Short version: The SDS100 will work just fine for ~85% of police scanner buyers. The SDS150 has four real advantages:
- Built-in GPS
- App control
- Charging base
- Potentially stronger simulcast handling.
Most users don’t need these. For them, the extra $250 isn’t worth it.
Both the Uniden SDS100 and SDS150 are premium True I/Q (SDR) handheld scanners designed for modern digital trunking and difficult simulcast environments. The SDS150 is the next-gen model with built-in GPS, smartphone control via the U/AWARE app, USB-C charging, and an included charge cradle. The SDS100 remains the proven flagship value play.
Quick decision
Choose the SDS150 if you want:
- Built-in GPS (no external puck required)
- Remote control, audio, and logging on your phone or tablet via the U/AWARE app
- USB-C charging and an included charge cradle with extra battery slot
- The newest platform with field-focused upgrades
Choose the SDS100 if you want:
- The best price for True I/Q simulcast performance
- A mature, well-documented scanner with a massive knowledge base
-
Optional GPS support or no GPS at all
- No need for app-based remote control
Side-by-side comparison
| Category |
Uniden SDS100 |
Uniden SDS150 |
| Model position |
Flagship handheld (established) |
Next-gen flagship handheld (newest) |
| Launch window |
Q2 2018 |
Q4 2025 (broad launch Dec 2025) |
| Price |
$699.99 |
$949.99 (MAP pricing across vendors) |
| Receiver architecture |
True I/Q (SDR) |
True I/Q (SDR), next-gen platform |
| Simulcast performance |
Excellent |
Designed for hardest simulcast and high-interference environments |
| Frequency coverage |
25–512 MHz, 758–824 MHz, 849–869 MHz, 894–960 MHz, 1240–1300 MHz |
| Trunking + digital |
TrunkTracker X, P25 Phase I & II, Motorola, EDACS, LTR |
TrunkTracker X, P25 Phase I & II, Motorola, EDACS, LTR |
| Paid digital upgrades |
DMR, NXDN 4800/9600, EDACS ProVoice |
DMR, NXDN 4800/9600, EDACS ProVoice (availability may vary early) |
| GPS / location scanning |
External GPS accessory |
Built-in GPS |
| Phone/tablet control |
No |
U/AWARE app via Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Charging + ports |
USB charging and PC programming |
USB-C charging and PC programming |
| Included charging hardware |
USB cable (no cradle) |
Charge cradle with extra battery slot |
| Water resistance |
JIS4 / IPX4 |
JIS4 / IPX4 |
| Storage |
microSD |
microSD |
| Recording + replay |
Yes |
Yes |
| Encrypted police audio |
No |
No |
Key differences that actually matter
1) GPS and travel scanning
-
SDS150: Built-in GPS. Automatic system changes while traveling.
-
SDS100: GPS works well but requires an external accessory.
Zip Scanners’ take: Fewer than 5% of scanner users actively use GPS.
2) Remote control on your phone or tablet
-
SDS150: U/AWARE app provides real-time control and audio.
-
SDS100: No official app-based control.
Zip Scanners’ take: Real-time control is useful. Most third-party apps introduce delay; this avoids that.
3) Charging workflow
-
SDS150: USB-C plus a desk- and vehicle-friendly cradle.
-
SDS100: USB charging only. No included cradle.
Zip Scanners’ take: The cradle is a nice quality-of-life upgrade and can act as a scanner stand. A similar stand can be added to the SDS100.
4) Price-to-performance
-
SDS100: Best value for top-tier simulcast performance.
-
SDS150: Higher cost justified by convenience and platform upgrades.
Zip Scanners’ take: Simulcast performance gains on the SDS150 are still being validated as field reports come in.