However, you could upgrade your head unit or install a couple of premium speakers for the same price.

But Phones Aren’t Radios

Phones aren’t radios.

Apps are available for each majormobile operating system, and they all work in the same basic manner.

A person using a smartphone in a car

Dave and Les Jacobs / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images

There are many free and subscription-based scanner apps for iOS and Android.

These enthusiasts have actual, physical radio scanners that they use to pick up local, non-encrypted radio transmissions.

They also have the necessary equipment to stream audio sources over the internet and create online radio scanner streams.

Police scanner app

Legality is a sticky point because police scanners are legal in some places and illegal in others.

It’s important to check the laws in your jurisdiction before installing one of these apps.

A Google search can turn up your state’s laws regarding scanner apps.

As with many other things, the use of radio scanner apps is one of personal responsibility.

If they’re illegal where you live, you could choose to use one anyway.