President Thomas AM/FM CB Radio

81%

19%

Audio Clarity

Transmission Quality

Ease of Installation

VOX Hands-Free Performance

Display Quality

Squelch Control

Build Quality & Durability

Included Microphone Quality

USB Charging Port Utility

Channel Coverage & Emergency Access

Dual AM/FM Reception

12V/24V Voltage Compatibility

Value for Money

Compact Form Factor

Warranty & Customer Support

Overview

The President Thomas AM/FM CB Radio is a solid mid-range unit from President Electronics, a brand that has been building radios for over 50 years. What separates it from most CB radios on the market is its dual AM/FM capability — standard CB channels plus FM reception, which is genuinely useful during downtime on the road. It runs on both 12V and 24V systems, so it slides comfortably into trucks, RVs, and off-road builds without extra wiring headaches. The form factor is compact and lightweight at under three pounds, which means it mounts cleanly without crowding a modern cab. This is not a high-end enthusiast rig, but as an everyday road companion, it punches well within its class.

Features & Benefits

The VOX hands-free function is one of the more practical features here — when you are navigating a narrow trail or merging on the interstate, not reaching for a mic matters. The multi-color LCD stays readable across different lighting conditions, and you can adjust the display color to suit your preference. Squelch management is handled through automatic and manual controls, which cuts down on static drone during long stretches. The built-in USB port lets you charge a phone or GPS without adding another adapter to the mix. Rounding things out, all 40 channels are covered — including emergency frequencies — and the unit carries a water-resistant rating that gives off-road users some peace of mind.

Best For

This CB radio makes the most sense for long-haul truckers who want clear, low-effort communication without fussing over complicated controls. Off-road convoy drivers will appreciate having something reliable when cell towers disappear and group coordination depends entirely on radio. RV owners looking for a capable unit without overspending will find this President unit hits a comfortable balance. It is also a natural fit for anyone just getting into CB radio — the setup is straightforward, the included hardware covers what you need, and the USB port is a small but welcome touch for modern drivers. If you are replacing an older AM-only CB, adding FM reception to your daily routine is a real practical bonus.

User Feedback

Across roughly 320 ratings, this CB radio holds a 4.5-star average — and that number reflects genuine satisfaction rather than an absence of critical voices. Installation ease comes up repeatedly as a highlight, along with clean audio and the clarity of the display. Where buyers push back, the stock microphone draws the most consistent criticism, with several reviewers suggesting an early upgrade. A handful of users note that range, as with any stock CB under FCC power limits, can feel modest in rugged terrain. VOX sensitivity is polarizing: some love the convenience, others find it trips too easily in noisy cabs. On durability, early signs are encouraging, and the two-year warranty adds reassurance for buyers on the fence.

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Pros

Full 40-channel coverage with emergency access works reliably for both convoy coordination and roadside safety situations.
Dual AM and FM reception sets the Thomas apart from basic CB-only units in the same price range.
Installation is straightforward — included bracket, hardware, and mic mean most buyers are operational within an hour.
The multi-color LCD stays readable in direct sunlight and is easy to customize for night driving comfort.
Both automatic and manual squelch controls give drivers real flexibility for managing static across different road environments.
12V and 24V compatibility means this CB radio transitions cleanly between trucks, RVs, and off-road rigs without extra hardware.
The built-in USB charging port reduces dashboard clutter by eliminating one more adapter from the equation.
Compact dimensions make mounting straightforward even in modern cabs where available space is tight.
Water-resistant construction provides meaningful protection for open-cab and off-road use cases.
A two-year warranty is above average for this product category and reflects reasonable manufacturer confidence.

Cons

The stock microphone is the most consistently cited weak point — many buyers plan an aftermarket upgrade within the first few months.
VOX sensitivity can misfire in noisy cabs, with engine or road noise triggering unintended transmissions.
No NOAA weather band is included, a genuine gap for drivers who travel through storm-prone or mountainous areas.
Range in hilly or densely wooded terrain disappoints some users, though FCC power limits apply to every CB on the market.
Front-panel controls are tightly spaced, which drivers with larger hands may find awkward to adjust while moving.
Warranty support experiences vary, with international buyers reporting slower and less consistent resolution than domestic customers.
FM reception quality depends heavily on antenna setup and drops off noticeably in rural or low-signal areas.
The USB port delivers standard charging speeds only — not a viable fast-charge solution for power-hungry modern devices.

Ratings

The President Thomas AM/FM CB Radio earns its 4.5-star standing across a broad base of verified buyers, and our AI-driven scoring reflects that — pulling from hundreds of real user reviews worldwide while actively filtering out incentivized, bot-generated, and outlier feedback. The scores below capture the full picture: where this CB radio genuinely delivers and where it falls short of expectations. Both sides are represented transparently, so you can make a confident call before buying.

Audio Clarity

83%

Most drivers report clean, intelligible audio during standard highway and trail use. On open roads with minimal interference, incoming transmissions come through without the heavy static that plagues cheaper units, which matters when you are coordinating a convoy or monitoring traffic alerts.

In high-noise cab environments — think older diesel engines or open-window off-road driving — audio can become harder to cut through. A few users noted that the speaker output, while acceptable, lacks the punch of premium CB units at higher price points.

Transmission Quality

78%

22%

Outgoing signal quality is solid for a stock mid-range CB, with contacts reporting clear reception at reasonable distances. Truckers using it on interstates generally find it performs reliably for channel 19 traffic and convoy chatter without requiring an external amplifier.

Like all FCC-regulated CB radios, transmit power is capped at 4 watts, and some users feel range drops off more noticeably than expected in hilly or densely wooded terrain. It is a regulatory ceiling, not a defect, but worth setting expectations around.

Ease of Installation

91%

Installation consistently ranks among the most praised aspects across user reviews. The included mounting bracket, hardware, and mic mean most drivers can get this unit operational in under an hour without professional help, even in tight cab configurations.

A small number of buyers with older or non-standard dash layouts reported needing additional brackets not included in the box. The wiring instructions in the manual could also be more detailed for complete beginners working without a reference vehicle.

VOX Hands-Free Performance

67%

33%

For drivers who need to keep both hands on the wheel — especially on technical off-road trails or during high-traffic merges — the VOX function delivers real practical value. When it works well, the voice activation threshold is responsive without constant manual intervention.

VOX sensitivity is genuinely polarizing in user feedback. In louder cabs, engine noise or road rumble can trigger unintended transmissions, and fine-tuning the threshold is not always intuitive. Several users ultimately disable the feature and revert to the mic after frustrating experiences.

Display Quality

86%

The multi-color LCD draws consistent praise for both readability and the ability to personalize the interface. Drivers appreciate being able to switch display colors to reduce eye strain during night driving, and channel readouts stay visible even under direct sunlight in most cab setups.

At very sharp viewing angles, contrast drops noticeably, which can be an issue depending on where the unit is mounted. A handful of users also found the backlight brightness adjustment less intuitive than expected, requiring a look at the manual.

Squelch Control

82%

18%

Having both automatic squelch and a manual override gives this CB radio real flexibility. On busy interstate stretches, ASC handles most of the filtering work without driver input, cutting out background chatter and static between transmissions during long hauls.

The automatic squelch can occasionally be too aggressive, cutting the tail end of incoming transmissions before they fully complete. Users who prefer finer control tend to rely on manual squelch, which is functional but takes a few minutes to dial in correctly.

Build Quality & Durability

76%

24%

The chassis feels sturdy for a unit in this price tier, and early adopter feedback on long-term durability is encouraging. The water-resistant construction adds genuine reassurance for off-road and open-cab users who cannot always control their exposure to the elements.

The overall construction does not quite match the heft of higher-end CB units, and a few long-term owners have noted that the mic cable connection point shows wear after extended daily use. It is built well enough, but it is not built to last decades of hard commercial use.

Included Microphone Quality

57%

43%

The stock mic is functional and gets you on air immediately out of the box without any additional purchases. For casual or occasional CB users, it covers the basics without distortion at normal speaking distance.

Microphone quality is the most consistently cited complaint across reviews. Users describe it as muddy or thin-sounding compared to aftermarket options, and a notable portion of buyers replace it within the first few months. For anyone doing serious daily communication, a mic upgrade is likely inevitable.

USB Charging Port Utility

88%

A USB charging port may sound minor, but in a cab already competing for power outlets between phones, GPS units, and dash cams, having one built directly into the CB radio is a practical win. Users frequently mention it as a small feature that earns its keep daily.

The port delivers a standard charging rate rather than fast-charge speeds, so it is more of a supplemental top-up solution than a primary charging source for power-hungry devices. No major complaints, but expectations should be managed accordingly.

Channel Coverage & Emergency Access

89%

Full 40-channel coverage with dedicated emergency channel access makes this CB radio genuinely useful beyond trucking, extending to roadside emergencies and coordinated off-road group travel. Having those channels readily accessible without menu diving is something buyers consistently appreciate.

There is no weather band radio included, which is a gap some competitors at this price point address. For drivers in regions where NOAA weather alerts are critical — storm-prone plains, mountain passes — this is a meaningful omission worth noting before purchasing.

Dual AM/FM Reception

84%

FM reception is a legitimately useful differentiator that sets this CB radio apart from AM-only units. During downtime at truck stops or campsites, being able to pull in local FM stations through the same unit is a quality-of-life addition that buyers who upgraded from older radios particularly value.

FM reception quality is dependent on antenna setup, and users with basic stock antennas report mixed results in rural or mountainous areas. The feature is a solid bonus, but it is not a replacement for a dedicated head unit if audio quality is a priority.

12V/24V Voltage Compatibility

93%

Running cleanly on both 12V and 24V systems is a practical necessity for a CB radio targeting truckers and RV owners, and the Thomas handles it without any reported issues. Buyers switching between vehicle types appreciate not needing a separate unit for each setup.

No meaningful cons emerge in user feedback specific to voltage compatibility. The only edge case involves very old or poorly maintained electrical systems where minor interference has been reported, though this is not unique to this unit.

Value for Money

79%

21%

At its price point, this CB radio offers a feature set that competes well against units costing noticeably more. The combination of VOX, dual AM/FM, USB charging, and a color display in a compact package represents solid value for a mid-range purchase.

Some buyers feel the stock mic undercuts the overall value proposition, since upgrading it is an additional cost that was not budgeted for. If you factor in a decent aftermarket mic, the effective cost of a complete setup nudges closer to premium CB territory.

Compact Form Factor

87%

The compact dimensions make mounting straightforward in modern cabs where space is at a premium. Truckers and RV owners frequently comment that it fits cleanly in spots where bulkier CB radios would not, without blocking vents or sightlines.

The smaller footprint means some of the front-panel controls are tightly spaced, which a handful of users with larger hands find fiddly during driving. It is a minor ergonomic trade-off, but worth mentioning for buyers prioritizing one-handed adjustability.

Warranty & Customer Support

72%

28%

A two-year warranty is above average for this product category and signals a degree of manufacturer confidence. Several buyers who needed to engage President Electronics for support described the process as responsive and reasonably straightforward.

A small number of reviews describe slower-than-expected resolution timelines for warranty claims, particularly for international buyers. Domestic U.S. support experiences are generally more positive, but cross-border warranty service appears inconsistent based on available feedback.

Suitable for:

The President Thomas AM/FM CB Radio is a strong match for long-haul truckers who want dependable, low-fuss communication on the interstate without wrestling with a complicated setup. It works equally well for off-road convoy drivers who rely on CB when cell coverage evaporates on remote trails — the water-resistant build and 12/24V compatibility make it a practical fit for rugged environments. RV travelers who want a capable CB unit without spending into premium territory will find the Thomas hits a sensible middle ground, covering the basics and then some. First-time CB radio buyers benefit from the straightforward installation and the included hardware, which means getting on air does not require a trip to a specialty shop or a professional install. Anyone upgrading from an older AM-only unit will also appreciate having FM reception built in, adding everyday utility beyond convoy communication.

Not suitable for:

Serious CB radio enthusiasts who prioritize absolute transmission range, advanced signal processing, or high-output audio performance will likely find this CB radio falls short of their expectations — and that is not a knock on this unit specifically, but a reflection of what mid-range hardware is designed to deliver. Buyers who want a weather band radio integrated into the same unit should look elsewhere, as the Thomas does not include NOAA weather alert functionality, which can be a meaningful gap for drivers in storm-prone or mountainous regions. Anyone planning to rely heavily on VOX hands-free operation in a loud diesel cab or open-air vehicle may find the sensitivity tuning frustrating enough to abandon the feature entirely. Professional operators who log heavy daily communication hours may also find the stock microphone underwhelming fast enough that the cost of an immediate upgrade erodes the value proposition. If you need a workhorse built to survive a decade of hard commercial punishment, this President unit is a capable everyday tool — but it is not engineered for that level of sustained, intensive use.

Specifications

Brand: Manufactured by President Electronics, a company with over 50 years of experience producing CB and amateur radio equipment.
Model Number: This unit carries the official model designation TXUS093, also marketed under the Thomas name.
Channels: Covers all 40 standard CB channels, including emergency channel 9 and trucker-monitored channel 19.
Frequency Modes: Operates on both AM and FM modulation, expanding usability beyond standard AM-only CB communication.
Dimensions: The unit measures 7.09″ long by 4.92″ wide by 1.77″ tall, keeping the footprint compact for tight cab installations.
Weight: At 2.8 pounds, the radio is lightweight enough for easy single-person mounting without additional support hardware.
Voltage Input: Compatible with both 12V and 24V DC electrical systems, covering the full range of trucks, RVs, and off-road vehicles.
Display: Features a multi-color LCD screen that allows users to adjust backlight color for preference or low-light readability.
VOX System: Built-in VOX (Voice Operated Exchange) enables hands-free transmission by activating the mic automatically when the user speaks.
Squelch Control: Includes both Automatic Squelch Control (ASC) and a manual squelch override for flexible noise management across varying signal environments.
USB Port: Equipped with one USB charging port on the front panel, capable of powering external devices such as phones or GPS units.
Frequency Range: Audio frequency response spans 300 Hz to 3 kHz, which is standard for CB voice communication clarity.
Water Resistance: Rated as water resistant, providing a baseline level of protection against splashes and moisture for off-road or open-cab use.
In the Box: Package includes the CB radio unit, handheld microphone, mounting bracket, mounting hardware, spare fuse, instruction manual, and a President logo sticker.
Warranty: Backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty, which is above the category average for fixed-mount CB radios.
Power Consumption: Operates at 13.8V in 12V systems and 27.6V in 24V systems, consistent with standard CB radio electrical requirements.
Market Rank: Holds a top-40 position in the Fixed-mount CB Radios category on Amazon based on sales performance data.
Release Date: First made available for purchase in November 2020, giving the product a multi-year track record of real-world user feedback.

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FAQ

Yes, it does. The unit is designed to run on both 12V and 24V DC systems natively, so you do not need a voltage converter or any additional wiring adaptations. It is one of the practical advantages this radio has over some competitors that are 12V only.

Most buyers report getting it installed without professional help. The box includes the mounting bracket, hardware, and microphone, so you have everything you need out of the gate. The process is straightforward for standard cab setups, though if your dash layout is unusual or space is tight, you may need to source a different bracket style.

You get the radio itself, a handheld microphone, a mounting bracket with hardware, a spare fuse, an instruction manual, and a President logo sticker. An antenna is not included, so if you do not already have one, that is a separate purchase you will need to plan for.

It depends heavily on how noisy your cab is. In a quieter vehicle, VOX works well and is genuinely convenient. In a louder diesel truck or with windows open off-road, engine noise and road rumble can accidentally trigger transmissions. Many users in noisier environments end up switching back to the traditional push-to-talk mic after experimenting with VOX.

You can pick up standard FM broadcast stations, not just FM CB channels. This is one of the features that distinguishes the President Thomas AM/FM CB Radio from basic AM-only units — during downtime at a rest stop or campsite, you can tune into local FM stations through the same radio.

Range on any CB radio is regulated by the FCC, which caps transmit power at 4 watts for all CB units regardless of brand or price. Under open, flat conditions you can typically expect a few miles of reliable communication. In hilly, forested, or urban environments, that range shrinks. If someone is promising you dramatically more range from a stock CB, be skeptical.

The included mic works fine for getting started, but it is the most common complaint in user reviews. Audio quality from the stock mic is described as functional but thin. If you are doing heavy daily use or care about how you sound to other drivers, budgeting for an aftermarket mic upgrade early on is a smart move.

No, it does not. There is no weather band radio built in, which is worth knowing if you drive through storm-prone regions or mountain passes where NOAA alerts are important. For weather monitoring, you would need a separate dedicated weather radio or a CB unit that specifically includes that feature.

It will charge your phone, but do not expect fast-charge speeds. The USB port delivers standard output, so it is better thought of as a slow top-up option rather than a primary charging source for modern smartphones with large batteries. It is still useful for reducing how many adapters you need to carry.

The warranty covers manufacturer defects, which is standard. Buyer experiences with President Electronics support have generally been positive for domestic U.S. customers, with most reporting reasonable response times. International buyers have had more inconsistent experiences, so if you are purchasing from outside the U.S., it is worth factoring that into your decision.