SDS200 Uniden Police Scanner

$699.99

The Uniden SDS200 is the best mobile/base digital police scanner on the market and the one we recommend more than any other base model.

The handheld version of the SDS200, the SDS100, is the best & top selling overall scanner. If you're buying a base model—look no further.

Since the SDS200 launched in Jan 2019, the SDS100 has been clinging to its top spot in the Scanner Standings and the SDS200 has been clawing its way up the ranks. They're neck-and-neck. It's a heated sibling rivalry.

Curious of what your kindred-scanner-faithful have to say about this bona fide beast? Scroll down to the ‘Reviews’ tab for unfiltered opinions, reactions, and tips from current SDS200 owners.

Priced $699.99?

All vendors have a floor price of $699.99, so you will not find the SDS200 cheaper elsewhere—this is the lowest possible price. In addition to getting rock-bottom-pricing, we offer free shipping, and provide lifetime tech support.

SDS200 Tech Specs?

The SDS200 is the base version of the extremely popular SDS100 and they operate almost exactly the same, so if you're looking for a bit more info, the SDS100 product page is a great place to start.

Software Upgrades?

Our device page has a widget at the top that will tell you if you need any of the software upgrades on the left sidebar. If you purchase any software upgrades with your SDS200, our experts will install the upgrades so your SDS200 will be all set up when it arrives. If you'd like, you can DIY for less by purchasing upgrades directly from Uniden once you've received your scanner.

What do SDS200 buyers say?
  • Does not have WiFi, but it does have an Ethernet port—which is more reliable than the WiFi capabilities of its predecessor, the BCD536HP.
  • Looks great installed in the dashboard of vehicles and comes with mounting brackets and gear.
  • No built in GPS (must buy separate Uniden Universal GPS device).
  • Ethernet connectivity for remote streaming and control.
  • Uniden Siren App is hit or miss with the LAN cable. Buyers report poor audio and delayed feed.
  • There is a hum or buzz in the internal speaker and sometimes the audio cuts out mid-transmission (this has since been resolved with the third generation roll-out).
Compare Base Digital Police Scanners

Model Number

BearTracker 885 HomePatrol-2 BCD536HP BCD996P2 SDS200 TRX-2

Manufacturer

Uniden Uniden Uniden Uniden Uniden Whistler
Reception

Digital

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Analog

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Weather & NOAA

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

ProVoice EDACS

No No Yes No With Paid Upgrade Yes

NXDN

No No No No With Paid Upgrade Yes

DMR

No No With Paid Upgrade With Paid Upgrade With Paid Upgrade Yes

Frequency Range

25 MHz - 1.3 GHz 25 MHz - 1.3 GHz 25 MHz - 1.3 GHz 25 MHz - 1.3 GHz 25 MHz - 1.3 GHz 25 MHz - 1.3 GHz

AM/FM Radio

No No No No No No

Channels

Virtually Unlimited Virtually Unlimited Virtually Unlimited 25,000 Virtually Unlimited Virtually Unlimited

Simulcast

No No No No Yes No
Features

GPS Capable

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Alpha Tags

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

NAC

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Fire Tone-Out

No No No Yes Yes No

Location Based

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Close Call/Stalker

No No Yes No Yes Yes

Record & Playback

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Programming

PC Program

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Mac Program

No No No No No No

Software Included

No Sentinel Sentinel No Sentinel EZ Scan

USA & Canada Database

Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
More

Storage (GB)

4 GB 4 GB 8 GB Dynamic 8 GB 4 GB

SD Card

Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Range (mi.)

30mi. 30mi. 30mi. 30mi. 30mi. 30mi.
Battery Type Not Applicable AA Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable

Battery Life

Not Applicable 8 hours Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable
Size (inches) TBD 6 x 3.25 x 1.25 7.25 x 2.25 x 6.5 5.75 x 10.75 x 3.75 7 x 5 x 3 1.75 x 7 x 5.5
Weight (oz.) TBD 32 96 96 96 33.5

Warranty

1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year
Launched Summer 2017 Fall 2014 Fall 2013 Spring 2015 Winter 2019 Summer 2016
Key Feature Scanner & CB Combo Color Touchscreen WiFi & Siren App Software Not Included Ethernet connectivity for remote streaming & control NXDN & Removable Face
  1. 8 GB SD Card (pre-installed)
  2. USB Interface Cable
  3. AC Adapter
  4. DC Adapter
  5. Wiring Harness
  6. Quick Start Guide
  7. Mounting Bracket and Hardware (fits most vehicles)
  8. Telescoping Antenna
  9. Sentinel software (Free PC Download)

Looking to deeeep dive?

We took the time to scour the internet for you.

Deep dive on programming here.

We HIGHLY recommend letting our experts program your scanner.

Programming issues are, by FAR, the #1 reason for...

  1. Returns
  2. 99% of any negative comments about the SDS200 you'll read while researching
  3. 99% of any negative comments about us
  4. 90% + of all support questions
  5. Our receding hairlines

Basically, you're about to spend hundreds of dollars on a snappy new gadget, might as well spring a few extra bucks so it will actually work right out of the box.

What software is installed on my SDS200?

The new Uniden SDS200 comes with Sentinel software like other Uniden scanners, including the SDS100, BCD436HP, BCD536HP & HomePatrol-2. While there is a version of the Sentinel software for each scanner, they operate the same. The SDS200 includes Sentinel software (download free SDS200 software here). Watch our Uniden Sentinel software programming video here or above in the video gallery.

What is "One Touch Start Up"?

Adding this with programming allows our technicians to make hardware, software and frequency updates prior to shipping your scanner. You can buy just the programming, which will give you everything needed to listen in your area, but "One Touch Start Up" ensures a smooth experience right from the start with zero technical know-how. "One Touch Start Up" is a popular gift item as this allows the scanner to simply "work" by powering on.

How long does programming take?

Programming adds 1-2 additional business days to delivery.

What if this does not work?

We have a 100% money back guarantee if you’re not happy with your programming.

How are you so much cheaper than other scanner programming places?

We’re awesome.

Can you program X, Y, Z?

We can program anything that is in Radio Reference. If you have frequencies that are not in Radio Reference, as long as you can put them in a CSV file, we can program them.

What if I need help?

We’re always here to help. 

Self Programming

Can I program this scanner myself?

We created a programming decision tree to help you decided on whether you should include professional programming with your scanner, but we HIGHLY recommend adding programming.

Can't I just punch in my zip code for programming?

When you type in your zip code, it scans EVERYTHING in your area, which is kinda like getting the phone book thrown at you. This is why over 95% of orders include programming & why we highly recommend. Our professional programming filters the junk out so you don't have to listen to things such as the dog catcher, repo guy, power company & the like.

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 type, area, scanner experience & general tech familiarity.

Why should I buy programming?

Programming is the #1 reason police scanners are returned. 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.

95% of all scanner sales include programming, so unless you’re familiar with scanners, scanner terminology, own a PC (Macs do not work), and want to learn the nuances of programming, we highly recommend having your scanner 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 it works right out of the box. 

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.

Customer Reviews

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