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BC355N Uniden Police Scanner

Uniden's classic, simple analog scanner
We do not offer programming on this scanner
Trade-in your old scanner

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The BC355N base/mobile analog police scanner radio is the least expensive base/mobile scanner offered by Uniden. While the BC355N scanner is limited in features, it is a good entry-level scanner to those who are new to police scanning.

I need an analog police scanner, why should I buy the BC355N?

The BC355N is a great little analog scanner that can be used in your home or vehicle. Compact and only 3 pounds, this scanner is very easy to use and operate.

Will the BC355N go on sale anytime soon?

We don't know. Uniden does not disclose when they will be dropping prices and even when prices do drop, it is usually only $5 to $10. You can sign up for our emails & we'll keep you posted.

Compare Non-Digital Police Scanners
Manufacturer's SKU or unique product number. Close Model Number	BCD160DN	BCD260DN	SR30C	BC125AT	BC355N	BC365CRS
There are two scanner manufacturers: Whistler & Uniden. Close Manufacturer	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden
Reception
Scanners are able to monitor 2 formats: Digital Analog Most communication is the US is digital or migrating to digital. Learn More Close Digital	No	No	No	No	No	No
Scanners are able to monitor 2 formats: Digital Analog Most communication is the US is digital or migrating to digital. Learn More Close Analog	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & all emergency weather communication is broadcast via analog format throughout the US. All scanners can monitor NOAA. Learn More Close Weather & NOAA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ProVoice EDACS is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy an EDACS capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close ProVoice EDACS	No	No	No	No	No	No
NXDN is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy an NXDN capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close NXDN	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
DMR is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy a DMR capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close DMR	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Scanners pick up frequencies in the 25-1300 Mhz band range. This gets needlessly technical, so we recommend focusing on digital & analog. Basically, digital scanners can monitor the full spectrum (25-1300Mhz) & analog can only pick up segments. Learn More Close Frequency Range	25 MHz - 960 MHz	25 MHz - 1300 MHz	29 MHz - 512 MHz	25 MHz - 956 MHz	25 MHz - 512 MHz	29 MHz - 512 MHz
Some scanners are able to pick up AM & FM radio. Close AM/FM Radio	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Number of channels (frequencies) that can be saved in scanner. Close Channels	1000	1000	200	200	500	200
In a simulcast system, multiple transmitters on separate towers simultaneously broadcasting on the same frequency. If what you want to hear is affected by simulcast you must buy a simulcast capable scanner. Learn More Close Simulcast	No	No	No	No	No	No
Features
GPS capable scanners allows frequencies to autoload while driving GPS receiver (sold separately) required to use. Learn More Close GPS Capable	No	No	No	No	No	No
Alpha tags are short descriptions, under 12 characters, used to label frequencies & talk groups. Learn More Close Alpha Tags	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
Network Access Code (NAC) is a user programmable 12-bit code that prefixes every packet of data sent (including voice packets). NAC codes minimize co-channel interference & allow repeater addressing. Example: 156 = DEA, 330 = FBI Learn More Close NAC	No	No	No	No	No	No
Allows scanner to operate in standby mode (no sound) & only respond to fire tone-outs, which are audible tones that alert specific resources. In this setting, no radio transmissions are audible until a specific set of tones are broadcast. Learn More Close Fire Tone-Out	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Location-based scanning allows control of which systems/sites & channel groups are scanned based on location. No need to manually enable & disable channel groups or systems when moving locations. Learn More Close Location Based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rapidly detects & monitors frequencies close by. Used to pick up nearby transmissions when on-the-go. Learn More Close Close Call/Stalker	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Record transmissions while listening. Close Record & Playback	No	No	No	No	No	No
Programming
All scanners can be programmed via PCs only. Close PC Program	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
All scanners can be programmed via PCs only. There is no Mac compatible software. If you have a Mac, we can program for you. Close Mac Program	No	No	No	No	No	No
Most digital scanners come with software which allows programming & software updated via a PC computer. Close Software Included	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
US & Canadian frequencies come on scanner. Radio Reference is the database used. Close USA & Canada Database	TBD	TBD	No	No	No	No
More
Software (data & storage) lives on an SD card which goes in the scanner (hardware). Close Storage (GB)	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Simple & older scanner models have dynamic memory. The memory of newer digital scanners is driven via an SD card, which has many benefits. Close SD Card	No	No	No	No	No	No
Estimated scanner reception range without antenna upgrade. Scanners work on line-of-sight, not satellites, so topography makes a large difference. Anything from a tree, hill, or a strong breeze can affect reception. Close Range (mi.)	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.
Battery Type	AA	Not Applicable	AA	AAA	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Fully charged. Close Battery Life	6 hours	Not Applicable	6 hours	6 hours	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Size (inches)	9.5x8x9.25	11.5x12x17.5	1.6 x 2.4 x 5.7	9.2 x 2.7 x 8.3	8.9 x 3.5 x 8.7	6.9 x 8.2 x 2.4
Weight (oz.)	16.4	33.5	10	48	40	24
All Whistler & Uniden scanners have a 1 year manufacturers warranty. Close Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Launched	2024	2024	2019	2012	2011	2012
Key Feature	DMR & NXDN	DMR & NXDN	Handheld	Low Cost	AM/FM Radio	AM/FM Radio

Antenna (Telescopic & AM Loop)
Antenna (Telescoping & Window Mount)
AC Adapter
Vehicle Power Cable
DC Power Cord (can hard wire into vehicle)
Bracket for Vehicle Mounting (screws included)
Owners Manual
Does not come with software or frequencies pre-loaded.

Looking to deeeep dive?

We took the time to scour the internet for you.

Radio Reference is the largest police scanner radio forum with over 850k users. There are several threads about the BC355N where just about every question imaginable has been asked and answered by BC355N owners.
Download free BC355N Software. While software is not included with this scanner, this is a free software program that you can download at no extra charge. Download this software for free, set up favorites lists, configure for your area & see if you're comfortable operating before you buy. If you buy, you'll have everything set up & ready to go.
BC355N Owner's Manual.

We do not offer professional programing on this police scanner model.

We DO offer programming on these models which we highly recommend buying over this model.

Can I program this scanner myself?

We created programming videos to help you decided whether you can program on your own. If you going to program, we highly recommend watching videos and download the free software & programming BEFORE you buy. This will save you a lot of time and frustration. Maybe your programming needs are simple and this is not a big deal, maybe this is a huge program you can avoid.

How long does programming take?

It takes our scanner tech over an hour to program each scanner & this is ALL he does. For new & moderate scanner users we estimate 3-12 hours of programming. Setup time varies wildly based on scanner, area, scanner experience & general tech familiarity.

Programming is the #1 reason police scanners are returned and the root issue with 99.999% of any negative review you'll find.

While scanner programming is much easier than the days of crystal scanners, there is a learning curve like any other electronics purchase. While some scanner enthusiasts are highly technical and want to learn the ins and outs of programming, others want their scanner to just ‘work’ right out of the box.

Unless you’re familiar with scanners, scanner terminology, own a PC (Mac’s do not work), and want to learn the nuances of programming, we highly recommend buying a scanner that can be professionally programmed.

Scanner technology is fairly user-friendly, but scanners are not smartphones or iPads. If you're spending hundreds on a scanner, we recommend springing a few extra bucks so to get one that you're happy with long-term.

Can't you teach me programming with your lifetime technical support?

No. Lifetime technical support is not unlimited technical support. We are always here to help and love to do so. We made how to videos and can help point you in the right direction, but we will not teach programming.