undergo meticulous quality tests to ensure that the customers get high-quality products. Larsen guarantees...
Website: larsenlights.com |Brands like Larsen
Popularity 1.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola | motorola.com | – | – | – | – |
| Uniden | uniden.com | /UnidenAmerica | – | @Uniden_America | Uniden America |
| RadioShack | radioshack.com | /RadioShack | radioshack | @radioshack | RadioShack |
| Icom | icomamerica.com | /icomamericainc | icomamericainc | @icomamericainc | – |
| Kenwood | kenwood.com | – | – | – | – |
| Baofeng | baofengtech.com | /BaoFeng.Tech.Radio | btech_radios | – | – |
| Midland | midlandusa.com | /MidlandUSA | midlandusa | @MidlandUSA | Midlandusa |
| Cobra | cobragolf.com | /cobra | cobragolf | @cobragolf | cobragolfvideos |
| PRYME | pryme.com | /prymeradioproducts | – | – | – |
| Regency | regency-rib.com | /Goosie-Ganders-Gifts-Interiors-118955233876 | regency.rib | @regency_rib | – |
Police Radio Buying Guide
Stay Safe and Connected with the Right Radio
Police radios, also known as two-way radios, are an essential tool for law enforcement officers. They allow officers to communicate with each other, dispatchers, and emergency personnel in real-time, improving response times and coordination. In this buying guide, we’ll take a look at the key factors to consider when purchasing a police radio.
Frequency Bands
The first consideration when purchasing a police radio is the frequency band. There are two main types of frequency bands - VHF and UHF. VHF stands for Very High Frequency and operates between 136-174 MHz. This band is best suited for open areas such as rural locations due to its ability to cover longer distances. UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency and operates between 400-512 MHz. This band is better suited for urban areas as it can penetrate through buildings and other obstacles.
It’s important to note that not all frequencies are available for public use. In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the frequencies allocated for public safety and law enforcement use. It’s important to ensure that the radio you purchase is capable of operating on the frequency bands allocated for your region.
Power Output
The power output of a police radio determines the strength of the signal being transmitted. The stronger the signal, the further it can travel. Police radios typically range in power output from 1-5 watts. A 1-watt radio is sufficient for use within a small area, while a 5-watt radio can transmit over longer distances.
It’s important to note that operating a radio at a higher power output can drain the battery faster. It’s recommended to only use higher power output settings when necessary to conserve battery life.
Battery Life
The battery life of a police radio is an important consideration as officers often work long shifts without the ability to charge the battery. The battery life of a radio can range from a few hours to several days depending on usage and the capacity of the battery.
When comparing radios, it’s important to consider the type of battery used and how long it will last under typical usage conditions. Some radios may also offer the ability to use rechargeable batteries, which can save on the cost of replacement batteries over time.
Durability
Police radios are subjected to harsh and demanding conditions in the line of duty. It’s important to select a radio that is designed to withstand these conditions. A durable radio can also be more cost-effective in the long run as it will require less maintenance and replacement due to wear and tear.
When comparing radios, consider the materials used in construction, such as rubberized housing or impact-resistant materials. Some radios may also be dust and water-resistant, which can be beneficial in outdoor or wet environments.
Features
Police radios may offer a variety of features to improve functionality and usability. Some common features to look for include:
- Emergency Alerts: This feature allows for immediate transmission of a distress signal to all radios in the network.
- GPS: GPS integration can allow dispatchers to track the location of officers in real-time.
- Encryption: Encryption can be used to secure communication channels and prevent eavesdropping by unauthorized parties.
- Noise-Cancelling: This feature can help to reduce background noise in noisy environments, making communication clearer.
- VOX: Voice-activated transmission can allow for hands-free use in situations where manual operation may be difficult.
- Display: Radios with a display can offer a variety of useful information, such as battery life, signal strength, and channel information.
When selecting a radio, it’s important to evaluate which features are necessary for your specific needs and ensure that the radio you choose offers those features.
Cost
The cost of a police radio can vary significantly based on the features and capabilities offered. Radios with advanced features such as GPS or encryption will generally be more expensive than basic models.
It’s important to balance the features you need with your budget when selecting a radio. Consider the long-term cost-effectiveness of a more durable and reliable radio versus a lower-cost option that may require more frequent maintenance and replacement.
Conclusion
Overall, selecting the right police radio is an essential part of keeping officers safe while on duty. When evaluating radios, consider the frequency band, power output, battery life, durability, features, and cost. By finding a radio that meets your specific needs and requirements, you can improve communication and coordination while staying safe in the line of duty.
