With progress in technology, tracking frequencies and staying up-to-date with the latest news is now easier than ever. This article aims to bring you up to speed with the best handheld radio scanners that dominated 2017.

Uniden BC75XLT: The Mammoth of Scanners

Undeniably, 2017 was a glittering year for Uniden. BC75XLT scanner became a household favorite due to its expansive storage capacity that can hold up to 300 programmed frequencies. This compact device promises an excellent battery life for extended use. Furthermore, a glance at its sleek design and you understand why it received much love from both amateur and seasoned scanner enthusiasts.

Whistler WS1040: A Technophile's Paradise

For technology aficionados, Whistler unveiled its WS1040 model, a scanner that comes with an unprecedented menu-driven programming. This unique feature allowed users to program the scanner without having to memorize any rigid user codes. The WS1040 radio scanner is predominantly popular amongst emergency responders because of its skywarn storm spotter feature, providing instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks.

Baofeng UV-5R: A Pocket-Friendly Powerhouse

Besides top-tier features and powerful frequencies reception, one factor that users often consider is the cost of the scanner. Baofeng hits the sweet spot with a powerful yet affordable UV-5R scanner. Equally important to note is that the battery life, built quality, and audio quality did not take a hit despite its cost-effectiveness.

Icom IC-R20: High Performance and Wide-Range Reception

In 2017, Icom IC-R20 came forward as a top-end choice for users, offering a high-speed scanning capability. This versatile radio scanner also gives users the option to listen to regular AM or FM stations. The IC-R20 introduces a built-in audio recorder which saves communications for later reference, a feature that was well received in the marketplace.

RadioShack PRO-651: Precision and Efficiency

Last but not least is the RadioShack PRO-651, which offered dependable frequency reception across various bands. The device applies the trunking system, allowing it to monitor communications on advanced systems such as Aegis and Astro 25. This scanner also employs a "Skywarn" feature for real-time weather updates, specifically aiding storm chasers and emergency responders.

In this short sweep through the best handheld radio scanners that ruled 2017, we have seen radio scanners that fulfill different user needs, whether it's the focus on cost-effectiveness, superior technology, or hurricane-proof features. Admittedly, this list may not represent the perfect fit for everyone. Each of these models has a unique feature set and is ideal for particular uses where they excel most.With new technology on the rise, we can only wait to predict what feats 2021 handheld radio scanners will achieve. Until then, our 2017 champions continue to reign.

In lieu of a conclusion, how about an invitation? Exploring these handheld radio scanners could be your doorway to the world. It’s your turn to jump in. What frequencies are waiting for you?