NEW! Uniden SDS150 + FREE Programming + Extras Sale

Short version: If you’re buying a police scanner in 2026, the SDS150 is the smart “buy once” move.

The SDS150 keeps the True I/Q platform that made the SDS100 a legend in simulcast areas, then upgrades the stuff you actually feel every day: built-in GPS, phone control + audio, USB-C, a dock-style charging cradle, & Waterfall upgrade included.

Why that matters: most people don’t quit scanning because the radio can’t decode. They quit because the workflow is annoying (cables, charging, SD card access, tiny-screen navigation, traveling across county lines). The SDS150 is built to remove those friction points.

The SDS150 has 7 practical advantages over the SDS100:

1. Built in GPS (GPS synced time): location based scanning without buying & connecting an external GPS puck. Great for travel, commuting across jurisdictions, & accurate timestamps in recordings/logs.
2. U/AWARE phone control + audio: full remote control on a big touchscreen, plus listen on your phone (& route audio to Bluetooth earbuds or your car via your phone).
3. Charge cradle included: drop it in, walk away. The cradle can also charge a spare battery in the second slot (spare battery sold separately).
4. USB-C charging + programming: one modern cable standard for home, vehicle, power bank, & laptop.
5. Waterfall included: it ships unlocked. On the SDS100, Waterfall is a separate paid upgrade key.
6. Less 'filter fiddling' in messy RF: the SDS150 platform adds RF/IF changes aimed at reducing the need to hunt for the perfect filter setting in interference heavy areas.
7. Side access microSD: faster SD swaps & updates without pulling the battery door off (small thing, big quality-of-life upgrade).

Price reality check: if you’re the type who will add GPS, a better charging workflow, & Waterfall to the SDS100 anyway, you end up close to SDS150 money fast. If you want the full-feature, low-hassle setup, start with the SDS150 & be done.

Both the Uniden SDS100 & SDS150 are premium True I/Q (SDR) handheld scanners designed for modern digital trunking & challenging simulcast environments. Neither scanner can decode encrypted police channels.

Quick decision

Choose the SDS150 if you want:

• The “buy once” flagship with the newest platform & the longest runway
• Built in GPS for true grab & go travel scanning (no puck, no cable)
• Phone/tablet control & audio via the U/AWARE app (big-screen control, easier channel discovery)
• Dock-style charging (cradle included) & USB-C everywhere
• Waterfall included out of the box
• Less tweaking in high-interference, RF-dense metro areas

Choose the SDS100 if you want:

• The lowest upfront price for True I/Q simulcast performance
• You mainly scan one area (home/desk) & you won’t use GPS or app control
• You’re fine with cable charging & mini-USB
• You’d rather add optional upgrades later (GPS, Waterfall, external charger)

Side-by-side comparison

Key differences that actually matter

1) The daily workflow (charging, cables, SD card)

• SDS150: dock it in the cradle, charge it, optionally keep a spare battery topped off, & the SD card is quick-access on the side.
• SDS100: cable charging, no included cradle, SD access requires pulling the battery door.

Zip Scanners’ take: if you’ll actually use your scanner daily or weekly, the SDS150’s workflow is the upgrade that keeps you using it.

2) Phone/tablet control (easier listening)

• SDS150: U/AWARE gives you real control, a big-screen UI, & audio on your phone (then to earbuds or car Bluetooth through the phone).
• SDS100: no official app-based control/audio.

Zip Scanners’ take: this is the difference between “scanner hobby UI” & “modern device UI.” It’s also the cleanest way to listen discreetly in a vehicle or around the house.

3) GPS that you will actually use

• SDS150: built-in GPS means travel scanning is always ready, no accessories, no cable mess.
• SDS100: supports external GPS, but it’s an add-on.

Zip Scanners’ take: built-in GPS changes behavior. People skip external GPS. People use built-in GPS.

4) Waterfall included vs paid add-on

• SDS150: Waterfall is included, ready on day one.
• SDS100: Waterfall requires a separate paid upgrade key.

Zip Scanners’ take: if you like finding activity fast (air, rail, events, unknown freqs), Waterfall stops being “nice to have” & becomes “why didn’t I have this sooner.”

5) RF performance in the real world (simulcast + interference)

• SDS100: proven True I/Q performance in simulcast & weak-signal areas.
• SDS150: Uniden positions the platform for stable decoding in simulcast & high-interference environments, plus early owners report less tweaking & clearer audio in RF-dense areas.

Zip Scanners’ take: both are elite. The SDS150’s edge is “less messing around to get the same or better result.”

6) Price-to-performance (the honest framing)

• SDS150: costs more, but bundles the upgrades most users end up wanting anyway (GPS, dock charging, app control, Waterfall, USB-C, SD access).
• SDS100: best value if you keep it simple & stationary.

Zip Scanners’ take: if you’re already spending $700+ for True I/Q, the SDS150 is the one & done flagship. The SDS100 is the “I know exactly what I’m giving up” option.

Deep dive on programming here.

We HIGHLY recommend letting our experts program your scanner.

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

• Returns
• 99% of any negative comments about the SDS150 & SDS100 you'll read while researching
• 99% of any negative comments about us
• 90% + of all support questions
• 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 is programming?

Scanners work like AM/FM radios in that they pick up airwaves based on a set of specifics frequencies. But unlike a radio there is not the simple 'seek' and 'save' feature on a scanner. Also, the frequencies are wildly different based on where you live and what you want to listen to.

What, specifically, do I get with expert programming?

For each county you purchase, our experts will program the following:

• State police, fire & EMS
• County police, fire & EMS

Add as many counties as you'd like.

When your scanner arrives, the programmed data will be on your scanner in easy to navigate lists.

What if your programming does not work?

100% money back guarantee on programming.

Can you program X, Y, Z?

We can program anything in Radio Reference, the world's largest & best frequency database. 

What if I need help after you program?

We’re always here to help with our lifetime tech support. 

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 letting our experts program your scanner.

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 made "how to" videos and can help point you in the right direction, but we will not teach programming.

How long does your expert programming take?

We usually get this out same day, but it can add 1-2 business days to your shipment.

Can I program this scanner myself?

Yes.

We created a programming decision tree, as well as programming videos, to help you decide whether you should include expert programming with your scanner. With that said, we HIGHLY recommend adding the expert programming to your purchase to save time and spare yourself potential aneurysms.

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

Yes, however...

When you punch in your zip code, it scans EVERYTHING in your area, which is kinda like getting the phone book thrown at you.

With our expert scanner programming, we filter out the junk so you don't have to listen to things such as the dog catcher, repo guy, power company & the like.

How long will it take me to program on my own?

It takes our scanner tech anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to program each scanner...and 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 and general tech familiarity.

What software comes with my SDS150?

The Uniden SDS150 comes with Sentinel software like other Uniden scanners, including the:

• SDS100
• SDS200
• BCD436HP
• BCD536HP
• HomePatrol-2

While there is a version of Sentinel software for each scanner, they operate the same. The SDS150 includes Sentinel software (download free SDS150 software here). Watch our Uniden Sentinel software programming video here or above in the video gallery.

Any self-programming tips?

We recommend downloading the software before you buy to test drive.