You will agree with me when I say that having a car CB radio will gift you insanely amazing opportunities.
But the problem has always been finding the best CB radio for cars. I know you have faced this problem and you might have wondered why there are not good car CB radios.
Let me tell you the reasons:
- Most of the CB radios are either handheld or are designed for trucks. Mind you, it’s the truckers and their trucker CB radios that own the CB world.
- You need a compact mobile CB for your car
Yes, the above two things make your life hard. I know!
But, look:
We are here to help you. The good news is we have already done the job for you. And the even better news is that our top picks are highly affordable and destined to give you amazing performance.
In this article, we will show you some of the terrific CB radios you should get for your car.
Top Car CB Radios
Before we start here are the top CB radios you can get for your car:
- Midland 75-822: Best Handheld Car CB Radio
- Cobra 29 LTD: Best mobile CB radio for cars
- Uniden PRO 505 XL: Most affordable Choice
- Midland 75-785:
- Cobra 75WXST: Ultra-Compact CB
If you are in a hurry, you can grab one amongst the top choices. Here is a quick comparison to help you find one:
| Cobra 29 LTD | Midland 75-822 |
| Cobra 29 LTD, one of those amazing mobile CB radios that can fetch you long ranges in your car. This is the premium choice option if you are looking for a permanent CB radio for your car.
| Midland 75-785 is a top-notch handheld CB that can do amazing jobs for you and your car. Priced at less than $50, it’s the most affordable option which won’t take away the fun in using a CB.
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Why have a CB radio in Your Car?
Long road trips get tiring and boring? Your CB Radio can prove to be your ultimate companion. Make your car journeys smoother by making small talks with fellow travelers. Here are some reasons for you to consider purchasing a Car CB Radio:
- Ditch your cellphone and save up on the monthly bills! While driving, one needs to communicate to get all the important updates. Having a CB Radio saves you from the extra costs.
- CB Radios come with different features and sizes. A handheld, mini radio can solve all your space issues! With cars having a restricted area, a tiny radio becomes easy-to-install. It can also be kept away in a glove compartment when not in use.
- What’s better than to be prepared for all sorts of emergencies? Most cellular networks fail at providing coverage across the countryside or in case of some natural disaster. In such cases, a CB radio can be your ultimate lifesaver. With their weather updates and instant channels, you would feel much safer.
- Fond of long drives and are often on the road? A CB Radio is a must-have! Planning group travels becomes hectic when you are required to coordinate. Guarantee yourself a smooth and adventurous trip with your own Small Radio.
Best CB Radio for Car: Reviews
1. Midland 75-822
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If you’re looking for a small and compact radio, this one’s for you. It can help with all your space-related concerns. Moreover, this user-friendly radio is definitely easy to operate.
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This radio from Midland is the best in the market for its top-notch features. With an external battery pack, the Midland 75-822 is prepared for all emergencies. It also includes an adapter for the cigarette lighter which allows for battery-free operation.
Midland 75-822 is an amazing handheld CB radio for your car. You can also take it outside whenever you go outside. This convenient and compact radio fits easily in the hand.
What’s even better is the external headset jack. When operating a radio becomes difficult, the headset allows for hands-free use.
The Midland 75-822 comes with a back-lit display. Day or night, reading a display would not be a problem anymore!
The radio may be one of the higher-priced ones. However, its exceptional features make it worth every penny spent. The best part is the one-year warranty it comes with.
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2. Cobra 29LTD
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This radio is the perfect size for all cars! With its sleek look, it makes for the best-looking CB Radio to have. What’s even better is the adjustable mic boost that will give you audibility.
➥Check the Latest Price on Amazon
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This Cobra radio may not be a handheld radio like the others. However, it still is great for cars. In fact, it has its own place amongst the top CB radios in the market.
With a 9-foot mic cord, you can install the Cobra 29LTD anywhere!
Another great feature is the SWR Calibration. This ensures the antenna system is functioning at full strength. The maximum performance will guarantee you smooth communication along the way.
If all that was not enough, let us talk about its sleek looks. This easy-to-operate radio comes with a classic design. The compact size allows you to install it anywhere in the car.
There has been a slight problem with the deliveries. Users have complained about receiving defective pieces. However, if fixed, this radio will surely last you long!
Oh, and did we mention the Antenna Warning Indicator? The radio light automatically illuminates when the antenna is out-of-order. This helps you prevent any mishap, highlighting the issue as it occurs.
3. Uniden PRO505XL
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With a low price like that, it still lives up to all expectations. PA Function, External Jacks and durability are all features you simply cannot miss. Hurry up and get the Uniden PRO505XL for your car right now!
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Drop everything and read on to find out about the Uniden PRO505XL.
This radio comes with all the external jacks you could possibly need! The Speaker jack allows you to connect a speaker and boost the audio.
Similarly, an external PA speaker can be attached to amplify the announcements.
Along with that, the easy-to-read display provides a Signal Indicator. With that you can check the strength of the incoming signals and transmissions.
If that wasn’t enough, wait till you hear what we have next!
The Uniden PRO505XL costs under $30. No, we’re not kidding. It is one of the most pocket-friendly radios available in the market.
The small and compact size of the radio allows you to install it in your car. It weighs under 2 pounds, making it easy to handle.
4. Midland 75-785
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For the ultimate travel experience, we definitely recommend this handheld radio. When squelched, the numbers on the display turn off to conserve power. This allows for optimal power usage.
With the Midland 75-785, there’s no going back!
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Like Midland 75-822, the Midland 75-785 is a great option for your car. It comes with a one-year warranty, giving you no reason to worry. Priced at $55, we find it to be a reasonable choice.
It has a High/Low power switch which allows you to save up on the power. The DC charger can be used with the “cigarette lighter” adapters in cars.
The Midland 75-785 is the best handheld radio to solve all your communication problems. It is portable, making it easy to carry around.
It is the perfect radio to stay connected on group trips.
The only limitation to it is the range. Handheld and small-sized radios fail to provide great coverage. But wait!
Adding in an antenna can fix this problem, giving you a better reach. Read on to find our recommendations for Car CB Antennas.
5. Cobra C75WXST
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If you don’t mind the high price, the Cobra C75WXST is a great option. It can easily be installed and will surely last you long enough. You won’t regret this one-time investment!
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A comfortable-to-hold radio, this is the perfect size for all car drivers. The Cobra C75WXST’s crisp and clear audio is surely unmatchable.
It also comes with a Sound Tracker system which reduces all background noise.
With its compact size, it is one of the best handheld radios available.
Another great feature is the remote mount system. This allows for a convenient dashboard installation in all vehicles.
The radio is a higher-priced one. However, the features are one-of-a-kind. The radio has ten NOAA weather channels, and an illuminated LCD Display.
Car CB Antenna Reviews
A CB system is incomplete without an antenna. We have already given the top choices when it comes to CB radios.
Now, it’s time to get the right CB antenna for your car. Here are some of our top picks:
1. Wilson 305-38
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The Wilson 305-38 is a moderately priced antenna. It works well with all CB radio frequencies and is the right length. With a strong mount and range, it’s the go-to antenna for Car Radios.
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The magnet is large enough to brace the strongest of winds.
The Radio Antenna has a sturdy and robust build. It has a long cable, perfect for most cars. It is also user-friendly making it easy to install for most people.
A few users have complained about received defected pieces. This is something that the manufacturers need to work on. Especially since it is difficult to find replacement parts.
2. Cobra HG A1000
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This antenna works well with the Uniden PRO505XL. It is easily adjusted and the strong build makes it durable.
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This Radio Antenna works well for its price. It is one of the most affordable antennas available.
The Cobra HG A1000 has a strong magnet that secures it in place. The whip is stainless steel which prevents it from rusting and damage.
The antenna has a cheap quality coil which heats up. This causes most of the power to be lost in heating. This is definitely something the manufacturers need to work on.
Other than that, it is a decent purchase for all cars. The compact length and easy-to-install nature make it perfect for car drivers.
3. President Electronics “New York”
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With the President Electronics antenna, you can never go wrong! Though it has a limited range, it works well with all CB radios. The strong build will ensure the antenna lasts you long enough.
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Tested with the Midland 75-822 handheld radio, the antenna provides an acceptable range. The Antenna is a great choice for cars with its compact length.
One user installed it on his Honda-Civic that he drove from Utah to Colorado. He recommends the President Electronics antenna as one of the best.
The small and sleek look and strong build make this antenna highly desirable.
Car CB Radio and Antenna Buying Guide
Here is how to select the best radio and antenna in the market! We bet your car rides would never be the same again:
Space
Installing a CB Radio or Antenna becomes troublesome for many. With limited space in the car, you need a small CB radio which is very easy-to-install. Fortunately, Car CB Radios often come in small sizes.
These tiny radios can be handheld, making it easier to handle. Some radios can also be installed in the glove compartments. This saves you from a mess of cables hanging at your feet.
The mic cord then allows for a smoother exchange of information.
Get the Best Price
You wouldn’t want to spend bucks on bucks trying to get it right. Making the right choice for the right price becomes important.
Choose durable and high-quality radio and antenna. This saves you from maintenance costs that you would otherwise endure.
Similarly, Wilson 305-38 has a sturdy build that makes it durable. While the strong magnetic mount holds it firmly.
Go for Good Range
Depending on your personal needs, look for a radio with the best range. Most handheld radios come with limited coverage.
The Little Wil Antenna, on the other hand, provides a better range. This can help ensure strong signal strength and better communication.
Concluding Remarks
With CB Radios being so convenient, it becomes necessary to own one. Equipped with Weather and emergency channels, you’ll be sorted for all your trips.
On the other hand, the antenna will also prove to be effective. By adding an antenna, you will be able to increase the range. This will give you better coverage and car length.