The 10 Best Radio Frequency Counters

Editor's Notes

November 17, 2020:

For the most part, this ranking divides itself up into three subcategories that will apply to specific users who may or may not already own a CB radio or other equipment. For example, the beastly Dosy TFB-3001-S is capable of clarifying details about nearly every parameter of a signal, but it, like the Galaxy DX-2547, takes up a lot of space.

At the other end of the spectrum are significantly portable models for use by technicians or those with their CBs set up in the car or the cab of a truck. These, like the Surecom SF401-PLUS or the Fumei Handheld, can simply run on batteries, though they generally tend to have a harder time taking accurate readings than their larger counterparts.

Then there are the CBs with clear counters built-in, like the Ranger Communications Professional PPR-TLM1 or the Galaxy Mobile. These boast integrated counting functionality that makes the purchase of an additional counter unnecessary, and the Ranger model goes a step further than most by offering that information — and more — on a useful TFT display. Of course, if you've already got a CB, something like this would be overkill.

January 11, 2019:

The list includes both dedicated models (usually of the handheld variety) and those that are part of a larger radio unit. Hopefully, this makes the list suitable for both the experienced user and the one that's just beginning their foray into radio. Additionally, there should be models included that are as useful for analyzing walkie-talkies as they are hard-wired radios.