Uniden is a well-known name in the world of police scanners, and two of their most popular models—the BCD996XT and BCD996P2—are often compared by enthusiasts.
🏷️ Uniden BCD996P2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
While both are base/mobile digital scanners with similar designs, there are key differences that can impact your buying decision.
This article provides a detailed comparison between the BCD996XT and BCD996P2, including features, pros, cons, and a side-by-side comparison table to help you choose the best scanner for your needs.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: BCD996XT vs. BCD996P2
| Feature | Uniden BCD996XT | Uniden BCD996P2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital Base/Mobile Scanner | Digital Base/Mobile Scanner |
| Trunking Systems | APCO P25 Phase I, Motorola, EDACS, LTR | APCO P25 Phase I & II, Motorola, EDACS, LTR |
| Simulcast Performance | Poor (Struggles with P25 Simulcast) | Better (Still not SDR, but improved) |
| Digital Mode Support | P25 Phase I Only | P25 Phase I & II |
| Analog Mode Support | Yes | Yes |
| DMR/NXDN/ProVoice Support | No | Yes (Paid Upgrades Required) |
| Scanning Speed | 100 Channels Per Second | 85 Channels Per Second |
| Dynamic Memory | Yes (Close Call, Fire Tone-Out, GPS) | Yes (Close Call, Fire Tone-Out, GPS) |
| Display | Basic Backlit LCD | Basic Backlit LCD |
| PC Programming & Updates | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Compatibility | Yes (Requires External GPS) | Yes (Requires External GPS) |
| Software Defined Radio (SDR) | No | No |
| Price Range | Check Price | Check Price |
Key Differences Between the BCD996XT and BCD996P2
P25 Phase II Support
One of the biggest differences between these two models is that the BCD996P2 supports P25 Phase II digital systems, while the BCD996XT only supports P25 Phase I.
This means that if you live in an area where public safety agencies have upgraded to P25 Phase II, the BCD996XT will not be able to pick up those transmissions.
👉 Check Uniden BCD996XT Price 🏷️
Better Simulcast Handling
While neither of these scanners is an SDR (Software-Defined Radio) like the Uniden SDS200, the BCD996P2 does have better simulcast performance compared to the BCD996XT, which struggles significantly with multipath distortion and P25 digital transmissions.
DMR/NXDN/ProVoice Compatibility (Paid Upgrades on BCD996P2)
The BCD996P2 can be upgraded to receive DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice signals for an additional cost. The BCD996XT does not have this capability, making it more limited in terms of future expandability.
Availability & Pricing
The BCD996XT has been discontinued, meaning that new units are no longer produced. If you find one, it will likely be used or refurbished. The BCD996P2 is still in production, making it the better choice if you want long-term support and firmware updates.
👉 Check BCD996P2 Price and Reviews 🏷️
Pros and Cons of Each Scanner
Uniden BCD996XT: Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Lower cost (if bought used or refurbished)
✔ Good for P25 Phase I and analog scanning
✔ Decent memory and scanning speed
✔ GPS-compatible for location-based scanning
✔ Great for areas without P25 Phase II or simulcast systems
Cons:
✖ No P25 Phase II support (cannot monitor agencies that have upgraded)
✖ No DMR, NXDN, or ProVoice support
✖ Poor simulcast performance (struggles with digital trunked systems)
✖ Discontinued, so future support and parts may be limited
Uniden BCD996P2: Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Supports both P25 Phase I & II
✔ Better simulcast handling than the BCD996XT
✔ Upgradeable for DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice scanning (for a fee)
✔ Still in production and supported by Uniden
✔ Good for most digital and analog scanning needs
Cons:
✖ More expensive than the BCD996XT
✖ Not an SDR scanner, so still not ideal for simulcast-heavy areas
✖ Paid upgrades required for DMR, NXDN, and ProVoice
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Uniden BCD996XT If:
- You only need to monitor P25 Phase I or analog systems.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly scanner and don’t mind buying used.
- Your area doesn’t use digital simulcast or Phase II trunking.
- You want a solid basic scanner without extra upgrade costs.
Choose the Uniden BCD996P2 If:
- You need P25 Phase II support (essential for future-proofing).
- You want better performance on simulcast systems (though not as good as SDR models).
- You might want to upgrade to DMR, NXDN, or ProVoice in the future.
- You prefer to buy new with ongoing support from Uniden.
Final Verdict: Which One Is Better?
If you’re looking for a future-proof scanner that can handle P25 Phase II and digital upgrades, the BCD996P2 is the better option. While it’s more expensive, it offers better performance, upgradability, and ongoing support.
However, if you only need P25 Phase I and analog scanning, and don’t want to spend extra, a used BCD996XT is a great budget-friendly choice. Just be aware that it may not work with newer digital trunking systems.
If you live in a simulcast-heavy area, neither of these scanners is ideal. Consider Uniden’s SDS100 or Uniden SDS200, which use Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology for much better digital reception.
