Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio Review: Is It Worth It?

Looking for a reliable CB radio that can keep you connected while on the road? I recently got my hands on the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB Radio, and I must say, I'm impressed.

This rugged CB radio boasts 4 watts of transmit power and features a full 40 channels, including instant channel 9 for emergency access. Plus, the NOAA weather channels keep you informed about any potential weather hazards.

But what really sets the Bearcat 880 apart from other CB radios is the large, easy-to-read 7-color LCD display with backlighting. You can customize the backlight color to your liking, making it easy to read even in low light conditions.

The Bearcat 880 is also loaded with features, such as dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic gain control, memory channel scan, ANL noise filter to reduce background noise, and a noise-canceling microphone with an extra-long cord.

Uniden Bear Cat 880 Review
Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio
9.4
  • Drive with confidence and stay connected with the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio, Powerful rugged design with advanced features and settings to suit any CB user.
  • The Bearcat 880 boasts 4 Watts of transmit power with full 40 channels, NOAA weather channels, and instant channel 9 for emergency channel access.
  • Loaded with features, such as dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic Gain Control, Memory Channel Scan, ANL Noise Filter to reduce background noise, and a Noise Canceling Microphone w/ Extra Long cord.
  • What really sets the Bearcat 880 apart from other CB radios is the Display. The Large, Easy-to-Read display offers 7 Backlight Color options to Customize your radio!
  • Includes Microphone, Mounting Bracket Kit, DC Power Cord, 6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter, owner's manual, and 2 year extended manufacturer warranty.

Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio Review - Bottom Line

Overall, I highly recommend the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB Radio for anyone who needs a reliable and feature-packed CB radio for their travels. With its advanced features and settings, this CB radio is sure to suit any CB user. 

Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio Overview

Uniden Bearcat 880 - front of the CB radio

After trying out the Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB radio, I can confidently say that it is a powerful and rugged device that is perfect for any CB user. With 4 watts of transmit power and full 40 channels, this radio is loaded with advanced features and settings to suit any driver's needs.

One of the standout features of the BEARCAT 880 is its large and easy-to-read 7-color LCD display with backlighting. This display offers 7 backlight color options to customize your radio and make it easier to use in any lighting condition.

The radio also includes features such as dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic Gain Control, Memory Channel Scan, ANL Noise Filter to reduce background noise, and a Noise Canceling Microphone with an extra long cord.

Overall, the Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB radio is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed CB radio. With its impressive range of features and rugged design, it is sure to be a valuable addition to any driver's toolkit.

Key Features

As someone who has used the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio, I can attest to its powerful and rugged design, which is packed with advanced features and settings that cater to any CB user. Here are some key features that make this radio stand out:

40 Channels Availability

The Bearcat 880 offers full 40 channels, including instant channel 9 for emergency access. This means that you can easily communicate with other CB users and stay informed about any potential hazards on the road.

NOAA Weather Channels Access

The radio also comes equipped with NOAA weather channels, which allow you to stay up-to-date on any weather alerts in your area. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently travel in areas with unpredictable weather conditions.

Dynamic Squelch Control

The Bearcat 880 boasts dynamic squelch control, which helps to reduce background noise and improve the clarity of your transmissions. This feature is especially helpful when communicating in noisy environments or when trying to hear weak signals.

7-Color LCD Display

What sets the Bearcat 880 apart from other CB radios is its large, easy-to-read 7-color LCD display. This display offers seven backlight color options, allowing you to customize your radio to suit your preferences. The display is also backlit, which makes it easy to read in low-light conditions.

Uniden Bearcat 880

Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio is a reliable and feature-packed option for anyone who needs to stay connected while on the road. With its powerful transmit power, advanced features, and customizable display, this radio is sure to meet the needs of even the most demanding CB users.

Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio
9.4
  • Drive with confidence and stay connected with the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio, Powerful rugged design with advanced features and settings to suit any CB user.
  • The Bearcat 880 boasts 4 Watts of transmit power with full 40 channels, NOAA weather channels, and instant channel 9 for emergency channel access.
  • Loaded with features, such as dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic Gain Control, Memory Channel Scan, ANL Noise Filter to reduce background noise, and a Noise Canceling Microphone w/ Extra Long cord.
  • What really sets the Bearcat 880 apart from other CB radios is the Display. The Large, Easy-to-Read display offers 7 Backlight Color options to Customize your radio!
  • Includes Microphone, Mounting Bracket Kit, DC Power Cord, 6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter, owner's manual, and 2 year extended manufacturer warranty.

Pros and Cons

After using the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio for a while, I can say that there are some things that I really like about it, and some things that could be improved.

Pros

  • Powerful and Rugged Design: The Bearcat 880 boasts 4 watts of transmit power with full 40 channels, NOAA weather channels, and instant channel 9 for emergency channel access. It feels sturdy and well-built, and I can tell that it's going to last a long time.

  • Loaded with Features: This CB radio is loaded with features that make it easy to use and customize. I particularly like the dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic Gain Control, Memory Channel Scan, ANL Noise Filter to reduce background noise, and a Noise Canceling Microphone w/ Extra Long cord.

  • Customizable Display: What really sets the Bearcat 880 apart from other CB radios is the Display. The Large, Easy-to-Read display offers 7 Backlight Color options to Customize your radio! This is a great feature that allows you to personalize the radio to your liking.

  • Comes with Everything You Need: The Bearcat 880 comes with everything you need to get started, including a microphone, mounting bracket kit, DC power cord, 6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter, owner's manual, and 2-year extended manufacturer warranty.

Cons

  • No Side Band: One thing that could be improved is the lack of side band. This is something that some CB users really want, and it's not available on the Bearcat 880.

  • Range Could Be Better: While the range is decent, it could be better. This is more of an issue with the antenna and location of the antenna than the CB radio itself, but it's still worth noting.

  • Stock Microphone Cord Could Be Better: The stock microphone cord is a bit flimsy and could be better quality. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to keep in mind if you plan on using the CB radio frequently.

Overall, the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio is a great option for anyone looking for a powerful and customizable CB radio. It has a lot of great features, comes with everything you need, and is built to last. While there are some things that could be improved, I would definitely recommend this CB radio to anyone in the market for one.

Bearcat 880 box

Conclusion

After using the Uniden CB Radio for a while, I can confidently say that it's a great investment for anyone who needs reliable communication on the road. The 40 channels and large 7-color LCD display make it easy to use, and the backlit control knobs and buttons ensure that you can operate it even in low light conditions. The SWR meter is a nice touch, although it's not as convenient as some other models I've used in the past.

One thing to note is that this CB radio doesn't have side band, so if that's a feature you're looking for, you might want to consider other options. However, the wireless mic compatibility is a nice touch that adds some versatility to the device.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase of the Uniden CB Radio. It's easy to use, reliable, and has all the features I need for communication on the road. If you're in the market for a CB radio, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

Uniden BEARCAT 880 CB Radio
9.4
  • Drive with confidence and stay connected with the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio, Powerful rugged design with advanced features and settings to suit any CB user.
  • The Bearcat 880 boasts 4 Watts of transmit power with full 40 channels, NOAA weather channels, and instant channel 9 for emergency channel access.
  • Loaded with features, such as dynamic squelch control, Hi/Lo mic Gain Control, Memory Channel Scan, ANL Noise Filter to reduce background noise, and a Noise Canceling Microphone w/ Extra Long cord.
  • What really sets the Bearcat 880 apart from other CB radios is the Display. The Large, Easy-to-Read display offers 7 Backlight Color options to Customize your radio!
  • Includes Microphone, Mounting Bracket Kit, DC Power Cord, 6-pin to 4-pin microphone adapter, owner's manual, and 2 year extended manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a CB radio user, I understand that there are some common questions that people have about the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio. In this section, I will address some of the most frequently asked questions about this product.

What is the range of the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio?

The range of the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio depends on various factors, including terrain, weather conditions, and the quality of the antenna. However, in ideal conditions, the radio can reach up to 5 miles. It's important to note that the range can be extended with the use of a good quality antenna.

How many watts does the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio have?

The Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio has a transmit power of 4 watts, which is the maximum allowed by law. This power output is sufficient for most CB users, and it allows for clear communication over short distances.

Where can I find the Uniden Bearcat 880 manual?

The Uniden Bearcat 880 manual can be found on the manufacturer's website or in the product packaging. The manual provides detailed instructions on how to set up and use the radio, as well as troubleshooting tips and other useful information.

How do I replace the display on my Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio?

If you need to replace the display on your Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio, it's recommended that you contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician. Attempting to replace the display yourself could result in damage to the radio or injury to yourself.

Is the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio a good choice?

In my experience, the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed CB radio. The radio's advanced settings and features, such as dynamic squelch control and ANL noise filter, make it easy to use and provide clear and consistent communication.

What is the most reliable CB radio for truckers?

While there are many CB radios on the market, the Uniden Bearcat 880 CB radio is one of the most reliable options for truckers. Its rugged design, advanced features, and easy-to-use interface make it a popular choice among truckers and other CB users. Additionally, the radio's 2-year extended manufacturer warranty provides added peace of mind for users.

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.