Suppose you are going for a trekking expedition with your friends. It’s necessary to have a viable method of communication between all the people, especially if they are exploring different places. The cellular network isn’t a dependable option, since mountains are still an uncovered area for cell phones. Even if there’s signal, the connection will be poor. Well, Walkie Talkies are the only sense-making solution you can choose in such situations. If you are looking for one, we have got you covered with the 12 best walkie talkies for your adventurous outing.
Best Two-Way Radio You Can Buy
As you know might, a walkie talkie is a two-way radio. Unlike cell phones, walkie talkies make use of radio frequencies instead of cellular network like 5G. Given that the device has a satisfactory range, it can offer you reliable communication, however rough the terrain may be! While creating the list, we’ve given equal importance to several factors such as the maximum range of the device, build, and customer reviews.
1. Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radios
The Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-Way Radio is a great budget walkie-talkie for users who are not looking to spend too much money. The walkie talkies are very small and can fit in the palm of your hand. They operate in the frequency range of 400 to 470 MHz and offer 16 pre-programmed channels.
Do note that EMS services in certain areas use the same frequency range so you might have to re-calibrate them to avoid those frequencies. It would be better if you check the EMS frequencies used in your area and look at other offerings on this list which do not interfere with those frequencies.
Cons:
Cons:
2. Retevis H-777 UHF Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
If you travel in a group and need walkie-talkies for more than 2 people check out the Retevis H-777 UHF Long Range Rechargeable Walkie Talkies which come in a pack of 10 walkie talkies allowing even a big group to converse with each other.
- Lightweight and compact design
- preprogrammed frequencies in the range of 400 to 470 MHz
- 16 different channels with 50 encrypted codes
- 1000 mAh battery delivers 6 hours of battery life
The Uniden MHS126 Handheld Submersible Marine Radio is great for users who need extra protection. The marine radio comes with many features that will help you protect in hazardous situations.
Also, it gives automatic weather alerts when the radio detects a special weather warning signal from NOAA, so you can be instantly informed about thunderstorms, tornados, or other extreme weather in the area. Plus it supports all US and Canadian Marine Channels.
If you’re looking for a pair of really good walkie talkies for your kids to play around with, check these out. The DilissToys Kids Voice Activated Walkie Talkies we are featuring here offers crisp and smooth sound quality with the adjustable volume level. It also has an auto squelch function that mutes the background noise so kids can get the crisp sound even in crowded places.
- Don’t come with batteries
- Build quality could be better
At a relatively affordable price range, you can have this four-pack variant of Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie, which comes with stunning features as well. This GMRS/FRS two-way radio has support for 22 channels and the auto-scan features make it easy to find an available channel that you can use.
Sporting a pretty compact form-factor, Motorola Talkabout T460 is a modern walkie-talkie with a range of helpful features. Thanks to the lightweight and compact design, you can comfortably hold it in your hand. And with the secure grip, it also reduces accidental slip-offs.
Pros:
When you need a walkie talkie that gives you the typical-two-way-radio feel — although it may not be that compact —, you can go with BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way radio. The deal is a pack of six radio devices that can be used for best-in-class in-between communication. With a frequency range of 400 MHz to 470 MHz, BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio supports up to 16 channels.
Also, the device is powered by 1500mAh Lithium-Ion battery which can give you a backup of 12 hours — very impressive. As we said earlier, this walkie talkie comes with individual earpiece for each of the radio devices you have, and that gives a professional look as well.
Cons:
7. Floureon Handheld Walkie Talkie
- LCD backlit display
- Support for 22 channels
- Auto-scan functionality
- Radios range up to 3000M-5000M
8. Midland GXT1000VP4 Walkie Talkie
If you prefer a not-so-compact professional walkie talkie to a compact one, you should definitely check out Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Walkie Talkie, which meticulously combines stunning features and a good interface. Despite all the impressive stuff, you can get the product at an affordable rate.
In addition, the maximum distance between both the devices will be a maximum of 36 Miles. Also, you get a few other features such as NOAA weather channels, 5 call alerts, hands-free operation mode, LCD Monitor to check the status, and do other actions, water resistance, etc. You can either use the rechargeable battery pack or three AAA batteries. Priced at $219.95 for a six-pack, it is relatively expensive. However, given the notable specs, Midland GXT1000VP4’s pricing seems reasonable.
If you are looking for a full-fledged wireless communication method at a relatively low price point, to be useful in professional scenarios, this one from Midland is a worth-checking-out. Midland LXT600VP3 (6-pack) ticks off all the essential boxes to be a great asset for staying connected with colleagues.
- Not all the sensitivity levels work efficiently
- May not deliver up to 12 hours of battery life consistently
Baofeng Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition is a great walkie-talkie for people who want extended battery life. The walkie-talkie works in both VHF and UHF frequency range and can monitor two different frequencies at the same time. One of the good things about the Baofeng radio which we are featuring here is that it is FCC compliant so it’s completely legal to use anywhere.
We end our list with the Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio as it is one of the best budget walkie-talkies that you can buy. You can either use the included battery pack to power it or you can use three AA batteries if the need arises. The included NiMH rechargeable batteries will last for up to 10 hours while you can use three AA batteries for up to 29 hours.
The walkie-talkie also offers 22 different channels along with 121 privacy codes for each channel making it one of the most secure budget walkie-talkies that you can buy. Do note that while you don’t need any license from FCC if you are using it on FRS channels, you will need the license if you are planning to use it on GMRS channels.
Pros:
If you are looking for a reliable walkie-talkie for indoor communication, check out this offering from Seodon. It supports up to 5 miles range which is good enough to let you communicate with your colleagues. Moreover, it offers a consistent frequency range between UHF 400-470MHz to ensure your communication can remain smooth sailing. Keep in mind that the range may vary due to severe weather.
12. Seodon Two-Way Radio
- Option to customize channels
- The frequency range between UHF 400-470MHz
- Durable belt clip
- 1500mAh battery
Frequently Asked Questions
Are walkie talkies legal in India?
Due to security reasons, the Indian government doesn’t allow the import of walkie-talkie in the country without a license from the wireless and planning coordination wing under the Department of Telecommunications.
Though there are several walkie-talkies that claim to be the strongest, Radio UV-5R MK5 8W 2018 Mirkit Edition stands out.
You can bank on Midland GXT1000VP4 to make your hunting a pleasant experience as it checks off almost all the essential boxes.
What is the best 2-way radio for long-range?
Motorola Talkabout T460 is easily one of the best 2-way radio for long-range due mainly to its ability to deliver consistent range.
So, that was our list of best walkie talkies that you can buy in 2020 for an exciting outdoor activity such as camping with your friends, or for a corporate event that requires a lot of to and fro communication with your team to handle the impromptu situation, etc. If you enjoyed reading this article, you will also find our article on offline messaging apps useful (send messages without cellular network).
