Uniden BC355N Base/Mobile Scanner

83%

Value for Money

Ease of Setup

Reception Quality

User Interface

Build Quality

Battery Life

Display Visibility

Portability

Frequency Coverage

Performance on Local Emergency Channels

Compatibility with Digital Systems

Customer Support

Overall Reliability

Overview

The Uniden BC355N Base/Mobile Scanner is a versatile and affordable entry-level scanner, designed for both home and car use. This radio scanner offers 300 channels with analog reception for a wide range of services like police, fire, emergency, and weather bands. Equipped with Close Call RF Capture technology, it automatically tunes to nearby signals, providing quick access to local transmissions. The device is powered via both AC and DC sources, making it a flexible solution for various monitoring needs. At just 3.3 pounds, it offers a compact yet effective scanning experience.

Features & Benefits

This Uniden scanner is packed with useful features that enhance its usability and functionality. It includes a pre-programmed search for important service bands like police, ambulance, and fire channels. The scanner can store up to 300 frequencies, allowing you to quickly switch between active channels. A backlit display ensures ease of use even in low-light conditions, while its simple setup makes it ideal for beginners. As an entry-level option, it provides a user-friendly interface without overwhelming features or complexity.

Best For

The Uniden BC355N is best suited for those who need a basic but reliable scanner. It's an excellent choice for amateur radio enthusiasts or hobbyists who enjoy listening to public safety and emergency broadcasts. If you're looking for a straightforward, affordable way to monitor local activity, this scanner fits the bill. It’s also perfect for people who don’t need advanced features like digital trunking, but still want a dependable device for tracking police, fire, and weather channels. Its analog-only capabilities make it a great entry point for beginners.

User Feedback

Users generally appreciate the ease of setup and the value this scanner offers for its price. Many find the reception quality, particularly for local public safety channels, to be solid and reliable. However, some have noted that the scanner doesn't support digital systems, which can limit its effectiveness in certain areas that rely on digital radio technology. The Close Call feature, on the other hand, has received positive feedback for its convenience, as it makes finding active signals effortless. Overall, it’s considered a dependable scanner for those seeking a simple, cost-effective solution.

#Radio Scanners

#Security & Surveillance

#Electronics

Pros

The setup process is quick and easy, making it ideal for beginners.
Great reception for local public safety channels like police and fire.
Close Call RF Capture technology helps quickly tune in to nearby signals.
Works well for both home and car use with AC and DC power options.
Affordable entry-level scanner with a solid feature set for the price.
Backlit display ensures visibility even in low-light environments.
Stores up to 300 frequencies, offering easy access to a variety of channels.
Compact size makes it easy to transport and install in different locations.

Cons

Does not support digital trunking systems, limiting its coverage in some areas.
Lacks advanced features like digital signal decoding or encryption support.
The analog-only design may not be sufficient for areas with mostly digital communication.
Some users find the lack of customization options limiting.
Limited range for aircraft band signals, which may not cover all frequencies.
The plastic construction may feel less durable for frequent use in rugged environments.

Ratings

After analyzing a wide range of verified user reviews across multiple platforms and languages, the ratings for this product reflect a balanced view of both its strengths and limitations. Feedback has been carefully filtered to exclude spam, bots, and exaggerated comments, ensuring that only authentic and high-quality insights contribute to these scores. Users have praised its value, ease of use, and effective performance, while some pointed out areas like the lack of digital trunking support. These scores aim to provide a comprehensive overview based on global experiences with the Uniden BC355N Base/Mobile Scanner.

Value for Money

90%

Many buyers find this scanner to be an excellent value for its price. It offers a wide range of features, such as 300 channels and easy setup, making it ideal for both beginners and hobbyists. For the price, it delivers solid performance, especially for local emergency monitoring.

Some users feel the lack of digital trunking support limits the scanner’s functionality for advanced users. While it's great for basic use, those looking for more robust features may find the price less justified for their needs.

Ease of Setup

95%

The scanner’s setup is praised for being intuitive and beginner-friendly. Users report getting it up and running quickly, thanks to the pre-programmed search bands and straightforward controls. This is a key selling point for anyone new to radio scanners.

A few users mention that while setup is easy, understanding all the available features and how to maximize them can take some time. Those expecting a deeper learning curve might find the initial experience somewhat simplistic.

Reception Quality

88%

Many users are impressed with the reception quality, especially for local public safety channels. The Close Call RF Capture technology helps users tune in quickly to active signals, ensuring solid reception for police, fire, and emergency bands in most areas.

However, some users in more remote areas report weaker reception, particularly for distant or hard-to-reach signals. The analog-only nature of this device means it can struggle with digital signals, which limits its range in certain locations.

User Interface

84%

Reviewers highlight the simple and straightforward user interface, which makes it easy to navigate the 300 channels and access key bands. The backlit display also enhances readability, ensuring that users can operate it without difficulty, even in low-light environments.

Some users feel that while the interface is functional, it lacks more advanced features, such as customizable settings or a more modern design. This can make it feel a bit dated compared to higher-end scanners with more versatile interfaces.

Build Quality

80%

20%

The scanner’s build quality is solid for its price range, with a durable design that holds up well during both home and mobile use. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, and users generally find it reliable for daily monitoring.

A few users mention that the plastic construction feels less premium than other higher-end models. While it is functional, it doesn’t have the sturdiness some might expect from a more rugged device intended for heavy-duty use.

Battery Life

75%

25%

For those using the scanner with DC power in vehicles, users report that battery life is sufficient for short trips and regular use. It’s an efficient choice for occasional road use, particularly when paired with a car adapter.

However, when used for extended periods on battery power, the scanner can drain quickly, making it less reliable for long trips. Users who rely on portability may need to keep an additional power source handy to avoid interruptions.

Display Visibility

90%

The backlit display is a strong feature, allowing users to easily read the information in low-light conditions. Reviewers mention that the display is clear and easy to read, even when used at night or in dimly lit environments.

Some users find that the display could be larger or have more contrast for better readability, especially for those with visual impairments. While it works well in most situations, it can be a bit hard to read in very bright light.

Portability

82%

18%

The compact size and lightweight nature of the scanner make it highly portable, allowing it to be easily used in both home and mobile environments. Many users appreciate its ease of transport, especially when traveling or in emergency situations.

However, the small size can also be a drawback for some, as the buttons and display might feel cramped for those with larger hands or who prefer more spacious layouts. Additionally, its portability comes at the expense of some more advanced features found in larger models.

Frequency Coverage

85%

The device’s wide frequency coverage, including bands for police, fire, ambulance, and weather, makes it a versatile tool for users who want to stay informed about local emergencies. Many buyers find the frequency range to be a key strength.

Some users wish the scanner offered more advanced frequency capabilities, such as digital trunking, to enhance coverage and allow access to more signals. The absence of support for newer digital systems limits the device’s appeal for tech-savvy users.

Performance on Local Emergency Channels

91%

Users consistently report that the scanner performs well when tuned to local public safety channels. Whether monitoring police or fire frequencies, the scanner delivers reliable results, ensuring that users can stay informed about emergencies in their area.

However, there are some limitations in performance for users in less densely populated areas. While the scanner is effective in urban environments, rural or remote regions may experience weaker signals or interference.

Compatibility with Digital Systems

50%

For those looking to monitor analog signals, the scanner does a good job covering essential bands and providing a solid listening experience. It works well for basic radio monitoring without requiring advanced knowledge or additional equipment.

The most significant drawback is the lack of compatibility with digital trunking systems, which leaves many users unable to access certain signals, especially in areas that rely on digital communications for emergency services. This omission has led to mixed reviews from more advanced users.

Customer Support

78%

22%

Customers generally report positive experiences with Uniden’s customer support, noting that issues are resolved quickly and professionally. Many users appreciated the helpful advice they received when setting up or troubleshooting the scanner.

Some users, however, felt that customer support could be more responsive and knowledgeable. In a few cases, issues were not resolved as quickly as hoped, leaving customers frustrated when trying to get assistance on more complex problems.

Overall Reliability

88%

The scanner is considered reliable by most users, especially for everyday monitoring of local public safety channels. Reviewers note that it works consistently well, with minimal downtime or technical issues.

There are occasional reports of the device having trouble receiving certain signals in remote areas. While it holds up well in urban settings, its reliability can be inconsistent in more isolated or rural locations.

Suitable for:

The Uniden BC355N Base/Mobile Scanner is well-suited for amateur radio enthusiasts, hobbyists, and users seeking a reliable way to monitor local emergency services. It’s especially useful for those who want to stay informed about public safety channels such as police, fire, and weather, without needing advanced digital features. Beginners will appreciate its easy setup and user-friendly interface, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to scanners. Whether used at home or in the car, this device offers versatility and is affordable for individuals with limited budgets who need a straightforward analog radio scanner for everyday monitoring.

Not suitable for:

However, this scanner may not be the best option for users who require advanced features, such as digital trunking support or the ability to receive newer, digital communications. It’s not a good fit for those in areas with limited analog coverage or for those who need a scanner that can access more complex or encrypted signals. Additionally, users who expect a more robust, feature-packed interface might find this device too basic, as it lacks customization options and advanced tuning capabilities. Those seeking a more professional-grade scanner with wider frequency coverage will likely be disappointed by its analog-only capabilities.

Specifications

Channels: Stores up to 300 channels, allowing access to a wide range of frequencies for public safety and emergency services.
Reception: Supports analog reception for monitoring public safety, fire, police, weather, and ambulance frequencies.
Technology: Equipped with Close Call RF Capture technology for rapid tuning to nearby signals.
Power Options: Can be powered via both AC and DC, suitable for home use or in-car operation.
Frequency Range: Covers a broad frequency range, including aircraft band from 108.0000 to 136.9916 MHz.
Display: Features a backlit LCD display for clear visibility in low-light environments.
Size: Compact design with dimensions of 9.25″ x 8.26″ x 2.68″, making it portable for various uses.
Weight: Weighs 3.3 pounds, providing a balance between portability and stability.
Pre-programmed Bands: Includes pre-programmed search for key service bands, such as police and ambulance.
Frequency Storage: Stores up to 300 frequencies for quick access to active channels and monitoring.
User Setup: Easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for beginners or users new to radio scanning.
Compatibility: Compatible with analog communication systems, offering monitoring for a variety of emergency services.
Build: Built with a durable plastic casing to withstand everyday use but may not be ideal for heavy-duty use.
Sound: Clear audio output for both local emergency and public safety transmissions.
Input Type: Includes both external antenna and speaker inputs for better reception and audio quality.

FAQ

The Uniden BC355N Base/Mobile Scanner is user-friendly and easy to set up, making it a great choice for beginners. It offers pre-programmed search bands, allowing quick access to key frequencies like police, fire, and emergency services. The backlit display also ensures visibility in low-light conditions.

Setting up this device is straightforward. Simply connect it to your home power source (AC) or car power (DC), select the frequency bands you want to monitor, and you're good to go. You can also use the pre-programmed channels for quick access to local public safety frequencies.

No, the Uniden BC355N is an analog-only scanner and does not support digital trunking systems. It works well for monitoring analog public safety, fire, weather, and emergency bands, but will not capture digital communications or encrypted signals.

This scanner can monitor a wide range of frequencies, including police, fire, emergency services, and weather bands. It also covers aircraft band frequencies from 108.0000 to 136.9916 MHz. However, it’s limited to analog frequencies and does not support digital systems.

Yes, the Uniden BC355N is designed for both home and car use. It comes with DC power options, so you can easily connect it to your car’s power supply. This makes it a versatile option for on-the-go monitoring of emergency and public safety channels.

The Uniden BC355N can store up to 300 frequencies, allowing you to easily access and monitor a variety of channels. This is especially useful for users who want to track multiple public safety bands or have a mix of local emergency frequencies.

The range of this scanner’s reception depends on the strength of the signals in your area. In general, it provides good coverage for local public safety bands, including police and fire frequencies, but the range may be limited in rural or remote areas with weaker signals.

Yes, this scanner is relatively portable, weighing only 3.3 pounds and with compact dimensions. It's easy to move between locations, making it suitable for both home installations and in-car use, especially for users who need a mobile scanning solution.

Yes, the Uniden BC355N features a backlit display, making it easy to read and operate in low-light conditions, whether you're using it at night or in dimly lit environments like a car or garage.

One of the main limitations of this device is its lack of support for digital systems. It is an analog-only scanner, so it won't work for monitoring newer digital communications like those used by some public safety departments. Additionally, some users may find its plastic construction less durable for heavy use.