CB radio is short for Citizens Band radio, which allows for people to communicate between a selection of 40 channels within a few miles radius. They require no license to operate and for automotive use, they are popular with truckers and offroading.
The best CB radio is the Cobra 29 LX MAX, which has built-in Bluetooth and the iRadar application integrated into the system for real time alert sharing.
If you become stranded on the road without any phone signal, you can count on your reliable CB radio. In the case of an emergency, the dedicated channel 9 will help you receive an immediate response. Truckers also like to use channel 19 for reporting traffic conditions and because its in the middle of the band for efficiency.
Table of Contents
Best CB Radio For Truckers
| CB Radio | Type | NOAA |
|---|---|---|
| Cobra 29 LX MAX | Base Station | Yes |
| Galaxy-DX-949 SSB | Base Station | No |
| Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series | Base Station | No |
| Midland 75-822 | Handheld | Yes |
| Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip | Handheld | Yes |
Relying on your mobile phone when you are stranded can be risky as you may not always have signal. However, by using a citizen band radio, you can tune into one of the 40 channels and request for help or even a general chat with other users.
Most CB radios will use a 4 watts output, which is the legal requirement. However, if you use the more powerful SSB CB radio, you will be able to bypass the legal requirement with a maximum power output of 12 watts. However, if you are using a 4 watt output power, you can boost the signal with a quality CB antenna.
Below is a list of the best CB radios that are specifically designed for truckers, offroading and other vehicles on the road.
Cobra 29 LX MAX Professional CB Radio
Cobra are one of the most well known brands in the CB radio industry with a range of models available. The Cobra 29 LX is their best option and they offer this model with the addition of Bluetooth, which allows you to answer and terminate calls.
Other features of the Cobra 29 LX MAX Professional include:
- Patented iRadar app integration
- Bluetooth syncs mobile phone calls to the radio
- Incoming audio is routed via the radio speakers
- Ability to rewind the last 10 seconds of the last message
- 10 NOAA weather channels
- 4 color LCD display
The addition of Bluetooth connectivity really makes the Cobra 29 LX MAX the best CB radio available. It allows you for an easier and legal method to have phone conversation on the road. It also uses the iRadar application, which allows for real time alert sharing of hazards, speed traps and much more with other iRadar uses.
The Cobra 29 LX MAX is the best CB radio for truckers that require as many intuitive features as possible and a strong signal. Compared to the majority of other radios available, it also has the weather band capability, which is desirable by many.
Check it OutGalaxy-DX-959 SSB CB Radio
The direct competition to the Cobra 29 LX Max model above is by Galaxy with the DX-949 SSB CB radio. It has been in the market for many years now and is still one of the best options for truckers and enthusiast requiring maximum performance.
Other features of the Galaxy-DX-959 SSB include:
- Large and easy to read meter
- Two digit channel display
- SWR circuit and alert LED
- 40 channel operation and 4W audio output
- 12 watts when using side bands (SSB)
- Noise filter that reduces noise to help weak SSB signals
- Includes a two year warranty
For those that are serious about CB radios, the Galaxy-DX-959 SSB is a great option with a variety of intuitive features. Compared with the Cobra 29 LX Max, is does lack the weather band and Bluetooth functionality but it is slightly cheaper. However, it does have the ability to use SSB, which a lot of truckers now use.
Check it OutUniden PRO520XL Pro Series CB Radio
Other features of the Uniden PRO520XL Pro Series includes:
- 40 channel operation and 4W audio output
- Built-in automatic noise limited and auto squelch
- Ability to add additional external speakers
- Microphone mounted at the front with an extra long cord
- Instant emergency channel 9
Due to the compact size of the PRO520XL by Uniden, it makes it ideal for vehicles with less space available for installation. This CB radio also offers excellent value for money too when you compare the specification against similar priced alternatives.
Check it OutMidland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio
For those that require a handheld CB radio, the Midland 75-822 is a popular choice. It is powered by either six AA batteries or a cigarette lighter adapter, which allows you to use the 40 channels, 10 NOAA channels and the 4 watts of power.
Other features of the Midland 75-822 Handheld CB radio include:
- Instant access to NOAA radio, channel 9 and 19
- Automatic noise limited and squelch control
- Ability to store 5 of your most frequently used channels
- LCD display for easy reading in day or night
- Flexible antenna with BNC connector
- Includes an external headset for hands-free usage
Overall, it is the best handheld CB radio for both the average driver that wants to monitor traffic and in case of emergencies to truckers who use them on a daily basis. When compared against other alternatives, it also offer great value for money too.
Check it OutCobra HHRT50 Road Trip Portable CB Radio
As mentioned earlier in the article, Cobra produce a wide variety of CB radios and this handheld model is their latest. It comes equipped with a magnetic mount mobile antenna, which allows for mobile operation from your vehicle. Simply mount the antenna to the roof of your car and you are good to go.
Other features of the Cobra HHRT50 Road Trip Portable CB Radio includes:
- 40 channels for full coverage
- Ability to select two channels simultaneously
- 10 NOAA weather channels
- Sound tracker system that cuts out 90% of the noise
- 4 watts of power and high/low power switch
- Rechargeable jack that plugs into a 12V port
- Up to 4 miles range depending on terrain
Overall, it is an excellent all-round handheld CB radio for cars, trucks and other vehicles. The magnetic mount antenna allows you to easily use the device with an approximate range of up to 4 miles, which is great for a handheld radio.
Check it OutCB Radio Buying Guide
Although the CB Radio for truckers is on the decline, there are still many professionals that still use them. They have been used since the early 1970’s and are very popular with truckers around the world but due to new technology, they have become less popular.
However, due to the mobile phone signal reliability issues and just the “coolness” factor of owning a CB radio, there are still millions of drivers that use them on a daily basis. It is not only truckers that use them but also people that take part in offroading and regular drivers who want to monitor traffic and generally chat.
Compared against the older CB radios, the latest version have had all of the latest technology that has been integrated into the devices. For example, if you look at the Bluetooth and iRadar integration of the Cobra 29 LX Max, you can see how far they have improved over the years.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below buying guide regarding CB radios.
Base Station vs Handheld
There is a range of different CB radios available but the most commonly used when out on the road is either a base station or handheld device. The base station has a built-in power supply and is mounted into a secure location inside of the vehicle. It does require a larger mounting space but there are compact versions available.
The handheld alternative is designed to be portable but you can get a custom mount for inside of the vehicle. In order to be portable, they will usually use multiple AA batteries but most also come with a power cord that connects to a 12V power supply.
Choosing between the two mainly depends on the amount of space available inside the vehicle and its usage. For example, those that take part in offroading may prefer using a handheld device whereas huge trucker will prefer the larger base station. It really does depend on your personal preference on the type of radio you choose.
SSB – Single Side Band
CB radios that use SSB will have a much larger range as they output 12 watts as opposed to the standard 4 watts. This means that you have three times the range but the only issue is that you need other users to use the same SSB transmission. However, the SSB CB radio will also be able to operate on standard CB channels (4 watts) in case you are unable to chat to anyone.
Access to Important and Popular Channels
The two most popular channels that people use when out on the road are channel 9 and channel 19. The most important of the two is of course channel 9, which is used for emergency use whereas channel 19 is the trucker and road channel.
When it comes to access, you will want to be easily able to switch to these channels at a click of the button. Some radios have dedicated buttons or the ability to store your favorite or most frequently used channels.
Noise Limiter and Squelch Control
When you are out on the road, background noise and other factors can disrupt the clarity of your voice. This can make it difficult to hear what you are saying from other users listening in to the channel. However, CB radios that have an automatic noise limiter installed will help reduce background noise and static.
Squelch control is another feature that helps improve the quality of your speech through the CB radio. For users that are listening in to the channel, it avoids having to listen to constant static and only activates once a transmission is received.
Weather Channels – NOAA
Instant access to real time weather report and updates is a requirement for many people. If your CB radio has this enabled, you are able to receive NOAA broadcast frequencies, which are active 24 hours a day through the USA.
Other Desirable Features
As the citizen band radio has improved over the years, many manufacturers are integrating a wide variety of new technology into the devices. As found in some of the Cobra models, Bluetooth is a feature that allows for phone syncing, which provides hands free calling and a range of other features.
Many people may also want to connect external speakers that allows for better reception. If the CB radio has this capability, there will be a jack most likely at the rear of the device. You can even use a PA horn that is mounted outside of the vehicle for broadcasting outside instead.
Other unique features that some CB radios have installed include:
- RF gain
- Large and easy to read display
- Roger beep
- Sound filters
- SWR meters
- Channel scanning
- … and so much more
There is a huge variety of CB radios available but depending upon the budget will make a big difference to the amount of features it will have.
Conclusion
Although CB radios are not as popular as they once were, they are still used by millions of truckers, off road enthusiasts and regular car owners. They most recent devices available are kitted out with all the latest technology and are great fun to use whilst out on the road.
All of our recommendations are suited to a range of usage, budgets and types of radios, so there should be one that suits your requirements.
