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Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner

Curated from 63 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 9, 2025

Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner

Brand: Uniden

Price: $649

Snoop Score:

5.8

Sentiment

6.3

Popularity

3.5

Technical

7.4

Buy on Amazon for $649 See All Radio Scanners Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner is a state-of-the-art communication receiver designed for exceptional digital performance in challenging environments, including weak-signal and simulcast areas. This portable scanner features user-friendly options like location-based scanning, allowing users to easily program it using their zip code or GPS coordinates for immediate reception of local systems. Users have praised the SDS100 for its versatility and functionality, with comments highlighting its effective performance in scanning analog and digital transmissions. As one user noted, "I pickup digital transmissions from police/sheriff/other agencies basically anywhere across the city and never experience major dips in audio quality." Additionally, the scanner's USB charging capability and enjoyable recording function have been well-received, making it a favorite for on-the-go use among enthusiasts. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its digital capabilities and user-friendly features, the Uniden SDS100 is highly recommended for anyone in the market for a reliable handheld scanner in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Radio Scanners

Yes, it charges from the USB cable, if you have rechargeable batteries.
Positive Feedback

I can't see the point of waiting for a next generation scanner where any tech advantages would be moot.
Negative Feedback

5.8

Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner

Buy on Amazon for $649

Emergency Monitoring

2 / 10

Weather Alerts

8 / 10

Hobbyist Listening

2 / 10

Mobile Use

6 / 10

See how this compares to all Radio Scanners

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

USB charging capability

“Yes, it charges from the USB cable, if you have rechargeable batteries.”➕

Solid choice for analog scanning

“The Uniden UBC-125XLT is a solid choice for analog scanning, especially if you’re based in Europe where TETRA/TETRAPOL/LTE dominate many public safety.”➕

Effective for simulcast systems

“Just buy it. The older Unidens and all Whistler scanners suffer from simulcast distortion.”➕

User-friendly programming software available

“You may need to have your device reprogrammed for your specific location if the area is accessible but not encrypted.”➕

Auto programming based on zip code feature

“there is also an option to have it auto program based on your zip code, but that sometimes results in too much to listen to.”➕

User-friendly programming and database updates

“I've used the Uniden HomePatrol I and II and find them extremely simple and well-designed.”➕

Consistent digital transmission reception

“I pickup digital transmissions from police/sheriff/other agencies basically anywhere across the city and never experience major dips in audio quality.”➕

Easy to use with good portability

“It is easy to use, very portable, and for only a couple of dollars extra, you can add a DIAMOND RH-77CA antenna, which really gives the radio great capability.”➕

“Bearcat sds100 is my fav.”➕

Portability for on-the-go use

“I have the SDS-100 for portability, but defiantly see the extra value in having the fixed unit for use at home.”➕

Enjoyable recording function

“i love, love, love the recording function.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Limited relevance due to encryption

“I can't see the point of waiting for a next generation scanner where any tech advantages would be moot.”➕

“My 396T sits on the shelf because literally every community in the Denver metro is full crypto for police and fire.”➕

Outdated hardware technology

“the hardware and engineering under the hood is probably 2015ish vintage.”➕

Scanning is limited due to encryption

“scanning is kinda pointless with all of the encryption now anyway.”➕

Limited scanning capability for specific frequencies

“I haven't been able to find one that can find both 119.5mhz and 156.1mhz.”➕

“I can assure you that this is untrue.”➕

“The Baofeng is considered 'the best amateur radio' ONLY because of its price.”➕

Limited range compared to desktop models

“My experience is that the 200 gets stuff my 100 can't especially aircraft.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Scanner	$695	7.2	Details	Buy
Uniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Scanner	$442	6.7	Details	Buy
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner	$398	6.5	Details	Buy
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner	$535	6.4	Details	Buy
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner	$649	5.8	Details	Buy
Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner	$90	5.3	Details	Buy
BAOFENG UV-5G PRO GMRS Handheld Radio	$25	3.4	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Scanners can scan memories more rapidly than transceivers

“Scanners do have a place still - they are far better at scanning rapidly than any transceiver is.”➕

Scanners cannot transmit, only receive.

“It’s perfectly legal to use a scanner.”➕

“I've never heard of anything that is labelled as a scanner having the ability to transmit.”➕

“If you're looking for a scanner then there is no worry about accidental transmitting.”➕

Performance influenced more by antenna and coax than model differences

“There won’t be any practical difference between the two. Antenna and coax will determine the performance.”➕

“Range should be the same bc it depends on antenna.”➕

“as far as I know, they are the same radio in different boxes.”➕

Discussion on capabilities of RTLSDR vs Uniden Scanner

“RTLSDR vs. Uniden Scanner? Ok I just discovered RTLSDR! Looks very interesting. I had (still have) a”➕

“1. Spectrum and waterfall display 2. Supports any type of modulation and can pass digital signals t”➕

“The waterfall is a real game changer for scanning.”➕

“A scanner, even a wideband version which can receive a very very large chunk of spectrum like from 2”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Discussion on learning ATC and pilot communication

“buy a better quality dedicated scanner radio, program it for everything in your area, and listen a LOT.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Alternative low-cost options available

“I can’t fathom spending money on this.”➕

Preference for dedicated scanners over two-way radios

“I love my BC125XLT and listened to that almost constantly until I recently upgraded to the SDS100.”➕

“if you want 'scanner' functionality, you probably want an actual scanner, not a 2-way radio with scanning built in.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Limited trunked radio reception in Europe

“A majority of American law enforcement and emergency services are on trunked radio. Won’t be picked up by your scanner.”➕

Confusion between scanners and amateur radios

“It's called a scanner, this is what you use to listen to all sorts of thing.”➕

“perhaps 'best value' but not 'best ham radio'.”➕

Increasing use of encrypted digital systems.

“You can pick it up just fine, but it’s just noise.”➕

Legal concerns about using scanners.

“My worst nightmare is accidentally pressing a button and transmitting something from my end.”➕