By: Jeremy Neisser
If you're new to CB Radio and are curious about the CB radio brands, we've compiled a list of CB Radio manufacturers and their respective market share by brand popularity.
The 19 CB Radio Brands Broken Down By Popularity
1. Cobra CB Radios:
Cobra CB Radios are the most popular CB radios on the market today. Cobra is known for building high quality CB Radios at an affordable price. Cobra radios hold almost 80 percent of the marketshare throughout the United States.
The majority of people are unaware that the Uniden brand also includes products from popular private label labels such as Clegg (amateur transceivers), Cobra, Craig, Fanon-Courier, Midland (only select clone models, originals were manufactured by Cybernet), President, Teaberry, Stalker, Super Star, Teledy as well as a few others.
Yes, you read that right. Cobra is actually Uniden. Cobra is one hell of a marketing machine.
Cobra's line of CB Radios include models such as the Cobra 29 LTD Classic, which are perfect if you are looking for a base station radio to take out into the country or to your local truck stop . Cobra CB Radios are also popular with off roaders, who like to hit the trails in their 4x4s.
Choose any Cobra CB radio and you will find that they are perfect for beginners because they are easy to use, extremely affordable and built extremely well. Cobra is also known for making some of the most highly purchased CB Radios on Amazon .
You might like to read: Best CB Radios
I put together a breakdown of Cobra's most popular models below:
Cobra 29 LTD Classic - The Cobra 29 LTD Classic is a high-performance 40 channel base station CB radio that's packed with excellent features like all-weather operation. Cobra 29 LTD Classic has gained a huge following among off-roaders, thanks to its easy-to-read meter and compact size. It is one of the best CB radios on the market.
Check out the Cobra 29 LTD Classic on the Cobra website:
Cobra 75 WX ST - The Cobra 75 WX ST is one of Cobra's most popular models. This model is also known as the "workhorse" CB Radio because it's packed with tons of features and yet still very affordable. The Cobra 75 WX ST can be programmed easier than ever with the new Alert feature. The Alert feature beeps when you are receiving messages on the NOAA weather channel.
You may like: Cobra vs Midland
Cobra 148 GTL - The Cobra 148 GTL is Cobra's low-priced model. If you're looking for a cheap CB Radio, this model will not disappoint.
The Cobra 200 GTL is a great option if you are looking for an entry-level CB Radio. This model is also the most popular Cobra CB Radio on Amazon. In addition to being affordable, this model can be programmed by computer. Check out the Cobra 200 GTL on Amazon:
Cobra 29 LTD Classic Blackout - This model is a blacked-out version of the Cobra 29 LTD Classic. If you're looking for a high-performance CB Radio with all of the great features of the original, look no further than this model.
Cobra 75 WX ST Blackout - This model is a blacked-out version of the Cobra 75 WX ST.
Cobra 25 LTD Classic - The Cobra 25 LTD is perfect for beginners looking to get into CB Radio. The Cobra 25 LTD is Cobra's first entry-level CB Radio. This model can also be programmed with computer.
Cobra also makes some of the best handheld CB radios available
- Emergency Radio - CB Radios provide reliable communication which is not dependent on satellites and cellular networks which can be the difference between getting experienced help in an emergency and being left on your own when you need assistance.
- Antenna Warning Indicator - Take the guesswork out of checking your antenna, a light will automatically illuminate if your system needs to be checked.
- 4 Watt Output - Giving you the best range of communication with the maximum power allowed by law.
- Instant Channel 9 - Immediate access to Emergency channel 9 to ensure you're driving safely from the very beginning.
- 40 Channel Access - Scan the complete range of 40 channels for full coverage of CB stations.
- Gift of Connection - Life on the road can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay connected and keep your trucker safe this holiday season with the gift of Cobra CB Radios.
- Display Type: Led
2. Uniden CB Radios
Uniden CB radios are also very popular among truckers and off-roaders. Uniden is known for making high-quality CB Radios that are packed with tons of features at an affordable price.
Uniden's line of CB Radios includes models such as the PC78LTX that looks very similar to the Cobra 29 LTD Classic
- Hit the road in trucker's style with the Uniden PC78LTX CB Radio. Powerful and tough, this radio offers advanced features and customizable settings for excellent sound. With this radio, you never have to miss another transmission, even when you are driving.
- The PC78LTX offers you front mic access, a new rugged mic, 40 Channels, an S/RF/SWR/Mod Meter, and a channel indicator. Also included is a channel selector, a TX/RX indicator, instant channel 9, dim control, noise blanker, RF gain control, a PA mode, mic gain control, and a Hi Cut Function.
- Microphone Settings for Best Sound: This radio's multiple adjustments allow you to fine tune the signal and sound, for excellent clarity. Change the squelch control settings and the ANL/Noise Blanker option to reduce static and enjoy clear sound. Adjust the microphone gain to control the mic sensitivity.
- Integrated SWR Meter: Keep your CB station performing at its best using the CB's built-in SWR meter to precisely tune your antenna for best signal.
- If you're looking for a proven radio that will stand the test of time, go no further. Package includes: PC78LTX CB 2-way mobile radio, Microphone, Mounting Bracket Kit, DC Power Cord, and Owner’s Manual.
I put together a breakdown of Uniden's most popular models below:
Uniden PRO510XL - The Uniden PRO510XL is a very popular CB Radio among off-roaders and 4x4 owners thanks to its AM & SSB reception capabilities.
Like the Cobra 29 LTD, it is ranked as one of the best CB radios on the market. If you're looking for a CB Radio that can pick up AM transmissions, look no further than this model.
Uniden PC78LTW - The Uniden PC78LTW is one of Uniden's most popular models. This model features an LCD display, which makes it easier to read in direct sunlight.
Uniden PRO520XL - The Uniden PRO520XL is similar to the Uniden PC78LTW, but this model does not have an LCD display. This radio is very popular among those that want a CB Radio with more features at a cheaper price than the Uniden PRO520XL.
3. Stryker CB Radios
Stryker CB Radios are some of the most affordable CB Radios on the market. If your budget is tight, it's a good idea to take a look at this company when shopping for a new CB Radio.
Here's the hook though... Stryker makes CB Radios that are packed with features and yet still very affordable. Many of the Stryker radios are 10 meter not 11 meters so they are not technically a Citizen Band radio.
Here is the full list of the most popular Stryker CB Radios.
- SSB Radio, the Stryker 955HPC, doesn’t drift off frequency at all, not even slightly. Tune it in and leave it—it never drifts. It gets AMAZING Audio Reports on AM and SSB.
- 8-color LED-backlit faceplate with Dimmer control (32 positions)
- High power 60+ watts PEP
- Variable talkback control
- Digital Echo with dual front-mounted controls
4. Midland CB Radios
Midland CB Radios has gained steam over the last decade because of its high quality and affordable price point. Midland CB radios are also known for being easy to use.
Midland is known for making high-quality and durable CB Radios with a wide range of features. Midland's line of mobile CB Radios includes models such as the Midland 75-822, which has become popular among 4x4 owners because it has a large LCD display. It is also water-resistant.
- Portable CB Radio – This Portable CB radio from Midland features 40 CB channels, Dual Watch monitors channel 9, 10 NOAA channels, and 4 Watts of output power. Its lightweight design can be converted into a mobile radio with the required accessories.
- Power Source – Power your CB radio with six AA batteries or use the included cigarette lighter adapter for mobile use. 4-watt output power delivers maximum communication range. Hi-Low power mode.
- NOAA Weather Alert – You’ll have instant access to NOAA weather/hazard information 24/7. Instant channel provides immediate access to emergency channel 9 and informational channel 19. Last channel memory turns to the last user selected channel.
- LCD Screen – A large, backlit LCD screen provides a multifunctional display that’s easy to read, day or night. ANL (automatic noise limiter) and squelch control for improving reception and eliminating noise
- What’s In The Box – CB Radio, AC wall adapter, alkaline battery compartment, rechargeable battery compartment,cigarette lighter adapter for mobile use, antenna, hand strap, belt clip, and the owner’s manual.
Uniden vs Cobra vs Midland vs Stryker?
Uniden, Cobra, Midland, and Stryker all make good CB Radios. They're all competitively priced and they're each known for their own unique features that set them apart from the pack and many of their radios are some of the best CB radios available.
Here is a quick look at Uniden, Cobra, Midland and Stryker:
Uniden: Uniden has been in business since 1968. They offer a wide range of 40 channel CB Radios that are packed with features and yet still affordable. Uniden is known for making very reliable CB Radios. Uniden also offers some unique features such as the NOAA weather band.
Cobra: Cobra has been around since 1945. They are best known for their line of CB Radios that are packed with tons of features at an affordable price. If you want a lot of bang for your buck, look no further than this company's CB radios.
Midland: Midland is best known among off-roaders thanks to their durable CB Radios. Many of Midland's CB Radios are also water-resistant. If you want a rugged CB Radio that can stand up to harsh conditions, this company should be at the top of your list.
Stryker: Stryker is one of the most affordable brands on the market. Most Stryker CB Radios are 10 meter not 11 meters citizen band radio. If your budget is tight, it's a good idea to take a look at Stryker when shopping for a new CB Radio.
5. President Electronics CB Radios
President Electronics CB radios are popular among off-roaders because President Electronics is the maker of President McKinley SSB 12V/24V CB Radio.
President Electronics perfect CB radio if you're looking for a high-performance CB Radio with SSB.
We put together a breakdown of President Electronics most popular models below:
President McKinley SSB is one of best selling trucker radio because it has SSB capabilities and an affordable price point)
President Randy radio is popular among off-roaders because it is very light, it comes with two Lithium-ion batteries, and offers ANL/NB/HiCut, DW, VOX, WX channels, WX Alert, Roger Beep, ASC, SCAN, not to mention the built-in 4 setting flashlight.
6. Galaxy Audio CB Radios
Galaxy Audio CB radios offer a wide range of CB Radios that are affordable and easy to use.
Galaxy Audio CB Radios include models such as the Galaxy DX- 2547. This CB Radio has a SSB feature and it's capable of being mounted in any position.
Galaxy Audio CB Radios are affordable and offer a lot of features that truckers have come to love.
7. Radioddity CB Radios
Radioddity CB radios are affordable and offer a lot of bang for your buck. Radioddity CB Radios are great options if you're shopping for a CB Radio on a budget.
Radioddity's line of CB Radios includes models such as the CB-27 which is a mini CB radio with an even smaller price. The GM-30 is 5W long-range GMRS radio that is extremely affordable and is perfect for off-roaders.
8. BAOFENG CB Radio
Ah, the BAOFENG CB Radios. The Baofeng CB radio is arguably the most affordable and most popular name CB Radio on the market. These small handheld CB Radios are extremely popular among off-roaders because they're cheap, but at the same time, you can use them to talk over distances of over 5 miles.
These tiny radios definitely have an audience and they can also be used as a personal scanner that monitors local public service channels.
The Baofeng radios are a nice accessory to have if you want a small, compact radio that is capable of transmitting from long distances.
- You might like: My full list of the 5 Best Baofeng CB Radios.
The BAOFENG BF-F8HP is arguably the most popular handheld CB Radio on the market. Baofeng oftentimes gets a bad rap in the CB community for being unreliable, but it's worth keeping in mind that the BF-F8HP is actually pretty good. Just view the sheer volume of reviews.
Baofeng has a family of brands. BTECH makes very popular compatible attachments along with their featured-loaded two-way radios. Just like QYT, Btech is a member of the Baofeng family. Their radios are identical to QYT transceivers.
For your reading pleasure, Baofeng was once citied by the FCC.
- High / Low Power Settings (4W/1W) Programmable Amateur Radio
- Frequency Range: 65-108 Mhz (Only Commercial Fm Radio Reception) Vhf: 136-174 Mhz(Rx/Tx). Uhf: 400-520 Mhz(Rx/Tx)
- Customize Channel Names, The Boot Display And More By Using The Pc03 Ftdi Programming Cable
- 1500Mah Battery; Broadband (Wide) 25Khz / Narrowband (Narrow) 12.5Khz Selectable
9. Radtel CB Radio
Radtel CB radios have been around since the 70's. Radtel CB radios are very popular because they have tons of features, affordable prices and two-way radio accessories. At the time being there are 30 different models to choose from.
Radtel offers everything you could want in a CB Radio including LED displays, citizen band radio antennas, built-in SWR meters, NOAA weather channels, automatic noise limiter, power meter, and more.
10. Retevis Two Way Radios
Retevis CB radios are an interesting option if you're shopping for a cheap CB Radio. Retevis offers many different models of two-way radios that are affordable and easy to use. Many truck drivers like Retevis because they offer great features at very attractive prices.
12. HYS CB Radios
HYS CB Radios are known for having a wide variety of antennas and accessories but they also CB radios that are fairly sturdy but lack a lot of the features found in other brands. The HYS dual-band 136-174 400-470MHz is a very basic radio that they offer.
13. AnyTone CB Radios
AnyTone CB Radios have been around for a while and they're very popular because of how affordable they are and the number of features they offer.
AnyTone offers some CB Radios that look similar to the Cobra 29 LTD Classic, but AnyTone's radios are more affordable. The AnyTone AT-778UV is their most popular radio and includes a number of useful features such as a 25W/15W/5W dual-band VHF/UHF mobile radio transceiver with DTMF and 5Tone function.
- ☆GMRS Radio AT-779UV Mobile Radio has nice housing, stoutness & stability, advanced and reliable functions, perfect & valuable. This amateur mobile radio especially designs for drivers and it pursues philosophy of innovation and practicality. More functions as follows:
- ①Adopt superior quality material, better technology and high quality radiator to ensure stable and durable operation; ②Amateur mode and professional mode for different operation requirement; ③ 200 programmable memory channels, identified by editing name; ④CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2Tone, 5Tone setting for each single channel, ⑤LCD brightness control; ⑥Main unit and microphone key lock function; ⑦Compander function; ⑧Tone Pulse frequency;⑨Noise Reduction ⑩VOX
- ☆ Factory default mode frequency range is 144-148MHZ and 420-450Mhz. You can program the frequency RX to be 136-174MHz or 400-480MHz, 500 channels by yourself through programming software. FREE software download at AnyTone website. The Radio Power: UHF>18W, VHF>20W
- ☆Please send us(Seller) email if you have any query on programming software or other query on this radio. We will give you prompt reply when we get your questions
14. Motorola Solutions CB Radios
Remember that pager company for the early 2000s? Yeah, they diversified into other electronics in the 90s and early 2000s and make some really great equipment. The MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460, Motorola T200TP Talkabout, and Motorola Talkabout Radio MH230R are their most popular two-way radios.
The Talkabouts (22 channels each with 121 privacy codes) offer a total of 2,662 combination possibilities to have a conversation!
- Push-To-Talk (PTT) power boost allows you to extend the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output. It also saves battery life when no power boost is necessary.
- Keep updated with real-time weather conditions by turning on the weather channel or initiating weather alerts. With these capabilities, you will always be prepared for the unexpected.
- With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, totaling 2,662 combinations, it is easy to find an available channel.
15. Ranger Communication CB Radios
Ranger Communication CB Radios tout themselves as the "most reliable CB radio brand", and I believe the marketing hype. What they do offer is a different user experience with knobs and a better display than most brands.
Ranger is a growing giant in the CB business. Their CB radios are known for their outstanding performance, construction quality, and dependability. Ranger always jam-packs its CBs with features that provide its customers the greatest possible communication enjoyment while utilizing their equipment.
16. Standard Horizon CB Radios
The first thing that you notice about Standard Horizon two-way radios is the enormous screen. The Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld is one of their more popular two-way radios. Their focus has been on marine radios rather than the amateur user who may 4x4 or use it in their home.
17. Lessco Electronics CB Radios
Lessco Electronics is the Radio Shack of the online electronics world. They sell everything from portable CD players (who on the earth still uses these) to car stereos, they sell a bunch of different things.
General Lee (not to be confused with President Lincoln) is their CB radio. It is a really basic radio that is a 10 meter AM/FM Amateur Radio with 6 Bands of Operation that needs to be converted to be a CB radio. Comes with the flag... which is pretty cool.
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18. YAESU CB Radios
Yaesu Radios are have been around for over 50 years. They offer other communication devices as well as two-way radios. The flagship radio for them is the FT-70FT-70DR - this handheld radio offers a wideband receive coverage from 108 - 579.995MHz.
19. GME CB Radios
GME is an Australian, family-owned business for over 60 years offering RF communication technology. Since they are the only Australian company that manufacturers they have a niche following in some circles. I do like that they are committed to innovation and are focused on producing a high-quality radio.
They produced their first UHF radio in 1981 and have been steadily improving over the years.
20. GOCOM CB Radios
GOCOM makes a ton of two-way radios that look very similar but offer other features. Much like a shoe brand, any iteration to radio and they either call it something else or it becomes the updated version. GOCOM has made a name for themselves with great value walkie-talkies at affordable prices.
On all of the GOCOM two-way radios, they have a distinct large display screen making it very easy for users to see and a unique feature is a built-in LED light.
There you have it - the 19 ... 20 most popular CB radio brands.
Hi & Welcome!
My name is Jeremy and I have been an avid car nut for many year. My first car was an 1987 Honda CRX. I put in my first Kenwood stereo, amp, 2 10" JLs and a CB Radio in it and have been an avid user of CBs and car radios for years. I'll do my best to share my tips, information and thoughts to help you with whatever question you might have, ABOUT ME
After I graduated from High School, I worked 5 years are Radio Shack and 3 years at Circuit City answering questions and helping customers with various electronics questions.
