Best Walkie Talkies

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 12, 2024
Walkie talkies originally used by the military and police have long since become common for campers, hikers, and other fans of active leisure, which is why it is not surprising now we've got such a variety of models on the market. Not sure which one to choose? We have selected 5 best models to help you find a walkie talkie set that will be right for you. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Standards
Good for
Frequency Range
Power
Communication Range
Number of Channels
Battery Life
Extras
Package Contents
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

To provide hands-free operation, these rechargeable walkie-talkies by Retevis feature a VOX (voice-activated transmit) function. The purchase comes with a six-way charger that has an overvoltage, overcharge, and short circuit protection.

CONS

The belt clips are on the flimsier side.

OUR VERDICT

You will be able to adjust the units' performance depending on the ambient noise level to get the best sound quality possible. Compact, slim and durable, these rechargeable walkie-talkies will become a wonderful solution for businesses and warehouses.

detailed parameters
Standards

UHF (FRS, GMRS)

Good for

Professional, Amateur

Frequency Range

462.550 - 467.7125 MHz

Power

~2 W

Communication Range

Up to 8 miles

Number of Channels

16

Battery Life

12 hours

Extras

Emergency alarm, Dust-proof design, Battery save function, VOX, Squelch low, Battery prompt

Package Contents

6 x radios, 6 x belt clips, 6 x 1000mAh Li-ion batteries, 1 x six-way gang multi-charger, AC adapter

Weight

0.23 lbs

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Thanks to the built-in microphone jacks and ergonomic ear fixtures, two wireless radios from Midland can be used as hands-free devices. On top of that, the battery of the units can be charged using a special car charger, which is convenient for on-the-go use.

CONS

The basic controls will take a few tries to learn properly.

OUR VERDICT

When it comes to really powerful devices with high coverage, this model from Midland is a real beast. With an exceptional operating range of 36 miles, it blows any other device out of the water. Moreover, it is compatible with almost any MIDLAND FRS / GMRS radio device out there that makes it much easier to use along with other walkie-talkies.

detailed parameters
Standards
UHF (FRS, GMRS)
Good for
Professional, Amateur
Frequency Range
462.550 - 467.7125 MHz
Power
5 W
Communication Range
Up to 36 miles
Number of Channels
50 (22 main and 28 additional channels)
Battery Life
8 hours
Extras
JIS4 Waterproof, NOAA Weather alert, 9-level eVOX, 10 Call alerts, Vibrate alert, SOS Siren, Keypad lock, Auto squelch and Auto scan
Package Contents

2 x radios, 2 x belt clips, 2 x hands-free mic headsets, 2 x rechargeable batteries, Desktop AC adapter, Vehicle DC adapter

Weight
0.39 lbs
Warranty
3 years
PROS

Offering as many as 22 channels, these walkie-talkies also have a quite impressive communication range. Produced by a world-renowned brand, this reliable set has a stylish design. The walkie-talkies are ergonomically designed and nice to hold in hand.

CONS

The ring tone is rather loud. 

OUR VERDICT

Simple in use, compact, and functional, the Motorola T100TP set is just what you need to stay connected wherever you are—on the road, on the playground, in a park, or on a picnic. You can even use it as an alternative to a baby monitor.

detailed parameters
Standards

UHF (FRS, GMRS)

Good for

Professional, Amateur

Frequency Range

462.550 - 467.7125 MHz

Power

2 W

Communication Range

Up to 16 miles

Number of Channels

22 

Battery Life

18 hours

Extras

Monitor, Auto squelch, Keypad lock, Time-out timer, Talk confirmation tone

Package Contents

3 x radios, 3 x belt clips, User guide

Weight

0.25 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The BaoFeng UV-5R two-way radio Combines wonderful functional and operational features with a reasonable price; might be actually unrivaled in this price range.

CONS
This device might make an impression of being too complex to use.
OUR VERDICT
Supporting a vast range of available frequencies and channels, and full of various functions this device will be the best choice for fishermen, sailors, rock-climbers and common tourists.
detailed parameters
Standards
VHF/UHF, FM: 65-108 MHz (reception)
Good for
Professional, Amateur, Marine
Frequency Range
136 - 174 MHz; 400 - 480 MHz
Power
1 W / 4 W
Communication Range
Up to 9 miles
Number of Channels

128 

Battery Life
12 hours
Extras
NOAA Weather alert, VOX, Keypad lock, Dual band, Dual display, Built-in flashlight and FM radio
Package Contents

1 x radio, 1 x belt clip, 1 x Li-Ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter, Wrist strap, SMA (female) antenna

Weight
0.45 lbs
Warranty
1 year
PROS

Thanks to the NOAA Weather Alert, you will be notified if severe weather occurs in your area. Simple to use, these portable rechargeable walkie-talkies have a good transmitting range.

CONS

The walkie-talkies are somewhat heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

Equally good for individual and professional use, these walkie-talkies by Topsung can be used by kids and adults alike. You will be able to communicate with your family while skiing in mountains, following the wood path, or putting up a tent at a campsite.

detailed parameters
Standards

UHF (FRS, GMRS)

Good for

Amateur

Frequency Range

462.550 - 467.7125 MHz

Power

1 W

Communication Range

Up to 16 miles

Number of Channels

22 

Battery Life

Up to 48 hours

Extras

eVOX, NOAA weather scan, 10 call tone settings, Keypad lock, Scanning function for busy channel

Package Contents

2 x radios, 1 x USB cable, 1 x charger, 6 x AA batteries, 2 x adjustable lanyards

Weight

1 lbs

Warranty

1 year

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Retevis ‎FA9121GX3-C9059C

For Businesses

If you are looking for lightweight and reliable walkie-talkies to facilitate communication on a construction site or in a warehouse, this 6-pack set is the one to go for. Each item is only 7 inches long (from the bottom of the unit to the top of the antenna) so it will easily fit in your palm or pocket. The walkie-talkies are equipped with sturdy fixed antennas that won't break or bend. Though the units' communication range (up to 8 miles) could be bigger, the walkie-talkies coverage is ample for most businesses.

This thoughtfully designed set has each and every feature you need for comfortable communication. An ergonomic channel lock will help to prevent any accidental button changes. There is also an emergency alarm so, if any unpredictable situations occur, you will be prepared, and you will be able to alert your team members. You can also adjust the unit's performance depending on the ambient noise level to get the best sound quality possible.

The walkie-talkies also have a VOX feature for hands-free communication: the devices will automatically start broadcasting as soon as you speak. Activating the VOX function is very simple. First of all, change the channel to 7, then turn off the walkie-talkie. After that, while pressing and holding the plus button, turn on the radio, and you will hear the VOX on or off.

Review of Retevis ‎FA9121GX3-C9059C Walkie Talkies Rechargeable

All Included

The purchase includes a 6-way gang charger and a charger adapter. This multi-charger has a short circuit, overcharge, and over-voltage protection for safe and comfortable charging of your walkie-talkie set. You won't even need to plug off the cable when the device is not in use, thanks to an ergonomic power switch button on the unit's side. Indicator LED lights will let you know the charging status—they will turn red when the walkie-talkies are charging and green when the batteries are full. By the way, each item is equipped with a 1000mAh Li-ion battery that will last for over 10-12 hours of use if fully charged.

Along with the box, you will also get 6 belt clips. Durably made, the accessories are easy to remove and install. And of course, you will get a comprehensive user manual.

In a word, if you are looking for a 6-piece walkie-talkie set that works out of the box, the Retevis ‎FA9121GX3-C9059C is an awesome choice. Portable, easy to use, and functional, the 2-way radios can operate for up to 12 hours without recharging.

Retevis ‎FA9121GX3-C9059C Walkie Talkies Rechargeable in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00JEY6YV2

 

Midland GXT1000VP4

Your Ideal Buddy

The Midland GXT1000VP4 radio has an impressive range of operation reaching up to 36 miles with a 5-watt transmitter. It gives you up to 50 UHF channels compliant with the FRS and GMRS standards in the frequency range from 462.550 to 467.7125 MHz. It is notable, though, that to use GMRS channels, the FCC license is a must. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that walkie talkies with this range of frequencies show the maximum communication distance in the open field or on water, but in the city, forest or mountains their coverage area is smaller and makes approximately 2 miles since the ultra-short radio waves can not round up obstacles on their way.

One more valuable benefit to mention is that under different weather conditions, these multi-functional Midland GXT1000VP4 handsets demonstrated great resistance to the raindrops falling on their bodies, thus proving to be actually reliable and trouble-free and confirming their compliance with the JIS4 standard of exposure to water.

Review of Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radio

It is not Just a Radio

The Midland GXT1000VP4 walkie talkies have access to the NOAA weather radio channels alerting you about the severe weather conditions round-the-clock and keeping you informed on any actual weather changes. In case you are still impacted by the weather or any other hazard, you can even send an SOS signal. It is also worth mentioning that the VOX function with 9 sensitivity levels starts a signal transmission automatically the moment you begin to talk.

There is no need to press the PTT button, however. We have noticed that this function works both with a headset and without it. We also liked the Auto Scan function, which automatically checks channels for any activity or communication; this feature might be very useful in certain circumstances. This radio has extra features of vibrating alert, keypad blocking, and ringtone selection with 10 pre-installed melodies that can be assigned to various callers and channels. In long-distance hikes, you may benefit from using the battery save mode that allows you to maintain a stable communication range and conserve the battery power. It is a great option for a group hiking.

In the end, if you are looking for a reliable portable radio that can be used pretty much anywhere you want, then the Midland GXT1000VP4 will be right up your alley. Reasonably portable and nimble, it proved to be convenient for carrying in both urban and rural areas, while the compatibility with other walkie-talkie radios makes it a good option in terms of versatility.

Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radio in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $61.34
Stock In stock
ASIN B001WMFYH4

VIDEO
Midland GXT2000VP4 Two Way Radio Unboxing and First Look

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

I have gotten as far a 5-6 miles away down hills and in thick tree cover and still gotten reception. Pretty good reception.

Features

Comes with everything you could need including a 12v adapter for the charger base.

Power

Battery life is pretty darn good, around 5-6 hours and still working.
 

Motorola T100TP

The Device Your Kids are Going to Talk About

Looking for a functional and ergonomic 2-way radio for family use? Consider this model by Motorola. The units have quite an impressive communication range (up to 16 miles) and offer as many as 22 channels. That said, they are pretty lightweight—each item only weighs 60 ounces. What is also great, the units can receive communication from other FRS two-way radios as well.

Though less functional than some other models in this review, the walkie-talkies have a number of user-friendly features. Thanks to a keypad lock, you won't accidentally change your settings. The device has a scanning feature, allowing you to quickly find channels that are currently in use. An auto squelch feature will eliminate any unwanted noise, providing optimum performance in any environment.

Note that the Motorola T100TP Talkabout walkie-talkies are not rechargeable. The items can operate for up to 18 hours on 3 AAA batteries. Surely enough, you can buy rechargeable batteries separately in case you are going to use walkie-talkies a lot. By the way, when the batteries run low, an ergonomic low battery alert will remind you to replace them.

Review of Motorola T100TP Talkabout Radio

Great for Family Use

Whether you are hiking in a park, sunbathing on a beach, enjoying a picnic, or having fun at a playground, the Motorola T100TP will allow you to connect with your nearest and dearest any time you need. Comfortable to hold in hand and super simple to use, the walkie-talkies are ideal for family use. Needless to say that your kiddies can have a wonderful time playing with their siblings and friends. Manufactured by a world-renowned brand, the items have a stylish blue and black design that makes them stand out from the crowd of dull gray items.

The purchase includes 3 walkie-talkies, 3 belt clips and a user guide. Note that, though the radios are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, they are not waterproof. Boasting compact design and intuitive operation, these walkie-talkies are ideal for younger users.

All in all, if you are looking for a 2-piece set of walkie-talkies for family use, the T100TP Talkabout radios by Motorola may be just what you need. Lightweight and easy to use even for a kid, they will make a fantastic present for adventure lovers.

Motorola T100TP Talkabout Radio in the use

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01DM7AEF8

 

BaoFeng UV-5R

Multi-tool Among Radios

We bet you’d struggle to find the radio with the same set of functions and at the price as low as that. Made of heavy duty plastic, the BaoFeng UV-5R walkie talkie is extremely handy in use. It is highly responsive to the VOX function, so you can talk with the others hands-free. On top of the other basic functions, the radio set features the auto keypad lock so that a chance of changing a channel or complete radio reset is reduced to none. Like most other walkie talkies on sale, BaoFeng UV-5R connects to NOAA Weather Channels so as to inform users of all weather changes and alert to any hazard. Yet, there’s something more you’d not expect has been included to enhance users’ experience - FM-receiver. Now you can not only talk to other people but also listen to local broadcasts and your favorite FM-stations while walking through the wood or fishing in a brook.

Review of BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio

Always at the Right Place

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the BaoFeng UV-5R radio is operating in the commercial frequencies of the VHF/UHF-range actually supporting the narrowband transmission including the splinter channels that makes it a unique multi-functional device in this price range. It provides you with 128 accessible channels with the selectable frequency step of 2.5, 5, 6.25, 12.5, 20, or 25 kHz allowing you to use the radio anywhere without interference to other transmissions. The maximum power makes 4 W securing the communication range of 9 miles. This transceiver features several convenient functions including the backlit dual LCD display and a keyboard visible both in the light and darkness and a flashlight that may come in handy anytime.

The radio also features a removable antenna, which can be replaced with an aerial to extend the range of communication or improve the clarity of a sound. Authentic genuine nagoya NA-771 15.6-inch whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) antenna SMA-female allows you to substantially increase the transmission range and signal quality. By using this antenna, communication quality will be less affected by interferences and the signal will be more powerful in urban, mountain, or forest areas.

Summing up, if you are looking for a quality 2-way radio available at a compatible price, this model by BaoFeng is a good bang for a buck.

BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio in the use

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $33.96
Stock In stock
ASIN B007H4VT7A

VIDEO
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

Was averaging about 6 to 7 miles with the antenna that came with the BaoFeng UV-5R radio.

Features

Astonishing performance for the money. Simple to program and simple to use.

Power

Another plus is the battery life, so far I am on the initial charge and I still have 3 out of 4 bars after 5 days of fairly heavy use.
 

Topsung for Adult

Warns You of Bad Weather

If you love spending time outdoors, don't forget to bring this walkie-talkie set to your next journey. The equipment can provide up to 16-mile (mountain to valley), up to 4-mile (open water), and up to 1-mile (neighborhood) communication range. With the users' safety in mind, the included two-way radios are equipped with the NOAA Weather Alert that will let you know if severe weather is expected in your area. The units will automatically scan through available weather channels and find the strongest one for essential weather updates. Thanks to this feature, you will be able to come back home just in time or at least find some shelter to wait out a storm.

Elaborately designed, the walkie-talkies boast intuitive operation. You can activate the VOX function to enable voice-activated hands-free transmitting or use a PTT (push to talk) button. An ergonomic keypad lock will prevent accidental operation and keep your settings safe while carrying the two-way radio in your pocket; when you activate it, only the PTT button works. Providing access to 22 channels, the unit offers 38 CTCSS or 83 DSC privacy codes per channel. The radio can automatically scan through channels and privacy codes. The manufacturer has included comprehensive instructions to help you use all the available functions.

Review of Topsung for Adult Walkie Talkies

Rechargeable Batteries Included

To ensure a longer operating or standby time (up to 18 hours and up to 48 hours respectively), each unit comes with three 1000MAh NI-MH AA rechargeable batteries that only take 3 hours to fully charge. Moreover, the purchase includes a USB cable that you can use to charge the radios via any USB device, be it your vehicle adaptor or power bank.

We would also like to mention that this functional set comes with a mini-USB charger that has a short circuit, overcharge, and overvoltage protection. Meanwhile, a drop protection feature will prevent the walkie-talkies from damaging if you accidentally drop them. Featuring a portable design, the items are equipped with handy belt clips.

To put a long story short, this is one of the best walkie-talkie sets for outdoor activities. Equipped with rechargeable batteries, a USB charger, and a cable, the radios are easy to carry around and use. A weather Alert function will allow you to receive hazard alerts and weather warnings wherever you go.

Topsung for Adult Walkie Talkies in the use

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07XXZKKZZ

 

What Is a Walkie Talkie?

It happens frequently that you need to maintain communication with your colleagues or buddies either on the job site or during leisure time. Usually, you rely on a cell phone for this purpose. But it is not always convenient and the tariffs of mobile operators may be relatively high. That is why many people still fancy walkie talkies. These radios are used by people of all professions: security guards and police, taxi drivers and truckers, sailors of merchant ships and private yachts, construction workers, and foresters, office and warehouse staff, sportsmen, etc. Recently, radio handsets became common among fishermen, hikers, and campers.

This particular type of communication turned out to be so popular because walkie talkies do not require any area coverage by cellular base stations, satellites or other telecom transmitters. Two or more parties can communicate with each other free-of-charge within the range of a stable connection limited by the power of transceivers used.

If you like active leisure, fishing, mount climbing, or forest walks you might also be interested in headlamps. The advantage of using a headlamp is that it allows for lighting up the way hands-free, which is handy if you have some other gear to drag behind you.

What Features to Compare

Frequency Range

The first important feature of these radios is the frequency range. The majority of walkie talkies operate in VHF and UHF channels.

VHF (Very High Frequency) channels use the frequencies from 134 to 174 MHz. The signal has an average penetration rate. This range is recommended for radio communication in the rural areas. As a rule, radio stations used for these purposes are bulky and have long protruding aerials.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) channels include the frequencies from 400 to 470 MHz. Radio sets operating in this frequency range due to the high penetration rate of transmitted radio waves provide you with a reliable connection in the urban environment, inside of buildings, and in other areas with many obstructions. Before buying a transceiver you should collect information on the licensing of certain frequencies in your region or state.

There is also the FRS standard (462.5625 – 467.7125 MHz), which is applied to a license-free mobile short-range radio communication in the North and South America. This standard limits the power of stations allowed for use in the USA to 0.5 W maximum. There is a total number of 14 channels with 0.25 MHz frequency steps available. In a rugged country, woodlands, mountains, and for the marine use you should stick with transceivers of an LB channels' 30 through 50 MHz frequency range or VHF channels' 136 through 174 MHz frequencies.

One more important factor that needs to be considered is the communication range. This range is restrained by the power of receiver and transmitter of a particular radio station, and by the frequency used for communication. Usually, the figure announced in the manufacturer’s manual is valid for perfect conditions only (sunny weather, open ground without obstacles, the absence of power transit lines and other sources of interferences) and varies from 20 to 30 miles, but in fact, the actual range in a real environment might be smaller.

Extra Features

You may also be interested in the extra features provided. Many portable professional radios are highly resistant to external impacts and feature water-resistant bodies that comply with specific standards. Your station may be protected from raindrops or water splashes, and even after a submersion, it can keep you in contact with your communication partner.

It is also common to provide a walkie talkie with the VOX function (also known as the voice-operated switch). It operates through the built-in microphone and turns on the transmitter of the walkie-talkie when the user speaks. What's convenient about this function is that you do not need to hold the Push button, which makes it particularly handy for use on the go. Some radios also allow storing communication channels in the memory of the device and setting special ringtones for selected channels to know who is calling you.

Design and Convenience

Finally, you should take a look at the design and convenience of radios since the materials, weight, controls and assembly may differ substantially. A decision might be based on the availability of informative display reflecting all necessary information, the possibility to replace the pre-installed antenna with a more powerful one, the location of buttons and controls on the case, and the ergonomics of the handset in general. The station may have a belt clip and a wrist strap to prevent its accidental dropping.

Sources:

1. Natan Chandler How Walkie-talkies Work? HowStuffWorks.

2. Walkie-Talkie, Wikipedia. July 23, 2016.

3. Shannon Morel What Should One Consider When Looking to Buy a Walkie-Talkie (Two-way Radio) System for Business Use? Quora. October 24, 2011.

4. Chris Woodford Walkie-Talkies, ExplainThatStuff. March 9, 2016.

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