In our article, we will be giving you our recommendation for the best CB radio for off roading, as well as telling you everything you need to know in order to find the perfect off-roading CB radio for you.
In addition, we will be going through all the important factors that you need to take in consideration when looking to buy an off-road CB radio.
Furthermore, we will also give you another 9 of our best recommendations for an off-road radio, which are all ranked by taking into the considerations that we mention later on in this article.
For each recommendation, we will give the highlighted features, pros, cons, and also our in-depth review of each CB radio.
If you happen to have any questions while you are reading our article, refer to the bottom of the page where we will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about off road CB radios in our FAQs section.
What is The Best CB Radio For Off Roading?
By far, our top pick for the best CB radio for off-roading has to go to the Cobra 29 LX MAX.
This CB radio is of such high quality and it just has so much to offer, that it left us no choice other than to put it in the number one spot.
Why Cobra 29 LX MAX is the best CB radio for off Roading
There are so many reasons why the Cobra 29 is the best CB radio for off-roading, to try and explain all the positive points about it would take a decade.
In short, this is currently the only CB radio that offers everything, without sacrificing a thing – It’s the closest we may ever get to having the perfect CB radio for off-roading.
We will go much more In-depth on the reviews section of this article, so if you want specifics, you will find them there.
However, all in all, this model beats all of its competition by a land mile.
Comparison Table of Best CB Radio For Off Roading
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Cobra 29 LX MAX | |
| Midland MXT115 | |
| Cobra 29LTD | |
| Midland 75-822 | |
| Midland MXT275 | |
| Uniden PRO510XL | |
| Galaxy DX-959B | |
| Stryker SR-955hpc | |
| Uniden CMX760 | |
| Texas Ranger TRE-936FFB |
Factors You Need to Consider When Buying The Best CB Radio For Off Roading
In this section, we will be telling you about all of the factors that you need to take into consideration when you are looking to buy an off-road CB radio.
It’s essential that you know these factors in order to have a better base of knowledge to buy a CB radio. If you skip this step, you may end up with a CB radio that is not a good pick for you.
There are more factors than just the ones we will list in this section, although these are the most important factors that will have the most weight on your decisions when buying an off-road CB radio.
Emergency channels
One of the most important features of CB radios is having quick access to emergency channels and broadcasts.
For some people, this may be the sole reason they decided to get a CB radio in the first place.
Some CB radios will have quick access buttons that allow you to get in contact with emergency services – something which is essential for dangerous off-road routes.
In addition, some radios will have access to weather forecast channels or emergency broadcasts, which may be something that is important for you.
If this is the case, then it’s vital that you make sure the CB radio you buy states that it has the features we mentioned above.
Hand-held or Fixed (Size)
The size of a CB radio is another crucial factor that you need to consider.
Larger CB radios will normally have more features and useful additions due to their larger size, so in order to get these extra features, you will need to go for a larger CB radio.
Although, the size of your car may not allow you to go for a larger model. If this is the case, it’s better to go for a smaller CB radio or a handheld device.
Smaller CB radios won’t have the same number of features that bigger models will, but they will still fulfill the main purpose of CB radios.
If you get a CB radio that is too large for your car there can be a plethora of issues.
For one, it can reduce space and make things cramped. Although, the main issue is that it may reduce your visibility or make it harder for you to drive properly.
So, if you have a big car then it’s better to get something on the larger size so you have access to more features. If you have a smaller car, it may be best to opt for a smaller model.
Brightness of Display
When choosing a CB radio, the brightness of the backlight can be a crucial component, especially when off roading.
This is because for people who are driving in rural places and night where there are no lights, it’s extremely important to choose a CB radio that is bright so you can still use it properly.
On the other hand, if you only plan on driving in the daytime and in well-lit areas, then getting a CB radio that is too bright can be a huge distraction and annoyance.
Because of the reasons mentioned above, its best to choose a CB radio that has the right brightness for you depending on the circumstances.
Of course, you could take the middle route and get a CB radio that is bright but not extremely bright, but then you get the worse of both worlds.
It won’t be bright enough when its dark and it will be too bright when it isn’t night time.
Looks
Something that may matter to a large majority of the people is the aesthetics of an CB radio.
There are many different colors, themes, and styles that CB radios come in and it’s important that you are happy with the look of your radio.
There are CB radios that are made to look more vintage and rustic, which is great if you like that style. Although some people may prefer a more modern design and look.
The style you prefer is completely up to you, and there is bound to be a CB radio out there that you love the style off.
If you purchase a radio that you don’t like the look of, you may get bored of It being there are quickly grow tired of it.
Remember, this is something that you will see a lot and it will always be in your peripherals when you’re driving, so make sure you make the right choice.
Audio Quality
Last but not least, we have the audio quality.
Higher-end models will usually have much better audio quality than lower-range models.
They will have less background noise, static, cracks, hisses, pops, and weather interference.
In addition to this, some CB radios will have more features that improve the audio quality or give you the option to maximize the audio quality potential.
If you are someone who is going to use their CB radio very frequently, then go for a CB radio with high-quality audio is of the utmost importance so you don’t have to deal with all the annoying interference.
On the other hand, if you don’t plan on using your CB radio on a regular basis and you don’t care too much about the audio quality, then this may not be something you should worry about.
Our Picks for The Top 10 Best CB Radio For Off Roading Reviews
01. Cobra 29 LX MAX -Best Popular CB Radio For Off Roading
Highlighted features
- Backlight LCD display
- Repeat message function
- Instant emergency channels
- Bluetooth
- iRadar app
Cobra 29 LX MAX is overall one of the best CB radios that you will be able to get when it comes to off roading. It just has so many good features.
The backlight display is amazing, it doesn’t show during the day but at night time it improves visibility ten-fold.
It also has instant access to emergency channels, which is very important for off-roading.
The most unique thing about Cobra 29 LX MAX is that it has a function that repeats the last 10 seconds of a received transmission, Bluetooth, and has its own app it can connect to which shows user inputted emergencies or issues.
All in all, this model of Cobra CB Radio Is the best CB radio on the market right now.
Pros
- Bluetooth
- Good display and interface
- Instant access to important channels
- Compatible with iRadar app
- Repeat last 10 second’s function
Cons
- Microphone isn’t noise cancelling
02. Midland MXT115 – Best Quality CB Radio
Highlighted features
- 50-mile range
- 142 privacy codes
- Weather scanner and alert
- Comes with detachable antenna
The Midland – MXT115 features an impressive 50-mile transmission range, which is one of the furthest ranges on this list.
In addition to this, it also has the amazing feature of its weather scanner and alert.
It tracks the most important information from over 10 weather channels and if any of them are near you and serious it will give you an alert – this is a truly innovative addition.
There are many more great features about the Midland – MXT115, although there are two main issues that hold it back. It has no built in SWR meter and its display can be a little hard to read.
Pros
- Impressive range
- Detachable antenna
- In depth weather scanner and alert
- Privacy codes
Cons
- Hard to read display
- No SWR meter
03. Cobra 29LTD – The Top CB Radio For Off Roading
Highlighted features
- Emergency channels
- Antenna warning indicator
- Instant channel 9
- Maximum power output
The Cobra 29LTD is powerful, functional, and stylish.
It has a button that instantly will take you to channel 9 – one of the most important CB radio stations.
In addition, it has access to a plethora of emergency channels which is so important for off road driving.
Also, it has an antenna warning indicator. This is a very useful feature to have as it can save you breaking your antenna on rough terrain, sparing the cost of you buying a new one.
The only real issue we have with the Cobra 29LTD is that its display is not very bright at all.
As we mentioned in the buying considerations section, this is of paramount importance when it comes to off-road driving.
Although, if you will only be going out during the daytime this may not be an issue for you.
Pros
- Powerful
- Instant access to channel 9
- Warning indicator for antenna
- Emergency channels
Cons
- Not very bright display
04. Midland 75-822
Highlighted features
- Portable
- Takes batteries
- Instant accesses to channel 9 and 19
- ANL and squelch control
- Handheld
The Midland 75-822 is one of the smallest CB radios on this list. In fact, it’s handheld.
However, despite its small size, it has a truly impressive number of features.
It has squelch control and an ANL – which is not commonly seen on hand held CB radios.
In addition to the points above, it also has a function that allows you to have instant access to channel 9 and 19, which are two of the most popular and most used CB radio channels.
The only flaw we have for the Midland 75-822 is that there is no SWR meter.
Although, this is to be expected on a hand-held CB radio. Furthermore, it also runs off of batteries which may be a negative for some.
Pros
- Extremely small and compact
- Portable
- Takes batteries
- Instant access to popular channels
- Good audio options for small radio
Cons
- Takes batteries
- No SWR meter
05. Midland MicroMobile MXT275
Highlighted features
- 50-mile range
- Takes batteries
- 142 privacy codes
- Weather scanner and alert
The Midland MicroMobile MXT275 has an impressive 50-mile range – something which is almost unheard of from a CB radio that takes batteries.
It also features some impressive weather scanning technology which checks all the local weather stations around your locations and sends you an alert if there is going to be any issues.
In addition, it also has 142 privacy codes, meaning you can have all the private transmissions you could ever desire.
The only downside to the Midland MicroMobile MXT275 is also a positive to some, and that is that it takes batteries.
Pros
- Impressive transmission range
- Takes batteries
- An extensive number of privacy codes
- In depth weather scanner and alert
Cons
- Takes batteries
06. Uniden PRO510XL
Highlighted features
- External speaker jack
- RF meter
- ANL switch
- Compact
The Uniden PRO510XL is an extremely small and compact radio that offers a lot for its size.
It features an RF meter and an AL switch, something which is usually only seen on larger CB radio models.
It also has an external speaker jack which at first seems like a great little addition, but on further inspection, this feature is no so innocent.
The Uniden PRO510XL has a sub-par speaker which is also pretty quiet.
And the company knew this, which is why they added the external speaker jack. Although, apart from the speaker this is a great little CB radio.
Pros
- Compact
- External speaker compatible
- Good audio options for small radio
Cons
- Bad speaker quality
07. Galaxy DX-959B
Highlighted features
- Five-digit frequency counter
- Time tracking backlight
- Large easy to read numbers
- Auto SWR circuit
- Variable dimmer control
The Galaxy DX-959B has a plethora of amazing features.
It’s one of the most precise CB radios on this list. Because of its five-digit frequency counter, tuning into specific transmissions has never been easier.
It also has some extremely innovative features such as the time tracking backlight which turns off certain backlights in the day time, or the variable dimmer control which lets you control the brightness of the backlight.
In addition, it has an auto SWR circuit and large numbers on the display that are easy to read.
Because of both of these reasons, it makes this a great CB radio for beginners.
Our only issue with the Galaxy DX-959B is that the meters can be a little hard to read, which is a little frustrating.
Pros
- Extremely precise
- Brightness auto adjusts
- Auto SWR
- Option to dim or turn up the light
Cons
- Meters are hard to read
08. Stryker SR-955hpc
Highlighted features
- 70 watts
- Highly illuminated display
- armoured receiver
- Customisable colours
The Stryker SR-955hpc is one of the most powerful CB radios on this list. Not only does it have a mind-boggling 70 watts of power, but it is also armoured.
These 2 features make it one of the best CB radios on this list for hardcore off roaders.
However, there are 2 issues we have with the Stryker SR-955hpc. Its interface is extremely bright. Too bright.
This might not be a negative for everyone, in contrast, it could even be a positive. But in our personal opinion, the display is far too bright and it even makes it hard to read the display.
If you are looking for a tough and powerful CB radio that is also extremely bright, then you may have just met your match.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Durable
- Extremely bright and colourful
Cons
- Too bright
- Hard to read interface
09. Uniden CMX760
Highlighted features
- Compact
- Rugged and tough
- External speaker jack
- Weather alert
The Uniden CMX760 is one of the most rugged and durable CB radios on this list. In addition, it’s also extremely compact and you get a lot more bang for your buck. It’s a great CB radio for smaller cars.
Furthermore, it also has a built-in weather alert that monitors the 10 local weather channels and sends you an alert if there are any serious issues you may face – this is a mindboggling feature.
Although, it is lacking in the sound category. The speaker is extremely quiet for a CB radio, and for people who are hard of hearing this one should be avoided.
However, it does have an external speaker jack so you can plug it into a better speaker.
Pros
- Able to plug into external speaker
- Super compact
- NOAXX weather alert
- Designed to be rough
Cons
- Quiet speaker
10. Texas Ranger Elite TRE-936FFB
Highlighted features
- Chrome finish
- Built in auto SWR circuit
- Noise blanker and ANL
- Noise cancelling microphone
The Texas Ranger Elite TRE-936FFB has a truly stylish and modern look, and it has the practically to back it up too.
It has a built-in auto SWR circuit which makes life so much easier when dealing with CB radios, it almost a necessity for people who are new to CB radios.
In addition, it also has quite a few different audio options such as a noise blanker and ANL.
It also boasts a noise-canceling microphone which is something that is so useful, it should come as a standard on every CB radio microphone.
However, there are 2 major drawbacks to the Texas Ranger Elite TRE-936FFB.
The audio quality is produces is not the best, and it also has a smaller transmission radius than most of the other CB radios on this list.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Noise-canceling mic
- Lots of audio options
- Auto SWR circuit
Cons
- Low-quality sound
- Low range
FAQ’s Off Road CB Radio
How do I install a CB radio?
Installing a CB radio can be really easy – there are essentially only three steps.
First, you need to find the right place to mount your CB radio in your car, this needs to be somewhere close to you so you can have easy access to it and also so you don’t have to move much to look at it.
After this, you just need to plug it into a power supply or use batteries if it’s a hand-held device.
Last but not least, you need to install the antenna and then tune it using an SWR meter.
All in all, installing a CB radio is not very difficult, and most people will be able to do it with ease.
What’s the range on a CB radio?
The range on a CB radio varies depending on the specific radio you get. In addition. The terrain of your local area can have a massive impact on the transmission range.
A good rule of thumb for the range is 2-5 miles in places with a lot of condensed bush and trees, 4-8 miles in open areas, and up to 40+ in highly elevated areas.
How do I choose the right antenna?
The antenna you get has to be rough and strong in order to be used for off roading.
There are a lot of potential situations that can occur when off-roading which means choosing an antenna that is able to withstand harsher conditions is paramount.
Longer antennas will give you a further transmission range, but they will also be more likely to catch on trees or bushes when you are off roading.
Because of this, you need to pick the length of an antenna based on the terrain you plan to be driving on.
If you are going to be driving in large open areas then a longer antenna will be better for the increased communication range, but if you are planning to drive in forest or woods environments then it may be best to go with an extremely short antenna.
Do I need to use certain terms when speaking on a CB radio?
No. If you speak regularly without using terms this will not be a problem at all and it is not expected for you to use any terms.
Although, there are a few terms that may be beneficial for you to use in order to communicate certain things faster and more efficiently.
In addition, if you already know any CB radio terms you should feel free to use them.
So, if you don’t know any radio terms it may be a good idea to learn a few, but it is in no way essential.
Do I need a license to use a CB radio?
If you are from the UK then you do not need a license.
Some countries do require a license in order to have a CB radio, but if you are from the UK, you still would not need a license in order to use a CB radio in a different country.
Conclusion
Now you have read our article you will have a much better understanding of what you should be looking for in a CB radio for off road use, as well as knowing the best current options that are out there right now.
Make sure the CB radio you get has the features that you want to have in a CB radio.
Look at all the factors we mentioned and see which ones are the most important from you, and from there, you will be able to make a more informed decision when looking at our recommended list.
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