Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner
$118.70 price checked August 2026
If you need to monitor analog signals and store up to 300 frequencies, this scanner is the right choice.
Uniden BC355N Overview
The Uniden BC355N Scanner is for buyers who need a high-capacity analog scanner, offering 300 frequency storage for monitoring traditional signals.
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Last Updated: August 4, 2026
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Missing a critical transmission because a scanner lacks enough memory can leave you out of the loop on local communications. Managing a large list of monitored frequencies requires a device that won’t cycle through channels too quickly to catch every hit.
The Uniden BC355N provides a solution with its 300 frequency storage capacity. This high storage count allows you to keep a broad range of analog channels active without the need for constant manual updates.
We evaluated the Uniden BC355N against the other radio scanners options we compared to provide this review. This analysis is for upgraders looking to increase their frequency capacity while staying within a budget of around $118.70.
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Clear audio from local analog broadcasts allows you to stay informed about your surroundings in real-time. Having a reliable way to monitor multiple bands ensures you never miss a relevant update from local authorities or hobbyists.
The Uniden BC355N enables this constant monitoring through its 300 frequency storage. By holding a large number of presets, the unit ensures that your most important analog channels remain accessible at all times.
Our comparison involved the radio scanners we evaluated to determine the best value for specific needs. This review is for users who prioritize high-volume frequency management and are looking at the $118.70 price point.
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You are sitting in your driveway or at a local event, trying to monitor a wide variety of local analog signals simultaneously. You need a device that can hold a massive list of frequencies so you don’t have to keep re-programming the unit.
The Uniden BC355N fits this need by offering 300 frequency storage for your analog monitoring. It provides the high-capacity memory required to manage complex coverage areas without the complexity of digital systems.
We compared the Uniden BC355N against the other radio scanners options we evaluated for this category. This review is for those upgrading from older models who need a high-capacity analog solution with a 4.0 rating.
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How Predicament Measures picked: we started from the 99 most-reviewed radio scanners listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 27 qualified. This product is one of 15 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
The Short Answer on the Uniden BC355N
Best for: you need a basic analog-only scanner for local monitoring and do not require digital system access.
The Uniden BC355N is a reliable entry-level choice at $118.70.
- Pro: Close Call RF Capture Technology identifies signals as they enter the range.
- Pro: The unit stores up to 300 frequencies for easy access.
- Pro: It includes AC, DC, and automotive power cables in the box.
- Con: Lack of Project 25 or DMR support means you cannot monitor modern digital public safety systems.
- Con: The analog-only limitation prevents decoding of modern TDMA digital systems used by most major agencies.
Don’t buy this if: you need to monitor trunked systems that require Phase 2 support or digital decoding.
Price assessment: The $118.70 price point is fair for a dedicated analog scanner with these included accessories.
Predicament Measures score: 8.5/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
Specifications in Full
| Type | Analog scanner |
| Digital Radio System Compatibility | Not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring (Project 25, DMR, NXDN) |
| Frequency Storage | Up to 300 frequencies |
| Technology | Close Call RF Capture Technology |
| Display | Backlit display |
| Included Items | AC adapter, DC power cable, automotive power cable |
| Weight | 3.25 pounds |
The Uniden BC355N is limited to analog monitoring and cannot decode P25, DMR, or NXDN digital systems.
What These Specifications Let You Do
Close Call RF Capture Technology
Close Call RF Capture Technology allows the Uniden BC355N to monitor frequencies that are not currently active. Because this scanner is an analog-only device, it cannot decode P25, DMR, or NXDN digital signals. You should verify your local police and fire agencies use analog systems before purchasing, as digital-only systems will not be monitorable.
The Close Call technology functions by detecting signals that are not being transmitted but are available on the frequency. This can be useful for monitoring aircraft or marine traffic, provided those services operate on analog bands. If your local services use digital trunking, you will need to check your local agency’s frequency list to see if they maintain an analog backup.
300 Frequency Storage Capacity
The 300 frequency storage capacity on the Uniden BC355N lets you save a large number of channels for quick access. You can program hundreds of different local hobbyist, marine, or aviation frequencies into the memory without needing to manually tune the dial constantly.
This storage capacity ensures you can keep your most important local channels organized. If you monitor multiple agencies in a large area, you can store a comprehensive list of frequencies to toggle between as needed.
Versatile Power Options
Versatile power options for the Uniden BC355N include an AC adapter, a DC power cable, and an automotive power cable. This setup means you can operate the scanner as a stationary base station or a mobile unit in a vehicle.
Having these three power connections allows you to move the Uniden BC355N between your home and your car. You can maintain continuous monitoring while commuting or while stationed at a fixed location near a high-activity area.
For a more advanced mobile option, see our full Uniden BCD996P2 review.
How the Uniden BC355N Compares to Alternatives
The Uniden BC355N offers a higher rating of 4.0 compared to the 3.5 rating of the Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN while costing $11.29 less.
- The Uniden BC355N costs $11.29 less than the Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner.
- The Uniden BC355N costs $11.29 less than the Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner.
- The Uniden BC355N costs $13.52 more than the Uniden BC355N Scanner and Tram 1089-BNC Antenna.
- The Uniden BC355N costs $13.98 more than the Uniden BC355N Scanner and RoadPro RPSP-15 Speaker.
- The Uniden BC355N costs $17.38 more than the Uniden BC125AT Scanner.
If you need to monitor modern public safety agencies, you should choose the Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner because the Uniden BC355N is not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring like Project 25, DMR, or NXDN.
If you need something more portable, view the Bearcat BC60XLT-1 spec breakdown.
You might also consider the Uniden BCD436HP review analysis for home use.
Value for Money
The Uniden BC355N sits at the $118.70 mark, which is $5 above the $114 average for the similar radio scanners products we compared. At this price point, you get a dedicated base/mobile unit with a backlit display and 300 frequency storage. You give up the ability to monitor modern digital systems, as this model is not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring including P25, DMR, or NXDN.
You might wonder why you can’t hear the clear digital voices everyone else is talking about. This model lacks the hardware to decode Phase 2 or DMR signals, which are required to hear modern public safety and business communications.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 17 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.0 rating places it #10, on 6,115 ratings – above the 1,024-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 23 of them.
Uniden BC355N Buying Questions Answered
Can I use the Uniden BC355N in my truck or does it have to stay on a desk?
Yes, the Uniden BC355N includes an automotive power cable and a DC power cable for vehicle use. You can mount it in a truck or keep it on a desk using the included AC adapter.
Is the audio clear enough to hear distant signals?
The Uniden BC355N features Close Call RF Capture Technology to help maintain signal stability. Because the technical specifications do not list a specific decibel rating or speaker wattage, you should check the manufacturer’s audio output specifications for your specific distance requirements.
Does the Uniden BC355N support digital systems like P25 or DMR?
No, the Uniden BC355N is an analog scanner and is not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring. It does not support P25, DMR, or NXDN standards required for most modern public safety agencies.
How many frequencies can the Uniden BC355N store?
The Uniden BC355N allows you to store up to 300 frequencies for easy access. This capacity is sufficient for monitoring multiple local channels without needing to manually re-enter data frequently.
Is the Uniden BC355N Right for You?
The Uniden BC355N suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 3 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the Uniden BC355N is for, and what it does well
Who the Uniden BC355N suits
- Amateur radio hobbyists — the 300 frequency storage allows for a large library of saved channels
- Local community volunteers — the included automotive power cable allows for use during neighborhood patrols
- Rural residents — the Close Call RF Capture Technology helps pick up weak signals in remote areas
- Analog radio hobbyists — the dedicated analog scanner technology suits those focusing on traditional radio bands
- Event security staff — the base/mobile design allows for both stationary monitoring and vehicle-based use
What the Uniden BC355N handles well
- Monitoring local analog radio traffic — the dedicated analog scanner technology
- Scanning high-traffic areas — the Close Call RF Capture Technology
- Organizing a large list of favorite channels — the 300 frequency storage
- Operating from a vehicle — the included automotive power cable
- Using in low-light environments — the backlit display
What the Uniden BC355N is the wrong choice for
- Monitoring public safety P25 systems — Not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring
- Tracking DMR networks — Not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring
- Monitoring NXDN communications — Not capable of Digital Radio system monitoring
What to budget alongside the Uniden BC355N, and what to skip
Worth buying at the same time
- Vehicle mount — the automotive power cable requires a secure way to attach the unit to a dashboard
- External antenna — to improve reception beyond the standard internal capabilities
- Spare batteries — for portable use when the AC or DC power cables are not available
- Frequency list printout — to help manage the 300 stored frequencies efficiently
- Protective carrying case — to protect the unit when moving between base and mobile locations
What you can skip
- AC power adapter — included in the box
- DC power cable — included in the box
- Automotive power cable — included in the box
Discover different methods by exploring the alternatives to a traditional radio scanner.
Where to Buy the Uniden BC355N
These retailers sell Radio Scanners generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- Amazon (online only) — wide selection of major brands and quick shipping
- Best Buy (online and physical stores) — in-store availability and easy returns
- Walmart (online and physical stores) — physical availability for entry-level models
- RadioShack (eBay/Online) (online only) — specialist stock and older models
- ScanRadio (online only) — specialist inventory and technical support
- eBay (online only) — refurbished units and specialty models
Outdoor enthusiasts can find the best handheld radio scanner for hiking in our guide.
Final Verdict on the Uniden BC355N
If you are looking for a budget-friendly analog scanner to monitor local frequencies and do not need to decode digital signals, the Uniden BC355N is a practical choice at around $118.70.
The Uniden BC355N includes Close Call RF Capture Technology and provides frequency storage for up to 300 channels, making it a reliable entry point for basic monitoring.
Skip it if: you need to monitor Project 25, DMR, or NXDN digital systems, as this model is not capable of digital radio system monitoring.
