The Best Walkie Talkies
Communication is important, which is why we recommend scoring a set of walkie-talkies. These little radio devices let kids roam the great outdoors without severing their connection to their home base. Walkie-talkies can also serve an essential role at job sites, where communication is key. Actually, there are nearly infinite uses for walkie-talkies, so we decided to find the best of the best.
What to Look For
In our hunt for quality walkie-talkie sets, we asked ourselves four main questions: Is it made to last? Does it hold a charge for long? Is the price fair? How far is the range? The T100 Talkabout series from Motorola quickly emerged as our favorite since it offers long-range communication and long-lasting battery life for a bargain. Indeed, the Talkabout series is our go-to for two-way communication. It’s also a huge hit with the kids. However, if you need more than two walkie-talkies, check out the six-pack from Retevis, which offers a convenient charging dock and multi-channel comms. Clearly, there’s a lot to be said. Read on for more of our in-depth reviews of the best walkie-talkies on the market.
Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio
Compact and durable
If the nature of your radio chat is concerned more with your kid’s location than matters of national security, shed the bells and whistles in favor of the tried-and-true. The Motorola T100 reflects the company’s historically strong ties to push-to-talk technology, with superior clarity, easy set-up, and effortless use. This option is easily expandable and can interface with all other manufacturers with FRS compatibility. It also has a great range, which maxes out at about 16 miles, making this the perfect accessory for a family outing at the park and work assignments at large construction sites. Regardless of your use case, when you need reliable communication and you’re not too worried about nasty weather or rough environments, the Talkabout will keep you in the loop.
Pros:
- These radios feel durable, and the buttons are quality and responsive.
- This is the perfect option for staying in touch with your kids as they roam outside.
- Even with moderate use, the battery life is excellent — you can get up to 18 hours of use from a fresh set of AAA batteries.
Cons:
- The range is very dependent on obstacles, so the 16-mile range is only possible under ideal conditions.
MOICO Long Range Walkie Talkies with 22 FRS Channels
Affordable meets reliable
This set of walkie-talkies offers the best bang for your buck. But even without considering the low price, it’s still an excellent option that delivers long-range communication and enduring battery life. You can share clear comms as far as five miles apart, and four AAA batteries provide enough juice for hours of use. It even comes with a built-in LED flashlight, which adds an extra degree of safety for excursions into the great unknown. If you need a solid set of walkie-talkies for camping trips and events, this is a worthy option.
Pros:
- This affordable set is ideal for those shopping on a budget.
- The compact build and clear speakers make this a handy and portable pick.
- It’s surprisingly durable and feels strong in the hand.
Cons:
- Many people prefer rechargeable batteries.
Midland Two-Way Radio
Go the distance
When it comes to communicating over long distances on radio waves, there aren’t many affordable options specific to portable, two-way walkie-talkies. Enter the Midland two-way radio. Midland’s system is set up to be compatible with all other Midland radios, and it can utilize both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS, which requires a license). When using the higher-powered GMRS channels, Midland’s range can reach an astounding 36 miles. Of course, in the backcountry or dense cityscapes, the range will be reduced by obstructions. Aside from the power, this unit offers over three thousand combinations of privacy codes and access to NOAA’s Weather Scan Service, ensuring that neither Mother Nature nor fellow man will interrupt your private conversations.
Pros:
- We were pleasantly surprised by the range, which had little interference, even with some obstacles.
- The lightweight design makes this set ideal for work sites, camping trips, hunting trips, events, and regular day-to-day use.
Cons:
- The included rechargeable batteries are great since they’re less wasteful, but they don’t last very long.
Retevis RT22 Walkie Talkies
When two isn't enough
We love rechargeable gear. Besides saving landfills from disposable batteries, rechargeable walkie-talkies are generally more reliable and long-lasting. Few options put this on display, like the Retevis RT22. This 6-pack comes with a multi-unit charger that keeps all your radios organized and in one place. Better yet, the radios themselves are sleek and compact, so they fit nicely in a pocket or palm. When it comes to Retevis, streamlined simplicity is the name of the game.
Pros:
- They’re really loud at the max volume, which is great for noisy environments like construction sites.
- The compact size is slim enough to fit in a pocket.
Cons:
- The “emergency alarm” can be useful in emergencies, but accidentally setting it off can be seriously jarring.
Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio
Rain or shine
If the name T600 sounds like some kind of cyborg, your assessment isn’t too far off. This radio is built like an absolute tank and can withstand adverse weather conditions. In fact, it can even be tuned to various weather channels and also gives weather alerts. And if you hear that a downpour is inevitable, fear not. These walkie-talkies sport a waterproof rating of IP67, which means they can withstand up to one meter of water immersion. A must-have for any outdoor duos, the Motorola T600 is ready for adventure.
Pros:
- They even float in water, so they’re perfect for boating and fishing trips.
- The buttons feel good to press, and the operation is easy to learn.
Cons:
- The max volume isn’t that loud, though there is a headset jack if you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What affects a two-way radio’s range?
When purchasing a two-way radio, you’re likely to come across bold claims of enormous radio distances. While not entirely false, these ideal scenarios rarely present themselves in real life unless you’re on a beach, field, or ranch with little to no obstructions. Radio waves can be affected by lighting, cloud coverage, metal structures, and trees. To get the most out of your radio in less-than-ideal conditions, make sure that you’re facing the radio you’re trying to communicate with and that you’re both at a high elevation.
What are the different radio services available in the United States?
Per FCC regulation, there are four primary radio services: Amateur (HAM), Family (FRS), Multi-Use (MURS), and General Mobile (GMRS). Family and Multi-Use are the most commonly used protocols for short-distance, walkie-talkie communication. Both services do not require a license to use and operate out of the 462 to 467 MHz and 151 to 154 MHz spectrums. GMRS and HAM radio, on the other hand, require licenses to operate and are reserved for radio enthusiasts. Both of these services allow for increased functionality, such as sending limited text messages or GPS data in addition to voice messages.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.