Also known as: Bearcat 880, Bearcat 880FM, BC880
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The Uniden Bearcat 880FM is our best-overall CB radio: AM/FM dual mode, NOAA weather with alerts, the best display and backlighting in its class, and — the killer feature for first-timers — a built-in SWR antenna calibration meter that turns the hardest part of any CB install into a two-minute job.1 It’s the direct successor to the AM-only Bearcat 880, which it supersedes,2 and it streets around $130–150.
Key takeaways Best overall CB for most people. Strong receiver for an AM/FM rig, NOAA weather + alerts, 7-color LCD with backlit knobs, talkback, noise-canceling mic, and built-in SWR metering — the easiest install in the class. Buy the 880FM, not the old 880 — the AM-only original is superseded and leftover stock is priced erratically. No SSB — that’s the 980SSB’s job. License-free (Part 95D). ~$130–150. Full rankings: best CB radios.
Overview
Most CB radios are designed for people who already own three of them. The Bearcat 880FM is designed for the person installing their first one — and that’s why it wins our top slot. The 7-color selectable LCD with backlit knobs and buttons is the most readable front panel in the class. NOAA weather with alerts covers the road-trip case. And the built-in SWR calibration meter means the step everyone skips — tuning the antenna, which matters more than the radio itself (why) — happens right on the front panel, no separate meter, no borrowed gear.
It also isn’t just a pretty face: the receiver is strong for an AM-class rig, and you get RF gain, mic gain, talkback, a noise-canceling mic, wireless-mic compatibility, and PA output.
On the 880 vs 880FM: the original AM-only Bearcat 880 has been superseded. Dealers are marking it unavailable, and lingering old stock shows up at silly prices (we’ve seen $259 — old-MSRP inflation, not a signal of value). The 880FM is the same class and feature set plus FM, at the normal price. There is no reason to seek out the non-FM original.
License note: none. CB is licensed by rule (FCC Part 95D) — 4 W carrier on AM/FM, no paperwork, ever. FM on CB has been legal since the FCC’s 2021 rule update.
Modes & features
- 40 channels, 4 W AM/FM, Part 95D certified, 12 V DC.
- NOAA weather channels with alert wake-up.
- Built-in SWR calibration meter plus radio diagnostics.
- 7-color LCD, backlit controls, RF gain + mic gain, talkback, noise-canceling mic, wireless-mic compatible, PA.
- Mid-size chassis — but deeper than photos suggest; measure your dash cavity before ordering.
Honest weaknesses: the internal speaker is mediocre — nearly everyone ends up adding an external speaker; and there are long-term owner reports of display burnout on Uniden’s 7-color screens. Neither moves it off the top spot at this price.
GopherTrunk alternative
Straight talk: GopherTrunk doesn’t do CB. CB is 27 MHz analog AM/FM/SSB — below an RTL-SDR’s native tuning range without direct-sampling tricks or an upconverter, and analog voice at 27 MHz is outside GopherTrunk’s trunking/digital focus. If you only want to listen first, a scanner with CB coverage or an HF-capable SDR will hear channel 19; the full CB channel list is in our scanner frequencies reference. To key up, you need the real radio.
Who it’s for
- Buy the Bearcat 880FM if you want the best all-around CB for truck, Jeep, or RV — the easiest install, the best display, weather alerts, and AM/FM for ~$140. View on Amazon →
- Buy the Bearcat 980SSB or President McKinley II instead if you want SSB’s 12 W PEP range, or the Cobra 29 LTD if you want the traditional trucker platform every shop can service.
- Skip it for a PRO505XL if you just need a cheap trail beater. Full rankings: best CB radios.
Sources
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Uniden Bearcat 880FM product page — Uniden America, on AM/FM dual mode, NOAA weather with alerts, the 7-color display, SWR calibration meter, talkback, and wireless-mic compatibility. ↩
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Uniden Bearcat 880 product page — the original AM-only model the 880FM supersedes. ↩
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for the Uniden Bearcat 880FM?
No. CB is license-free by rule under FCC Part 95D — no exam, no fee. Legal power is 4 watts carrier on AM and FM, and the 880FM is certified to that limit.
What's the difference between the Bearcat 880 and the Bearcat 880FM?
The 880FM is the direct successor: same mid-size chassis and feature set — weather, 7-color display, SWR metering — plus FM transmit and receive, legal on CB since 2021. The original AM-only 880 is drying up in the retail channel and remaining old stock is often priced erratically; buy the 880FM.
Does the Bearcat 880FM have a built-in SWR meter?
Yes — an antenna SWR calibration meter is built in, which is the feature that makes it the easiest first CB install in its class. You tune your antenna against the radio’s own meter instead of buying and wiring a separate SWR meter.
Is the Bearcat 880FM good for off-roading?
It’s our default pick for off-roaders and RVers: mid-size (though deeper than photos suggest — measure your mount), a bright 7-color display readable at a glance, weather alerts, and the built-in SWR meter for trail-side antenna checks. Budget for an external speaker; the internal one is mediocre.
Does the Bearcat 880FM have SSB?
No — AM and FM only. If you want SSB’s 12 W PEP and longer range, step to the Uniden Bearcat 980SSB or the President McKinley II, and remember SSB only helps when the station on the other end has it too.