CB Radio vs VHF Radio – What’s the difference?

Citizens Band (CB) radios and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios are both used for communication but operate in different frequency ranges and are suited to different applications.

Here are the key differences between the two:

Frequency Range

• CB Radio
  • Operates in the 27 MHz band (26.965 to 27.405 MHz).
  • Has 40 channels assigned for public use without a license.
• VHF Radio
  • Operates in the 30 MHz to 300 MHz range.
  • Commonly used bands are 136-174 MHz (marine, aviation, and land mobile services).
  • May require a license depending on the application and location.

⭐ Best Marine VHF Radios

Typical Applications

• CB Radio
  • Popular with truckers, off-roaders, and hobbyists.
  • Used for short-range communication (up to 10-20 miles under optimal conditions).
• VHF Radio
  • Used in maritime communication, aviation, and emergency services.
  • Commonly used for marine and land mobile communication, with ranges typically up to 30-50 miles over open water and up to 5-10 miles on land with obstacles.

Transmission Range

• CB Radio:
  • Limited by the relatively low frequency and regulated power output (usually 4 watts for AM and 12 watts for SSB).
  • More susceptible to interference from obstacles and weather conditions.
• VHF Radio:
  • VHF signals travel further in open environments and over water.
  • Range depends on power output which in turn depends on application. Certain applications will allow higher output power than CB Radio
  • Less affected by obstacles compared to CB, but still limited by terrain.

Antenna Size

• CB Radio:
  • Typically requires a longer antenna (around 8-12 feet) for optimal performance.
• VHF Radio:
  • Requires a shorter antenna due to higher frequency (around 3-6 feet).

Licensing

• CB Radio:
  • No license required for operation in most countries.
• VHF Radio:
  • May require a license for certain applications (e.g., marine VHF radios often require a Marine Radio Operator Permit).

Channel Allocation

• CB Radio:
  • Fixed 40 channels shared by all users.
• VHF Radio:
  • Channels allocated for specific uses (marine, aviation, etc.) with designated emergency channels (e.g., channel 16 for marine emergencies).

Power Output

• CB Radio:
  • Limited to 4 watts for AM and 12 watts for SSB by regulation.
• VHF Radio:
  • Typically higher power output (up to 25 watts for marine radios – shown below), allowing for greater transmission range.

Application-Specific Features

• CB Radio:
  • Often includes features like SSB (single sideband) for extended range and clarity.
• VHF Radio:
  • Includes features like Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for marine radios, allowing automated distress signaling and direct calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CB Radio VHF or UHF?

CB Radio is neither UHF nor is it VHF.

CB (Citizens Band) radio operates on frequencies in the HF (High Frequency) band, specifically around 27 MHz. This places it neither in the VHF (Very High Frequency) nor the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) bands.

• VHF ranges from 30 MHz to 300 MHz.
• UHF ranges from 300 MHz to 3 GHz.

CB radio frequencies (around 27 MHz) are below both VHF and UHF bands.

Summary

• CB Radio: Best for short-range communication on land, affordable, and easy to use without licensing.
• VHF Radio: Ideal for long-range communication, particularly over water, with more professional applications and licensing requirements.