 | Low: Under $50 |
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 | Medium: $50-$200 |
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 | High: $400+ |
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| Used for short to medium distance radio communication, a Citizens' Band or CB radio uses 40 channels within a single band, usually 27 MHz. Since a CB radio does not require a license, it remains a popular way for truck drivers, RV owners, hunters and rural inhabitants to communicate with each other within a local area. CB radios are available as handheld units, as large base units for use at a home or office and, most commonly, as mobile units in a vehicle. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For under $50, expect a basic mobile CB radio that operates on AM, offers a short range of a mile or two and tends to operate more noisily than a higher end unit. An example of a basic mobile CB radio for use at home or in a vehicle is the Midland 1001Z.
- For a cost of $50 to $125, expect a handheld CB radio such as the Cobra 38 WX ST that offers the ability to access local weather channels. While handheld units can be carried anywhere, their performance is limited by the restricted antenna size. A mobile CB radio in this price rangeshould offer advanced features such as working as a PA ("Public Address") system or luminescent back lighting. An example of this type of CB radio is the Cobra 25 NW LTD Classic.
- For $125 to $200 or more, expect a Single Sideband (SSB) CB radio that offers a wider transmission range as well as the ability to instantly jump to the emergency channel 9 or a PA capability. An example of this type of CB radio is the mobile Galaxy DX 959.
- For over $400, expect a feature-rich base CB radio for home, cabin or office, such as the Galaxy DX2517.
What should be included: | - All CB radios are limited to 40 channels and 4 watts of output power, so don't be tempted by any unit that promises more.
- A basic mobile CB radio will include a microphone with hanger, power cord and a mounting bracket and screws for installation in a vehicle. Standard CB radio features include a volume control, a dial for changing channels, a squelch control and RF gain.
- If a CB radio is to be used for short distance communication only, look for an ANL or noise reduction feature to eliminate unwanted reception noise.
Additional costs: | - Perhaps the most important factor in the performance of a CB radio is the antenna used for transmission and reception. Antennas are sold separately and range in price from under $25 for a fiberglass antenna up to $100 for a magnetic mount antenna. HowStuffWorks offers a guide to the role of the antenna in CB radio communication and Right Channel Radios provides a guide to choosing the right antenna.
- Easy to use kits make installing an antenna on a car, truck or RV a straightforward process. Alternately, many auto shops or national chains such as Best Buy's Geek Squad will handle the installation. Expect to pay $40 to $150 depending on geographic location and the size and type of antenna.
- While even a basic CB radio will include a microphone, one may want to consider upgrading to a power microphone or noise-canceling mic. Expect to pay $30 to $100 for a noise-canceling microphone.
Shopping for a cb radio: | - Right Channel Radios offers a guide to CB radio features.
- Reputable online dealers such as Amazon stock a range of CB radios and provide handy user reviews. Also check prices at specialist online dealers such as CB Radios Plus.
- If buying in person, some big box retailers such as Best Buy stock a small number of the most popular CB radios and mobile units can be found in many local auto parts stores.
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Article updated August 2009 |
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