📻 Boy and a Scanner
Complete Comparison Guide

Uniden SDS100 vs SDS150 vs SDS200: Which Scanner Should You Buy?

All three scanners use Uniden's powerful True I/Q SDR technology for excellent digital reception. The SDS100 is the proven portable (now with waterfall display via firmware!), the SDS200 is the desktop powerhouse, and the brand-new SDS150 adds built-in GPS, Bluetooth, and the U/AWARE app.

🆕 NEW: Uniden SDS150 Now Available for Pre-Order! The SDS150 is Uniden's latest flagship handheld scanner with built-in GPS, Bluetooth, waterfall display, and the U/AWARE smartphone app. Pre-order now at $949.99 from Uniden.
TL;DR: Get the SDS100 for proven portable performance at a lower price. Get the SDS150 if you want the latest features like built-in GPS and Bluetooth. Get the SDS200 for home/vehicle setups with loud audio and Ethernet.

Uniden SDS100

Handheld Digital Scanner
$699.99
  • Portable & battery-powered
  • Weather-resistant (JIS4/IPX4)
  • True I/Q SDR receiver
  • P25 Phase I/II included
  • Waterfall display (firmware)
Buy SDS100 →
NEW

Uniden SDS150

Next-Gen Handheld Scanner
$949.99
  • Built-in GPS receiver
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Waterfall display
  • U/AWARE app support
  • Charging cradle included
Pre-Order SDS150 →

Uniden SDS200

Base/Mobile Digital Scanner
$749.99
  • Desktop or vehicle mount
  • Large front-firing speaker
  • Ethernet for remote control
  • P25 Phase I/II included
  • Line out & discriminator out
Buy SDS200 →

SDS100 vs SDS150 vs SDS200: Full Spec Comparison

Feature SDS100 SDS150 NEW SDS200
Form Factor Handheld Handheld Base/Mobile
MSRP $699.99 $949.99 $749.99
Receiver True I/Q SDR True I/Q SDR True I/Q SDR
P25 Phase I/II ✅ Included ✅ Included ✅ Included
DMR/NXDN/ProVoice Optional (~$50-75 each) Optional (~$50-75 each) Optional (~$50-75 each)
Built-in GPS ❌ External only ✅ Built-in ❌ External only
Bluetooth ❌ No ✅ Built-in ❌ No
Waterfall Display ✅ Via firmware update* ✅ Built-in ✅ Via firmware update*
Smartphone App ❌ No ✅ U/AWARE (iOS/Android) ❌ No
Charging Cradle ❌ Not included ✅ Included N/A (AC adapter)
Display Color LCD Color LCD + Waterfall Color LCD (larger)
Speaker Internal (compact) Internal (compact) Front-firing (louder)
Audio Outputs Headphone jack Headphone jack, Bluetooth Headphone, line out, discriminator
Power Battery + USB Battery + USB + Cradle 12V DC (AC adapter)
Ethernet ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes
microSD Recording ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (side-accessible) ✅ Yes
Antenna Connector SMA SMA BNC
Weather Resistance ✅ JIS4/IPX4 ✅ JIS4/IPX4 ❌ No
Close Call RF Capture ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
RadioReference Database ✅ Included ✅ Included (USA & Canada) ✅ Included
Best For Budget portable Feature-rich portable Home/vehicle base

*The SDS100 and SDS200 received waterfall display capability via free firmware update v1.23.01 (released December 2023). Update via Uniden Sentinel software.

💰 Firmware Updates & Paid Upgrade Keys

SDS100/SDS200 Waterfall Display (FREE Firmware Update)

Great news for existing SDS100 and SDS200 owners: Uniden added waterfall/spectrum display capability to both scanners via a free firmware update in December 2023!

  • Firmware Version: v1.23.01 Main / v1.03.02 Sub (December 21, 2023)
  • Cost: FREE — update via Uniden Sentinel software
  • Features: Graphical spectrum display showing RF activity across a user-selectable band
  • Updates Since: v1.23.05 (Feb 2024) fixed IF polarity bugs; v1.03.06 (July 2024) improved AM audio

This is a major feature add that puts the SDS100/SDS200 on par with the SDS150 for waterfall display. The SDS150's waterfall is built-in from the start and may have additional optimizations.

Optional Digital Decode Upgrade Keys

All three scanners support the same optional upgrade keys for additional digital modes. Keys are purchased through my.uniden.com after registering your scanner.

Upgrade Key Price (est.) What It Unlocks
DMR (MotoTRBO) ~$50-75 Decode DMR Tier II trunked and conventional systems
NXDN ~$50-75 Decode Kenwood/Icom NXDN trunked and conventional
ProVoice ~$50-75 Decode EDACS ProVoice digital systems

Important notes about upgrade keys:

  • Keys are tied to your scanner's ESN (Electronic Serial Number) — one key per scanner
  • Keys are non-refundable and non-transferable
  • The same key types work on SDS100, SDS150, and SDS200
  • Also compatible with BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD325P2, and BCD996P2
  • Purchase through my.uniden.com after registering your scanner

Prices shown are estimates based on historical pricing. Check my.uniden.com for current prices.

💡 Pro Tip: Before buying a DMR or NXDN key, check RadioReference.com to see if your local agencies actually use those protocols. Many areas use only P25, which is included free on all three scanners!

🆕 What's New in the SDS150?

The SDS150 is Uniden's newest flagship handheld, building on the SDS100's proven True I/Q platform with several major upgrades:

  • Built-in GPS Receiver: No more external GPS pucks or messy cables. The SDS150 has GPS built right in for automatic location-based scanning.
  • Built-in Bluetooth: Connect wirelessly to your smartphone for remote control via the new U/AWARE app (iOS and Android).
  • Waterfall Display: See RF activity visually on screen—built-in from the start (SDS100/SDS200 also have this via firmware update).
  • U/AWARE Smartphone App: Control your scanner, view activity, and manage settings from your phone.
  • Improved SD Card Access: The microSD slot is now on the side for easy access without removing the battery.
  • Charging Cradle Included: Drop-in desk charging stand comes in the box—no more fumbling with USB cables.
  • Same Rugged Build: Water-resistant to JIS4/IPX4 standards, just like the SDS100.

The SDS150 uses the same True I/Q SDR technology as the SDS100/SDS200 and supports the same optional DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice upgrade keys.

What All Three Have in Common

Despite their differences, all three scanners share Uniden's core technology:

  • True I/Q SDR Receiver: The software-defined radio front end that excels at decoding P25 signals in challenging simulcast environments. This is the #1 reason to choose any of these scanners.
  • Digital Trunking: APCO P25 Phase I and Phase II are included. All three support optional DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice upgrade keys (~$50-75 each).
  • Waterfall Display: All three now support spectrum/waterfall display. SDS150 has it built-in; SDS100/SDS200 got it via December 2023 firmware update.
  • RadioReference Database: All ship with the complete RadioReference database for the USA and Canada.
  • Recording: All record to microSD and support instant replay.
  • Close Call RF Capture: All can detect nearby transmissions automatically.
  • Sentinel Software: All use Uniden Sentinel for PC-based programming and database updates.

Key Differences at a Glance

🎒 SDS100

The Proven Portable

The original True I/Q handheld. Excellent value if you don't need built-in GPS or Bluetooth.

✅ Pros

  • Lowest price
  • Proven reliability
  • Portable & rugged
  • Waterfall via firmware

⚠️ Cons

  • No built-in GPS
  • No Bluetooth
  • No smartphone app

🌟 SDS150

The Feature King

The newest and most feature-rich handheld with GPS, Bluetooth, waterfall display, and smartphone app.

✅ Pros

  • Built-in GPS
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Waterfall display
  • U/AWARE app
  • Charging cradle

⚠️ Cons

  • Highest price
  • New (less field testing)

🏠 SDS200

The Home Base

Desktop/mobile form factor with louder audio, Ethernet, and professional audio outputs.

✅ Pros

  • Loudest speaker
  • Ethernet remote
  • Line out & disc. out
  • Larger display

⚠️ Cons

  • Not portable
  • Needs AC/DC power
  • Not weather-resistant

Which One Should You Buy?

Get the SDS100 if you...

  • Want proven True I/Q performance at the best price
  • Don't need built-in GPS (or already have an external GPS puck)
  • Don't need Bluetooth or smartphone control
  • Are buying your first digital scanner and want flexibility
  • Want the most budget-friendly True I/Q option
Buy SDS100 on Amazon →

Get the SDS150 if you...

  • Want the latest and greatest features in a handheld
  • Need built-in GPS for location-based scanning (no cables!)
  • Want to control your scanner from your smartphone via Bluetooth
  • Love the idea of a waterfall display for visualizing RF activity
  • Appreciate the included charging cradle for desk use
  • Are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge features
Pre-Order SDS150 at Uniden →

Get the SDS200 if you...

  • Want a dedicated scanner for your desk or radio shack
  • Need loud, room-filling audio
  • Plan to set up 24/7 monitoring or recording
  • Want Ethernet for remote access or streaming
  • Are doing a permanent vehicle install
  • Need line-out or discriminator connections for external gear
Buy SDS200 on Amazon →

Get Multiple Scanners if you...

  • Want the best of both worlds (many enthusiasts own two!)
  • Monitor at home AND on the go
  • Want redundancy for emergencies
  • Like to experiment with different setups

Tip: Your Favorites Lists and upgrade keys work across all three scanners, so switching between them is seamless.

📻 The Verdict

All three scanners deliver the same excellent True I/Q reception that crushes simulcast distortion. Your choice comes down to features, form factor, and budget:

Whichever you choose, pair it with a quality antenna like the Remtronix 800 MHz for portable use or a discone for home base.

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