Best police scanner apps for your phone

One of the best ways to follow police activity is to use scanners and listen to the radio chatter. This may sound legally questionable, but the Communications Act of 1934 established that radio airwaves are public property. It’s well within your rights to listen. Tap or click to see why some disagree and want to change this.

Except during investigations or manhunts, most police channels are easy to tune into. All you need are the right apps for the job. Here are our top five police scanner apps you can download right now.

Police Scanner Radio & Fire adds breaking news alerts

Police Scanner Radio & Fire is one of the most popular free scanners you can download, and for good reason. It piggybacks off the acclaimed Broadcastify app, which includes police, fire, EMS and other audio feeds.

RELATED: How to change emergency alert settings on your phone

You can use the app to tune into local police chatter or, if you want to, listen in on discussions in another precinct. You have access to channels from around the world. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts. The app is free to download for iOS and Android but be prepared for ads while you listen.

Upgrade to Broadcastify for even more options

Broadcastify is the primary platform Police Scanner Radio & Fire uses to source its content, but the full-fledged app is also worth a look. For $2.99, you get an ad-free listening experience with even more channels and aviation, weather and amateur broadcasters.

And yes, you can still subscribe to push notifications, just like with the free app. Broadcastify is available for iOS and Android.

Continue reading

Tidy your tech: Best cable organization and cord management options

Everyone seems to own laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, Internet of Things devices and so much more. It’s great to be connected, but what isn’t great is all those tangled cords.

Thankfully, there are tons of organizing tools to choose from. Whether you want to hide those cables swinging from your TV or move the wires out of your way on your computer desk, we’ve got the right organizers for you.

Continue reading

Everyone should have an antenna: This is a no-brainer if you’re a sports fan and your favorite games are on local channels. Here’s a solid option that includes a DVR, and this one gets the job done on a budget. Try this site to see what channels you can get at home.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Top YouTube channels for cats & dogs when you're away

Open/download audio

Pet chaos at home? Discover a fun way to keep them entertained while you’re away, in 60 seconds. 

⚠️ Scan at your own risk: YouTube is rolling out QR codes for all channels, making it easier to find creators. Be careful what you scan. It’s incredibly easy to whip up a fake QR code that leads to a malicious site. Double-check the URL to be sure it looks legit when you get there.

$12 off your DirecTV bill 

That’s per month when you drop local stations. The “No Local” package is expected to be popular during the summer (reruns!), with people resubscribing to local channels for the NFL season.

Roku just released over a dozen new channels - Here's how to find them

Christmas is still a couple of weeks away, but Roku users just got an early present. You’ll get 13 new Roku channels to stream this holiday season. This tip will break down all the details, from where to watch to what’s available.

Continue reading

Stop renting your modem and buy one instead - Here's why

Anyone who has ever set up at-home internet knows the importance of a modem and router. You may not know how many options you have when shopping for these gadgets, though. Many folks just rent a modem/router combo from their internet service provider since the costs of buying one can seem too high.

Continue reading

A free upgrade could be hidden in your TV: NextGen TV broadcasts have more vibrant colors, a higher resolution, better-quality surround sound and interactive features. Newer TVs from Sony, Hisense, Samsung and TCL have NextGen tuners built in, but you probably didn’t know it. See if your TV has NextGen here and which channels are available in your area!

Long-lost Bible passage, 800+ free TV channels & the secret to cheap flights

Open/download audio

Plus, popular apps have ties to Communist China. I reveal the ones you should stop using. I give my advice to a gal who needs to preserve 1000+ old photos and a guy who needs good Wi-Fi in a treehouse. Also, if your husband struggles to understand your mood swings, use emojis. Don’t miss out on how your Apple watch can predict falls and my corny jokes.

This free tool makes tracking your favorite streaming shows a breeze

From Disney+ to Netflix to HBO Max and everything in between, there is tons of streaming content to watch these days. Tap or click here for our streaming comparison: These services give you the most bang for your buck.

Continue reading

Use a Roku? Check out this new Live TV section

Finding something to watch on television or your favorite streaming service can be a bit of a chore. You often spend more time browsing than watching with thousands of shows to choose from. If that sounds like you, these handy sites can help you find the streaming shows you’re looking for.

Continue reading

YouTube TV temporarily loses popular channels - And it could mean a credit on your account

Now you see it, now you don’t. Losing access to your favorite channels isn’t just annoying, it’s seemingly happening more often than ever. That’s because on one side you have carriers and on the other, networks and other content providers — each wanting what it considers a “fair deal.”

Continue reading

Gift guide: The best streaming devices and smart TVs

Are you ready to get the latest and greatest streaming TVs and gadgets? If it’s been a while since your last television and streaming device update, you may be surprised at how many new features, channels, apps and more are available.

Continue reading

Use Roku? You may lose dozens of channels soon

If we’re honest, most of us would admit we have a binge-watching problem. At least over the last year or so while we spent so much time at home. But with so much to watch, it could be a difficult choice to decide which streaming services get your cash.

Continue reading

Check all available TV channels in your area with this web tool

All TV broadcasts have gone digital, meaning those old rabbit ears are useless. If you want access to the free channels in your area, it’s time to use an HDTV antenna.

There are plenty of TV antenna options that can help you access everything on the air, but if you need a little help, tap or click here for a few suggestions.

Continue reading

8 Roku pro tips you need to try right now

If you own an older Roku, you know it can no longer support the Netflix app. It’s finally time to upgrade, and newer generations are waiting to wow you with upgraded features.

A lot has changed since Roku was first introduced in 2008, renowned as the first Netflix streaming box. Tap or click here for a Netflix hack you’ll wish you knew sooner.

Continue reading

How to customize your feed on Google News, Apple News

News fatigue is a real issue right now. As a nation, we’re dealing with some heavy subject matter from COVID-19 to the 2020 election and the gloom and doom headlines reflect it.

Just think about all the negative headlines that are popping up on your news feeds. Whether it’s warnings delivering more stats on the pandemic or stories about dire political infighting, all of that can take a toll on your mental health. Overwhelmed by bad news? Here are some tips to cope with endless headlines.

Continue reading

15 channels you can add to your Amazon Prime Video account you never knew before

You may be surprised to find out Amazon Prime Video can be more than just Amazon Prime Video. There are tons of channels you can add to your account, from big names like HBO to a variety of smaller channels that service many niches.

Continue reading

7 best antennas for a clear TV signal

In the age of streaming, broadcast television can seem like a relic. However, with just a simple antenna attached to your TV, you can stream live content in HD from popular networks entirely for free. If crystal-clear programming is what you’re after, though, you’ll need to find the right antenna for you.

Continue reading