5-0 Radio Police Scanner Reviews

by Ammonoosuc

I downloaded 50RadioPoliceScanner years and years ago. It used to be great...fast, responsive, reliable, and minimal ads. Now? 50RadioPoliceScanner is absolute garbage. Every single time you open a feed, a totally irrelevant, loud, useless ad takes up the whole screen. Often, you can’t find the exit button to close the ad, and frequently this causes you to miss important audio. Want to switch feeds? More ads! Listening to an event or a feed for an extended period of time? Watch and wait as it silently pauses the feed every 8 minutes and 52 seconds on the dot. I, along with many other first responders, use 50RadioPoliceScanner to get vital radio traffic, and it just isn’t reliable enough for that anymore. This ad merely pulls audio feeds from Broadcastify, if you’re going to pay for a premium source, why pay this developer who has sold out when you could just pay the source? 50RadioPoliceScanner asked me to write a review for years, so here it finally is. 0 out of 5 stars, get something else.

by CaptainTugBoat

50RadioPoliceScanner has gone to crap. It used to work fine. You’d open 50RadioPoliceScanner and choose the scanner you want and watch a quick ad and then move onto the scanner you’ve chosen. It would play the radio traffic you’ve chosen. Now you do all the same, but you have to watch multiple ads and if you are lucky the scanner will work. It usually doesn’t. You usually have to fiddle with it and you are forced to watch a couple ads, then fiddle with it more, then watch more ads, then fiddle with it more, then watch more ads. Then after a few times of doing that, if you are lucky, the scanner works. But by then, you’ve been screwing around so long, you’ve missed the info that was broadcast that you were tuning in to hear. So it’s pointless. Way to screw up a good app. 50RadioPoliceScanner is almost useless now. I’d recommend people find a better app. I hope I find a better one.

by 1guester

The prices for purchase are inconsistent. In 50RadioPoliceScanner Store, the free- version lists the in-app purchase of 5-0 Radio Pro Police Scanner as $3.99. In 50RadioPoliceScanner itself, the upgrade for ‘More Features/Feeds/No Ads’ took me to the 5-0 Radio Pro Police Scanner app in 50RadioPoliceScanner Store and wanted $4.99. Of note: the free and pro versions are listed as separate apps. Since 50RadioPoliceScanner doesn’t offer a way to contact the developer, I’m leaving a review here.

I was considering purchasing because the ads are a huge drawback and discourage me from using the free version. For example, the ads don’t pop up consistently, sometimes they display when opening 50RadioPoliceScanner before selecting a feed or changing to a different feed and sometimes they don’t. Additionally, if the feeds are quiet and one turns up the volume, the ads are quite loud. Perhaps it was designed this way to persuade purchasing 50RadioPoliceScanner .

by Chapstick_addict

50RadioPoliceScanner functionality does what it’s expected to do, but when launching 50RadioPoliceScanner , every time, ads pop up over the screen and aren’t dismissible until they time out. The most recent ad was 15 seconds long before the cancel button was enabled! The problem is that the ads have audio, which takes over so I can’t hear the scanner audio. I only launch 50RadioPoliceScanner when the siren goes off in my town, and as soon as I start the scanner feed I want to hear, the ads pop up and take over, typically resulting in my missing what the call is about because I have to wait so long for the ad’s timer to expire to be able to dismiss it. 3 seconds is tolerable, 5 seconds is pushing it, but 15 seconds has made 50RadioPoliceScanner dead to me.

by App User - Ad Hater

Been using 50RadioPoliceScanner for years & the most recent version will play an ad in the middle of dispatch or officer response. Disappointed but great way to get people to spend the $5 to go ad-free I suppose. Either that or test other scanners apps to see if there is a better value for $5. Maybe just make it so the ads don’t interrupt the use of 50RadioPoliceScanner , say perhaps only play ads when changing stations? Just disappointing after using 50RadioPoliceScanner all these years. Seems to be an trend in many apps increasing ad frequency in free versions; especially ones only used occasionally such as this, which I use when hearing sirens or when others in my city text saying “turn your scanner on!”

Any other scanner recommendations with less ads in the free version or more features in the paid version? Thank you fellow Law Enforcement scanning enthusiasts!

by Sunny.Daze

Update: Somehow when I changed devices I ended up back here on the free version. So thankful I realized it and now am not using this one I am back with the 5.0 PRO Version that I paid for. I absolutely, definitely & completely recommend the paid no ads 5.0 Radio Pro!

Used to like 50RadioPoliceScanner a lot ! When I hear a siren, I open it & click on my local in favorites to hear if and where there may be a fire.....but this time ads took over and not only 1 ad but multiple ads with no way to close them. By the time the radio started my local police scanner, the info & location had already been broadcasted. I thought I paid for an ad free app so why all of a sudden is this happening? So What’s Up??? Otherwise would be 4.5 - close to 5 stars!

by Mc Sqweebs

So let's begin with it works most of the time, but not the times some people would really need it to. For instance to help save some lives of the people the were unconscious after a roll over which had landed them in the river just putting their unconscious heads out of reach of rising waters.

Sure I might have made it if I wasn't fiddling with getting my iPad app to give me a mile marker point through the pending ads that restrict you from listening or if it simply just does not want you to hear so the man at the other end pushes the stop button as you press play over and over.

Well anywho good app next to that, be nice if they'd give the guy that presses the stop button a talk too about the importance of 50RadioPoliceScanner and to not do that.

by Layton_Kiger

Been using 50RadioPoliceScanner for a few months give or take. I work for my local Sheriff’s Office, and decided I would get this as it would be an alternative to a handheld portable scanner since they can cost upwards of $500. Only recently did I notice that the radio traffic is not in real time. It’s a recording of past transmissions. (My colleagues and I tested this hypothesis.)

We would sit in different stations of the facility and listen to the facility radio, and the 5-0 Scanner app. The transmissions in 50RadioPoliceScanner are days or even weeks after they’ve been made over local traffic.

While I understand the concerns of listening to radio traffic in real time, 50RadioPoliceScanner developers could at least put a small warning that the transmissions are not from the same day, let alone in sync.

Overall, I’ll rate 50RadioPoliceScanner 3 stars as it is handy to give to the new recruits to test their knowledge on the 10-codes. [We’ll sit there and listen to the local traffic through the 5-0 scanner app as we don’t have the time to try and quiz newbies on the traffic with the facility radios. When something relating to us comes across, we have to act.]

by DaisysEden

Is almost constant so when sirens screech by and or the police helicopter Is hovering overhead it was not uncommon to see me gathered around with neighbors wondering WHAT JUSY HAPPENED?? Then wait for the news if any. BUT now anytime a situation happens or I'm just curious about what's going on in my neighbor-hood or around my city I click on the police scanner widget and I can listen in on police calls in real time or literally within a few seconds and communication between dispatch, patrols and even AIR comes in so clear and precise, with other apps I would get so fustrated and stressed because of too many ads, static, channel changes etc.., but not anymore with 50RadioPoliceScanner!!! Thanks I really am satisfied with this download.

by Okokoss

I’ve messed around with 50RadioPoliceScanner for awhile now, Kinnda fun when your bored and like shows like Live PD or cops, LoL! I haven’t figured out if it’s really “ live “ or not but regardless, i enjoy listening from time to time. Wish there was another way besides maybe calling the cops for something happening in your area and also listening somehow to see if what you reported comes across the “ live “ feed? Would love to know if somebody else knows that it is for sure live or not, as they tend to switch stations for the serious stuff which makes sense too. Overall, it’s interesting and fun to listen to now and then...

* 4 stars until I figure out if its really live or not! 5 starts if so. Cheers!!

by Shushing3

I love that 50RadioPoliceScanner can access publicly available scanner feeds, in areas around the world that are completely out of radio range from my old fashioned RF scanner hardware. Having been a shortwave, aviation, train, and emergency services listener for over 50 years, I’ve toned down my listening to just a few minutes on rare occasions, and with over 500 apps, I stick with the free versions when I can. Apple has a perfectly acceptable ad-banner methodology that works well, to make us aware of the ad, and give us a way to learn more, if we’re interested, and earn the software developer a little (sometimes a lot of) money for their effort. I find the full-page ads to be a reprehensible way to put these ads, usually for things we’re not interested in, in our face, and block access to 50RadioPoliceScanner controls. Disgusting. It’s even worse, when the advertisements contain links to dangerous places.

by Fcpli

One thing to understand with 50RadioPoliceScanner is that there is a delay and transmission. I use it to listen to the Fire Station my son is a Explorer at and he often text me concerning calls he is on when I’ve not even heard the call on the scanner. My best guess is that it is roughly a 13 to 15 minute delay but as long as you understand that it’s fantastic. I would have to pay roughly $400 for a high quality scanner to get real time dispatches and I would have to remain in the transmission coverage area to hear the call. 50RadioPoliceScanner allows me to hear the calls from anywhere I have a connection to cellular or the web. Well worth the upgrade to pro to get rid of the ads and I think the Pro version stays in the background better then the free app does.

by Evans Chick

I like 50RadioPoliceScanner for the most part. I use it daily. I realize that I don’t buy the premium version so I must deal with the ads. That used to be okay, but now they pop up and cover the screen. Yesterday I had one pop up that had audio so it cancelled out what I was listening to. I know the ads are important revenue for you, but if they are at the bottom of the screen anyway, why do they have to pop up as well? I for one would never buy anything they advertise because they are annoying. I can’t get those suckers closed fast enough. Plus there are political ads as well. I don’t even want to start on that one. Please try to reconsider the pop ups. Thanks.

by Cerealkeller

I've been using 50RadioPoliceScanner for years. Ever since my iPod gen 2 was new. It has the ability to access emergency services radio from all over the world. But for me, I primarily use it to find out what's going on in my home town. When the fire whistle goes off it's nice to be able to listen in and find out what's going on and where. It can help to alleviate some anxiety for people like me, who can be a bit paranoid about their loved ones safety. It's pretty impressive, it even has my small towns emergency services radio on there and it's just a small town with a population of around 2000. There's no draw back to having 50RadioPoliceScanner. It doesn't take up much storage space on your data drive and even the free versions adverts are barely noticeable. Check it out, there's no reason not to really.

by AYOLOOK!

John 6:40 “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

ROMANS 10:9-11 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:10‬ ‭

God wants us to believe in His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, who died for our sins :D When we truly believe in our hearts that Jesus is Son of God who died for our sins on the cross, we are saved from the eternal fire and have eternal life in Christ Jesus! May God bless y’all 💗

by RandelllMalavida!!!

Like a window to the world outside the safety of the walls that protect us. Around you this law enforcement scanner makes it possible to know who, what and where events are happening. In real time the police chatter is non stop, sometimes humorous but mostly it is serious business as the men and women sworn to keep the peace are constantly on the move responding to calls all around us. It is not too hard to learn and get used to the way the codes and other information is passed along.
For a hobby or for knowing what is going on near you I found it to be quite addicting and as good as a real handset. I hope you find it as useful as I have.

by Rainpepple

One time I had the opportunity to write a review an never knew there was such. I gotten up pretty early today to beat the rooster to turn on the tv for just the most amazing commercials. I see chime all day in tv. Well, I hadn’t had to get a real cup of coffee in a very long time an on my way to visit o precious family members also this early morning. We stopped at a truck stop dive yo... it’s was a messy place but, they , had; SUMATRA COFFEE ! Then out of anywhere this weirdos came around like a Internet agency that RV was parked getting fueled. Well, that’s all happened on 50RadioPoliceScanner that one time many months ago.. don’t you remember??

by Ohcarolz

During these troubling times and to have our local Police Department mysteriously disappear for whatever reason from here (and I’m sure it’s a good valid reason) has been unsettling.
Thank goodness during the Rioting and craziness out there, Concord California Police have returned.
Being from a family of San Francisco Police Officers (including my late sister who was murdered) I know the importance of not letting everyone know what’s going on and where..... hmmmm the criminals are smart and have phones......
Just keep broadcasting, at least until the USA can act like responsible human beings and we feel safe again!!
Thank You to ALL in Law Enforcement and Fire Protection. I honor you as heroes!!

by THE B€AST™️

If you don’t have 50RadioPoliceScanner download it now !
So it’s Friday night you just got paid and you want to enjoy the night life a little and let your hair down! Problem is the area you live in can be dangerous at times city’s have a pulse and a heart beat so before going out and about do what I do turn on your scanner for about 30 minutes and you will get just that some nights it’s shooting after shooting after stabbing and so on the scanner never seems to quiet down those nights I stay home and then other nights you could hear a call every 5 minutes or so so you know not much happing in the way of crime . Try it for yourself and see!

by Arcanum1

I've used 50RadioPoliceScanner for several years and gladly paid for the upgrade. I'm in public safety, and 50RadioPoliceScanner is my backup to my portable and pager.
Here are a few notes on getting the most out of 50RadioPoliceScanner ...
The audio is a data stream (like listening to an Internet radio station). Therefore, it uses both battery/adapter power. Unless you have either unlimited data or a wifi connection, you might go over your limit. Also, it's a good idea to use a power adapter and not batteries.
The audio typically comes from local scanners connected to the Internet. Therefore the quality may vary. Also, there may be a lag from the time a station transmits, until you actually hear it.
All in all, it's a great app and highly recommended.

by Farley213

I love 50RadioPoliceScanner and use it a lot. I’ve also recommended to many people. So why the two stars? I get that there needs to be ads to keep it free (thank you btw) but the new ad system is horrible. We had a big emergency on our street and needed to know what was happening and threw 50RadioPoliceScanner on and the video ad came on super loud and played over what was being said in the scanner. Missed the whole thing and whether or not we needed to be concerned. Now every time I put this on, the ads are just more than intrusive. Also, after having 50RadioPoliceScanner going for a while, I went to see if there were any new feeds in my area and got nailed with another ad. I have the volume up to hear the scanner and the ad just scared the hell out of me and my neighbors. Please go back to just the rotating banner ads. The video ones are just horrible and defeat the purpose of being able to throw it on fast when there is trouble nearby.

by Methinkest

I like 50RadioPoliceScanner, because I can listen to NOAA weather reports even when power is out. It. Gets a lot more locations than the other police/fire apps when you don’t know the numbers to tune in with. I found this scanner app to be the best of those available in 50RadioPoliceScanner store.
I have had 50RadioPoliceScanner for sometime and also am annoyed by the ads that happen to play when you are listening to a call. It always seems to happen when the call is near home.
PLEASE APP DEVELOPER: listen to the comments about the ads. Surely you started 50RadioPoliceScanner to allow others to be informed. It helps wives listen to husbands at work, works as a back up for our front line of help to citizens, it helps us to inform others of dangers, etc. The ads are interferring with your patrons who are listening and using 50RadioPoliceScanner for the good of the people. We don’t mind you making money. Please find a way to put ads on here that don’t interfere with the important stuff. Maybe let an add play, but have it shut off when the scanner comes on. We would all be agreeable to that. Or allow us to buy ad-free use.

by A LEO's Wife

..that I can't stand and it started about two weeks after I downloaded 50RadioPoliceScanner . I can listen fire & EMS in my county and I could listen to the sheriffs office also but now the sheriffs office won't play and the blue power button beside it only favorites isn't lite up like the other ones. Is there a reason for this or a way to turn it on.
That is who my husband works through and I love being able to listen to this scanner while he is at work. In a sense it calms me because the scanner is always on at home on his days off so when he is gone and I still hear the scanner I feel better but can always listen an see what calls he is on.

by Mitch Q

It tends to crash a lot, and it's usually right after an Ad comes up, which is often. Sometimes it closes on me 3 times in 10 minutes. Also, an improvement suggestion would be to show the time in the time zone of the radio station that is selected, so if it is in pacific time the clock could adjust to that time instead of staying local time. Sometimes it buffers a lot which is frustrating because it's usually right around when something good is happening, and sometimes crashes or skips parts. It is a good, entertaining, informative app but has a few issues that if fixed would make it perfect.

by Jfrigginp1!

Not an old-school scanner where one could adjust the frequency with a dial, and you’ll obviously choose only the from frequencies offered. Aside from that, I do use it often. Once I look for the area I’m, I’ll see what’s available. Often I can hear whatever ambulance or police car just went by and the sirens in the background as they rush to the scene. State police do not transmit here as far as I’ve seen.

It comes in real time, and I’ve made sure my family had it on their devices.

I don’t review often, and usually only when the situation prompts me to give a horrible review. You can take that for what it’s worth. Get 50RadioPoliceScanner .

by Kim Burr

I’ve had 50RadioPoliceScanner for quite some time now and I have never had any issues with it, ever. What is the point, other than to ANNOY you, of all these lame and pointless ads!? I still don’t understand. The cyber world has become infected with this garbage and for that reason, 50RadioPoliceScanner is no longer my fav.
They just now started putting those dumb ads that you have-to-listen-to-but-you-mute-until -it’s-done, this month. They pop up when your switch feeds or go back. Now I will be looking for another scanner. Other than that, it’s fine.
That’s my review. Thanks for listening.