Pre-Programmed Police Scanners

Every scanner here ships programmed to your zip code. Tell us the area you want to hear, and we load the local police, fire, EMS, and weather frequencies by hand before it leaves us. No cable, no software, no setup — turn it on and press scan.

Programmed by hand

Your zip code specifically — not a generic regional preset.

Free US shipping

Included on every order, anywhere in the United States.

No license needed

Listening requires no FCC license and no radio experience.

We check first

Send your zip and we'll tell you what's actually receivable there.

Which one is right for you?

Buying your first scanner? The UV-5R. Proven, affordable, and does everything most people need.
Want it pocket-sized? The UV-5R Mini. Same core capability, USB-C charging.
Want the widest coverage? The K5 Plus. Adds airband and 1.25M reception, bigger battery.

Before you order, let us check your area

Most US counties still run analog on at least some public safety channels. A growing number have moved to encrypted or digital P25 systems that no analog scanner can receive — at any price.

Send us your zip code and we'll tell you honestly what's receivable where you live. We'd rather turn down a sale than ship you a radio that can't hear your county.

New to this? Read What Can You Hear on a Police Scanner? or the Ultimate Scanner Guide.

A quiet neighborhood at dusk - know what's happening on your street

  • Programmed To Your Zip Code

    Local police, fire, and EMS frequencies loaded by hand before it ships.

  • Works Out Of The Box

    No computer, no cable, no CHIRP software.

  • Free US Shipping

    Included on every order within the United States.

  • Free Coverage Check

    Check your zip code and see what's actually receivable where you live.

    Check my area 
Button label

Which police scanner should you buy?

All three ship programmed to your ZIP code and work out of the box — no computer, cable, or software, and free US shipping. The difference is size and how many bands they cover.

Model Price Best for What it receives Size
Baofeng UV-5R $59.50 Your first scanner — proven, does what most people need Local police, fire, EMS and NOAA weather (VHF/UHF) Standard handheld
Baofeng UV-5R Mini $59.95 Pocket carry, go-bags and travel Local police, fire, EMS and NOAA weather (VHF/UHF) Compact / pocket
Baofeng K5 Plus Tri-Band $116.50 Widest coverage, including aviation Everything above plus airband (aviation), 1.25M and FM — 128 channels Standard handheld

Not sure what's receivable where you live? Check your ZIP code first →

Before You Buy

Which scanner should I buy?

If it's your first scanner, the UV-5R is the safe pick — proven, and it does what most people need. Want something pocket-sized? The UV-5R Mini. Want the widest band coverage including airband? The K5 Plus. Still unsure, tell us how you plan to use it and we'll point you at one.

Will it work in my county?

Most US counties still run analog on at least some public safety channels, but a growing number have moved to encrypted or digital P25 systems that an analog scanner cannot receive. Check your zip code before ordering and see what's receivable where you live.

Do I have to program it myself?

No. We program each radio by hand to your zip code after your order comes in. It arrives channel-ready — no computer, no programming cable, and no CHIRP software required.

Do I need a license?

No. Listening requires no FCC license and no radio experience. These radios are two-way transceivers, so transmitting without the appropriate licence is a different matter and is illegal — we programme them for listening.

Can I have it programmed for a different address?

Yes. By default we program to your shipping address. If you're buying a gift or want a different county loaded, leave the zip code in the order notes at checkout.

Not Sure What You Can Hear?

Run your zip code through our free checker and see what a scanner actually picks up in your area — before you spend a dollar.

Check My AreaHow We Check This