Ham radios and CB radios have some differences, including power output, range, and licensing requirements:

Power output

CB radios usually operate at 4 watts, but some SSB-equipped radios operate at 12 watts. Ham radios have a higher power output, ranging from 5 watts for handhelds to 25 watts for mobiles, and can go up to 1500 watts.

Licensing

CB radios don't require a license to operate, but ham radios do. To operate a ham radio, you need to pass a test and get a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

There are other differences, such as the fact that ham radios have access to a greater number of frequencies.

We recommend that you check out our CB and Ham radios below and find the right radio for your needs.

President Electronics offers handheld CB radios. These are smaller than mobile CB radios that are usually installed inside vehicles. Handheld CB radios can be powered by batteries or battery packs, and often come with a belt clip and other functional accessories for easy transportation.

Handheld Transceivers

• A mobile CB radio is a transceiver designed to be installed in a vehicle, usually in a car or in a truck. It is usually powered by the electric energy of the vehicle. These radios can be easily installed and dismantled.
• On the other hand, a base station CB radio is designed to be used as a fixed station at home or in a building with a specific antenna (fixed antenna). They are usually powered by a standard electrical outlet and can be connected to external speakers for better sound quality.

However, it is possible to replace a fixed base station by a mobile CB radio with a stabilized power supply and a suitable antenna.