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Planning to spend some time in the country, hiking, skiing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, but need some way to communicate besides your cell phone? Cell phones are not a reliable option: even in today’s world, it can be difficult to find a network in remote locations. So how can you effectively communicate with the rest of your group and the outside world when things go wrong?
One option is a satellite phone that will work anywhere. But these devices are expensive, as is the monthly maintenance fee. Luckily, there are much cheaper options out there. The good old two-way radios (walkie-talkies) remain an effective and affordable option for offline communications. There are hundreds of models to choose from, most of which are inexpensive. After consulting an expert and reading dozens of customer reviews, we have selected the best of them.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor’s Choice
1. Baofeng UV-5R
Just ten years ago, no one had heard of BaoFeng. And today, the company’s walkie-talkies are among the best-selling (and most popular). The UV-5R is one of the best models released by the company and has become a favorite among users as a cheap and functional portable radio. It can receive and transmit on any frequency between 136-174 MHz and 400-520 MHz at up to five watts of power, and also receive in the 65-108 MHz range. Other features include dual frequency monitoring and standby, and a built-in emergency siren.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Midland GXT100VP4
Midland has been making walkie-talkies for decades, but always innovating. The GXT1000VP4 is a great example with 50 channels, 142 privacy codes and an impressive 36 mile range. The gadget features a bright, backlit LCD screen, offers 10 customizable alerts for incoming messages, and includes a whisper mode for communicating in quiet situations. These walkie-talkies are also rugged, waterproof and come with rechargeable batteries that keep them running for hours. Beyond basic functionality, Midland designed the GXT1000VP4 for emergency use. An SOS siren alerts others when help is needed, and a built-in NOAA weather radio alert keeps users ahead of severe weather conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Motorola Talkabout T42 Twin Pack
A great walkie talkie set for kids, the T42 is available in a choice of blue, red, or a choice of three. With a range of up to 4 km, they are an excellent choice for short distances and an indispensable companion for family vacations. They also include a dedicated quick pairing button that makes it very easy to pair all your radios.
Advantages and disadvantages
4. BaoFeng BF-F8HP
If you are looking for power, choose Baofeng BF-F8HP. The F8HP is an upgraded version of the popular BaoFeng UV-5R, which has conquered the low cost high power radio market. The new BF-F8HP boasts a whopping 8W of power compared to 2W or less on most FRS radios. With power comes complexity, and the Baofeng BF-F8HP is not exactly an easy-to-use walkie-talkie. This is a full-fledged radio with the ability to broadcast on public FRS channels.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Motorola TLKR-T92 H2O
The Motorola TLKR T92 H2O is more or less identical to its T80 Extreme predecessor; boasts a maximum range of up to 10 km, a rugged and weatherproof design and all the same features. Built to withstand the elements, the TLKR T92 is one of the most reliable two-way radios around. It even contains a floating core, making it perfect for kayaking and other water adventures. The gadget comes with a host of other features, including a built-in flashlight to help save valuable space in your kit bag. Combining durability with a sleek design and a decent 16 hours of battery life, the TLKR T92 is a solid choice that offers good value for money.
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Motorola Talkabout T82
The Motorola T82 Extreme two-way radios are rugged and weatherproof, have an IPX4 rating and a hidden screen that can light up, making menu navigation easy. With a range of up to 10 km, they are ideal for hiking, skiing or other outdoor activities where you need to keep in touch. What’s more, the T82 also includes a number of handy additional features such as an LED flashlight for professionals working at night. Another advantage of the T82 is the iVox function, with which you can enjoy automatic voice and hands-free activation.
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Motorola Talkabout T62
Motorola’s TALKABOUT T62 is one of the brand’s latest models that packs a ton of features for an affordable walkie-talkie. A simple pairing button allows you to instantly sync your walkie-talkies, and the iVOX feature makes them a great choice for hands-free use. The batteries provide up to 18 hours of use, which should be enough for even the most demanding users. Finally, the Motorola T62 offers a range of up to 8 km in optimal conditions, which is impressive given the price. If you’re looking for a decent two-way radio kit at an affordable price, then the T62 is worth considering.
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Baofeng BF-888S
BaoFeng BF-888S is very well received in the low cost radio market. It has a lot of great features and is definitely one of the most cost effective walkie talkie options. A decent little radio, incredibly easy to operate, getting the job done with minimal effort seems to be the main idea behind this radio. If you want more cool features like high power, dual band or water resistance, you should probably consider other options, but the BaoFeng BF-888S will provide the basic features.
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Midland LXT-425
The Midland LXT630VP3 is on our list of the best FRS radios on sale right now. They are equipped with all the features including 36 channels, belt clip, fast charging and a range of up to 30 miles. The bright yellow faceplate makes it easy to find, while the durable outer shell is ideal for use anywhere. They have weather alerts to alert you when it goes bad. Simple activated voice and sound transmission (eVOX) with three levels of sensitivity makes hands-free operation a breeze. Customers praise these radios for their impressive sound quality and range. While this radio package only offers two walkie-talkies and costs a bit more than most of the other options we’ve listed, we think the performance makes them worth the money.
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Midland GXT1050
If you need to stay connected offline, these are the walkie-talkies you need – the feature-packed Midland GXT1050 with 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service). GMRS radios are more powerful than their traditional FRS (Family Radio Service) counterparts, so the signal travels for miles without interruption. In this case, the GXT1050 radios cover about 58 km in open areas. With obstacles such as buildings and trees, the range is reduced. Since these are GMRS radios, a license is required to operate them.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a walkie-talkie
Choosing the right walkie-talkie for your needs is pretty simple – it all comes down to how you plan to use it. For practical advice, we turned to traveler and radio amateur Kirill Tudachkov, who frequently uses portable radios on his travels.
Radius of action
The most important feature to consider when purchasing a walkie-talkie is the range of the device. While some models can cover a distance of more than 30 km, others can only “finish off” to the other side of a country house. When choosing a device, be sure to select a model that can support the range you need.
Battery life
Nothing can be more dangerous than a dead radio during an emergency. Depending on your needs, be sure to check which batteries your device needs and how long they last. Rechargeable lithium batteries can work great, but in the middle of the woods, an AA battery pack is best.
Durability
When buying a walkie-talkie, be sure to consider its overall durability. Some options can be designed with kids in mind (with thin plastic surfaces), while others will be covered in thicker materials (such as rubber) to ensure they work even after a hard fall.