In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to stay informed and connected. What better way to do that than with a handheld police scanner? Whether for personal use or for professional purposes, having a reliable and efficient scanner can make all the difference. In this blog post, we'll explore the best handheld police scanners of 2018.

Please note: The use of police scanners may not be legal in all areas, so be sure to check your local laws and regulations before purchasing or using one.

Uniden BCD436HP

At the very top of our list is the Uniden BCD436HP. This digital scanner is packed with features that make it stand out in the market. It comes with a built-in database for the USA and Canada, meaning that you won't have to spend hours manually programming frequencies. With a simple zip code input, you'll receive up-to-date information on local frequencies and listen to all that's going on around you. Plus, it's incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned scanner enthusiasts.

Some notable features of the Uniden BCD436HP include:

Close Call RF Capture Technology, which identifies and tunes to nearby signals automatically.

GPS compatibility, allowing for location-based scanning.

A large, easy-to-read display with backlight.

Battery save mode and customizable alerts for low battery power.

Whistler TRX-1

The Whistler TRX-1 is a top-of-the-line digital scanner. It's versatile, rugged, and designed to withstand harsh conditions, making it the perfect companion for on-the-go monitoring. It's also packed with features, including the ability to decode APCO P25 Phase I and II, DMR, NXDN, and X2-TDMA, ensuring that you'll be able to listen in on a wide range of frequencies.

Some of the standout features of the Whistler TRX-1 include:

U.S. and Canadian databases, with automatic updates when connected to a PC.

A range of programmable keys and easy navigation through the interface.

Priority channel scanning and customizable alerts for priority channels.

Weather and meteorological alerts through SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding).

Baofeng BF-F8HP

For those looking for an affordable yet effective option, the Baofeng BF-F8HP is the ideal choice. This 8-watt dual-band two-way radio is not only a powerful scanner but also doubles as a transceiver, allowing for communication on authorized frequencies. With its impressive power output and extended battery life, this scanner is perfect for personal use or for amateur radio enthusiasts.

Some great features of the Baofeng BF-F8HP include:

A versatile frequency range of 136-174MHz and 400-520MHz.

Extended battery life (up to 24 hours on low power mode).

A built-in flashlight and an emergency alarm.

Comes with a full kit, including earpiece, belt clip, charger, and antenna.

RadioShack PRO-651

The RadioShack PRO-651 is a digital trunking scanner that's user-friendly and highly capable. It also supports the reception of conventional analog transmissions. With its vast frequency range and impressive scanning capabilities, the PRO-651 is perfect for anyone looking to stay informed on-the-go.

Notable features of the RadioShack PRO-651 include:

Reception of APCO P25 Phase I and II, MotoTRBO, X2-TDMA, and EDACS+ protocols.

User-friendly interface and easy-to-understand menus.

Programmable LED and audio alerts for specific channels.

PC programmability to easily add and modify frequencies.

Uniden BC75XLT

Last, but not least, on our list is the Uniden BC75XLT. This basic, easy-to-use scanner is perfect for any beginner or anyone on a budget. With its analog-only scanning capabilities, the BC75XLT is a top choice for simple monitoring of local frequencies.

Some key features of the Uniden BC75XLT include:

300 channels with customizable settings and quick access.

"Close Call RF Capture Technology," providing on-the-fly tuning to nearby signals.

10 programmable priority channels for quick access.

Weather and meteorological alerts with SAME technology.

In summary, whether you're a seasoned scanner enthusiast or just starting out, there's a handheld police scanner for everyone on this list. With so many options and features available in 2018, you'll find the perfect scanner to stay informed and connected to your surroundings.