7 Best SWR Meter: Reviews & Buying Guide

While tuning your CB and Ham radio, what do you get first? Obviously, it’s sound. Then, you must look for a perfect signal from your CB and Ham radio. And here you need the best SWR meter. 

If you are a radio lover, then the SWR meter is nothing strange to you. The popularity of this tool is rising as well as it is becoming an indivisible playmate of your radios. However, if you are not that known to SWR meter, then… 

Let me introduce an SWR meter to you first. In fact, the SWR meter ( Standing Wave Ratio) is a measuring device that measures the transmission signal from a CB or Ham radio.

Indeed, an SWR meter is an essential tool to protect quality deduction and possible destruction of the radio. Moreover, the SWR meters are very simple to use. Plus, the meters help you to configure the communication channels flawlessly. 

Although there are several types of Standing Wave Ratio meters available on the market, maximum meters are for use on CB and ham radio.  

As you can get a detailed overview of some of the most excellent SWR meters, today we are here to let you know it at ease. Keep reading until the end of the article and hopefully, you’ll get to know all models very exclusively. Moreover, as you can make a worthy purchase, there is a short but effective buying guide for you as well.  

Let’s drive in deep…

1. Our Top Pick
2. Product Comparison Table
3. 7 Best SWR Meter Review
4. Factors To Consider Before Buying A SWR Meter 
5. How To Use A SWR Meter
6. Wrapping Up

Another thing, if you do have not enough time to go through the whole article, then know what’s

Our top pick:

Best SWR Meter Comparison Table:

Best SWR Meter Reviews

1. Astatic PDC1 100 Watt SWR Meter(Best Overall)  

If you’re looking for the best SWR meter with top quality,  the Astatic PDC1 is worthy of consideration for you. This SWR meter is one of the top SWR meters available in the market. Why Astatic PDC1 is unbeatable from other SWR meters? 

Firstly,  the Astatic PDC1 can take accurate measurements of SWR or relative power. That makes this device a preferable option for both CB & Ham Radio. 

Additionally, this device comes with a small and portable design. So, you can easily carry around this SWR meter in your car. Besides, this top SWR meter is relatively easy to operate with function. No matter you’re a beginner or expert, you can easily use it. 

Overall, the Astatic PDC1 brings exceptional quality at an affordable price. 

This device performs its job wonderfully and it is impressive in many ways. 

Things to Concern : 

This SWR meter has not included any jumper cable. The missing jumper cable does not ruin the amazing experience with this device. You just need to include an extra coaxial jumper cable to work with it. 

Magic Line: 

Works Well Built Well 

2. Workman SWR METER for CB Radio Antennas with 3′ Jumper cable (Best Seller) 

The second SWR meter on this list is Workman SWR METER.  

This is one of the best sellers SWR meters for CB Radio in the market. Why Workman is an impressive SWR meter from others?  

Firstly, this CB SWR meter has an excellent design with extreme quality. Although, the product is built with high-quality materials the price is comparatively fewer.  

Additionally, this smaller SWR  meter is lighter in weight. As a result, it is great portable also. Due to this lightweight, you can easily move around the device. 

Besides, the frame is made of durable metal that reduces total weight. If you dislike thick and bulky design then this device is excellently fit for you. 

Overall,  this bestseller SWR meter brings higher accuracy of output. You can confidently use this test meter for both indoor and outdoor CB radios. 

Things to Concern : 

However, many customers complain that they did not receive the cord in their package. There must be mistakes somewhere during the delivery process. 

Magic line: Easy to Read and Use 

3. Astatic (302-PDC2) SWR/RF/Field Strength Test Meter (Most Versatile)

If you’re looking for the most versatile SWR meter for CB or ham radio, the Astatic PDC2 is a great choice for you. This power field strength test meter is one of the most versatile SWR meters you can purchase. 

Firstly, this meter comes with different function tests for SWR. That provides  

forward and reverse switches so that you can shift things ahead or backward according to your need. 

Additionally, this versatile meter test three things such as RF power, SWR, and field strength. The 50 Ohms antenna is compatible with both CB and Ham radio tuning.  

Besides, this SWR meter is made with space saver technology. As a result, it is lighter in weight and great portable too. So, you can easily carry around this versatile meter in your car. 

Overall, every feature of this is satisfying and it will serve your purposes quite well. If you are interested in this product, make a purchase and enjoy it! 

Things to Concern : 

Some details such as switches or the antenna come loose after some time. It would be a lot better if they are attached tightly to the main body of the meter. 

Magic Line: Great Value and Works Great  

4. Mcbazel Surecom SW-102 Digital VHF/UHF  SWR Meter(Premium Choice) 

Surecom SW-102 is another most effective SWR meter in the market. This SWR meter brings excellent quality at premium prices. If you’re looking for the best premium SWR meter, this is highly recommended for you. Why Surecom SW-102 is preferable to other SWR meters?  

Firstly, this SWR meter comes with a modern and unique design. The size is small and you can easily carry the meter in your hand.  

Additionally, the meter is significantly lighter in weight. All those features deliver excellent portability and enhanced convenience for radio users. 

Besides, this SWR meter has an impressive 120W power range capacity. The device also covers any frequency from 125MHZ to 525MHZ. 

Overall, every detail of this product is well designed and well built. This premium SWR meter performs its job wonderfully and satisfactorily. 

Things to Concern:   

You have to pay a decent sum of money to get this device. Although the price is a bit high, the product is an excellent investment.  

Magic Line: Compact and Functional SWR meter. 

5. SWR / Power METER for VHF / UHF Ham Radio(Dual Band  SWR Meter)  

The SWR / Power METER is another excellent option for your ham radio. If you could afford this dual-band SWR meter, it will not disappoint you. This product is a wonderful addition in many ways. 

Firstly, this dual-band meter brings an amazing experience because it’s made up of supreme quality. 

While every aspect of this SWR  meter is excellent, the price seems not any problem. You haven’t paid a decent sum of money to get this device.  

So, this product might be an ideal option for those who are shopping on a budget. 

Moreover,  every detail of this product is well designed and well built. There is nothing to complain about the quality of this product,  

Overall, this model would make a satisfying choice and bring excellent experience. You can get all you ever want in a meter without having to pay a gross sum of money. 

Things to Concern : 

Sometimes the switch feels flimsy or falls out immediately. 

But, overall at a reasonable price, this SWR meter is a wonderful deal. 

Magic Line : 

Easy to Install & Easy to Use 

6. Gam3Gear SURECOM Mini Digital VHF UHF Two-Way SWR Meter(Best Value)  

The Gam3Gear SURECOM comes with a metal body design of durable  

construction. That is smaller in size but lighter in weight. Why Gam3Gear SWR meter is different from others?  

Firstly,  this product comes at a relatively high price, and not everyone is willing to spend that much money. If you could afford this SWR meter, it will not disappoint you. 

Additionally, the meter can cover the frequency range between 125 and 525MHZ, while the maximum input power is 100W. 

Besides, the meter is not bulky at all, establishing it actually better portable to carry around. This should be top pick points of it, compared to other complex and heavy designs. 

Overall, every feature of it is satisfying and it will serve your purposes well. If you can afford this device, you should definitely give it a try.  

Things to Concern : 

While every aspect of this test meter is excellent, the price seems to be the only problem. You have to pay a decent sum of money to get this device. This product might not be ideal for those who are shopping on a budget. 

Magic Line: 

Great Price And Works Perfectly 

7.  Astatic (302-01768) PDC7 Compact SWR Meter (Best Compact SWR Meter)  

If you’re looking for the best compact SWR meter for CB radio, the 

Astatic PDC7 is highly recommended for you.  

This SWR meter comes at an economic price with excellent quality. Why Astatic PDC7 is exceptional from other SWR meters?  

Firstly, the SWR meter has a compact and lightweight design. Due to this design,  

you can carry this SWR meter anywhere in your car. 

Additionally, this SWR meter has maximum power capability. This power is designed for both base and mobile use. 

Besides, the SWR meter will not return to zero before you detach it from the radio and antenna. 

Overall, the Astatic PDC7  SWR meter is a perfect combination of price & quality. You can use this compact SWR meter for your CB radio undoubtedly. 

Things to Concern : 

There is only one thing about this product that might cause inconvenience. The number would not return to the default zero unless you disconnect the device from the radio. 

Magic Line: 

Size Is Small Works As Well  

Factor To Consider Before Buying A SWR Meter 

Finding a suitable SWR meter isn’t an easy task. There are lots of factors you have to consider before buying an SWR meter. Those factors are like: 

• Sensitivity: High sensitivity may damage the transmitter. So, an excellent  SWR meter doesn’t have high sensitivity. 

• Connectors: SWR meter should have a top-quality connector for antenna and transmitter. Remember that, the only high-quality connector can bring accurate reading for you. 

• Frequency Range: Different types of SWR meter has different frequency ranges. You have to ensure that this range is sufficient enough for your use. 

• Portability: Compact and Lightweight SWR meter have great portability.  Find yourself a meter that can be easily moved around in a simplistic way. So, you can easily connect this device to your radios when you wish. 

• Price: Some SWR meter brings exceptional quality at an affordable price. They are a perfect combination of price & quality. You can undoubtedly select these SWR meters for your radio. 

How To Use A SWR Meter

Standing wave ratio can be very important when using a transmitter. If the level of standing waves is too high then it can either damage the transmitter or transceiver output or cause it to reduce its power. So measuring the SWR is important. Knowing how to use an SWR meter and connect it up can be vital and it is described in this video along with some key hints and tips on how to use the SWR meter and get the best from it.

Wrapping Up :

The best SWR meter bring is an essential tool to protect quality deduction and possible destruction to the radio. They will also help you to configure the communication channels flawlessly. 

Hopefully, the following top SWR meter review was fruitful for you. Still, if you have any queries, feel free to comment below. We’ll be right back with your answer.