Looking for a new way to communicate without the hassle of an internet or network? Well, best walkie talkie can be the deal for you.
If you are planning for hiking, hunting, cruise ship, camping, skiing, or want to venture into the wild then long range walkie talkies are considered the best option.
As one cannot depend on cell phone as it is not a reliable option but on the other hand gadgets like walkie talkies and satellite phones are dependable and constant.
Walkie Talkies were invented in the year 1937 and used radio signalling systems to communicate with each other.
Initially they were made for soldiers during the second world war to use in any critical survival situation but now it is used by people all over the world.
When we talk about the best walkie talkie there are many options in the market.
In this article we will present you different types of walkie talkies suitable for both long distance and short range.
Have a quick look –
Image | Product | Price |
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Arcshell Long Range Two-Way RadiosHigh Rating
| Check Price | |
Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio, 3 PackAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price | |
DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie TalkiesGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Topsung 2 Way RadiosGood Ratings
| Check Price | |
Retevis RT22 Walkie TalkiesAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price | |
Uniden 50 Mile Range Two Way Radio Walkie TalkiesGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Midland 50 Channel Waterproof Walkie TalkieAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price | |
Retevis RT628 Walkie Talkies for KidsBest Seller
| Check Price | |
Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkies for AdultsAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price | |
Topsung Rechargeable Handheld Walkie Talkies 3 PackAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price | |
Kids Walkie Talkies by ObubyGood Choice
| Check Price | |
Neoteck 2 PCS Long Range Walkie TalkiesGood Choice
| Check Price |
Now, let’s check out some of the top and best buy walkie talkies available on Amazon
Best Walkie Talkies for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Arcshell Long Range Two-Way Radios
If you are looking for an economical two-way radio then Arcshell can be the deal for you. Compact in size and will fit easily on your hand as this long range walkie talkie measures around 4.53 inches in height (without antenna).
It operates on 16 pre-programmed channels in the 400-470MHz band, each radio has identical frequency but you can set custom channels within that frequency band.
Each radio comes with a 1500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery and a charging dock. It takes around 2.5 hours to fully charge the radios and it can last up to 8 to 96 hours on a single charge depending on the usage.
Other than that, the Arcshell walkie talkie comes with push to talk button, ear piece and VOX function. Using the earpiece while communicating is the best way when you are in noisy environment.
The range depends on the terrain and can have up to 5 miles with no obstructions.
This can be considered best walkie talkie for hunting, camping and other adventurous activities.
Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio, 3 Pack
Motorola T260TP will let you stay in touch with family and friends while camping in the woods or hiking. Can be considered best walkie talkies for camping, as it has a range of up to 25 miles and gives the freedom to communicate wirelessly.
Though this range based on an unobstructed line of sight test and we can expect it to be a little less than 25 miles.
Other than that, the device is lightweight but has a durable built with indispensable features like NOAA weather channels and alerts, and iVOX/VOX hands-free communication.
More features include 22 Channels with 121 Privacy Codes, Micro-USB Charging, 20 Call Tones.
You can power the Motorola T260TP in two ways by recharging the NiMH batteries or you can use 3 AA batteries which will provide up to 29 hours of battery.
You will also get a low battery alert when the batteries are running out low along with keypad lock options.
DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies
These walkie talkies are built on FRS platform provide up to 300,000 sq. ft. / 25 floors of long-distance signal range with 2,662 channel combinations.
One of the best waterproof walkie talkies as it works well in 1-meter deep water for 30 minutes and has IP67 standard which makes it both waterproof and dust proof.
Other than it is powered by Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery and also includes power saving mode.
Though the package doesn’t not include headset and earbuds, but it is compatible with them.
The walkie talkie comes along with Charging Cable, Batteries, Belt Clip.
It can be the best walkie talkie for hunting near the lake.
Topsung 2 Way Radios
These are FRS GMRS walkie talkies and supports many advanced features like Auto memory function, auto scan function, auto power saving and auto squelch system.
This walkie talkie has 1200mAh polymer lithium rechargeable battery which has long life so you don’t have to change them constantly.
Other than that, you will get features like Voice activated, Keypad lock, Adjustable power, Drop-protection, 22 channel each with 121 privacy codes.
The Large LCD screen with backlight will help you operate the walkie talkie at night time without any problem.
This walkie talkie is perfect for adventurous trips like hiking, trekking, camping etc.
This device also supports NOAA’s National Weather Service which will give you weather alert and warnings from designated NOAA broadcast stations.
Overall considered best walkie talkies for camping and fishing trips.
Retevis RT22 Walkie Talkies
If you are looking for a compact easy to use walkie talkie then Retevis RT22 is a good option. Great for small business with license free radio this walkie talkie has 16 channels and is rich in features.
You don’t have to worry about audio quality as you can adjust it according to the environment.
One highlight feature of this two-way radio is the emergency that allows you be prepared for any danger and alert team member.
Other features include channel lock, battery capacity 1000 mAh, dust proof, low battery prompt, VOX/Squelch.
Overall, this is a good and simple one-button push-to-talk operation walkie talkie with clear, strong audio for good communication even in noisy environments.
Uniden 50 Mile Range Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies
One of the best walkie talkies for long distance, the Uniden SX507-2CKHS radios will help you keep you in touch with friends and family while camping, trekking, fishing, or caravaning on the highway.
The range of this two-way radio is around 50-Mile without any obstructions, but the range may differ by hills, buildings and trees.
It also has 22 channels, and 142 Privacy Codes/142 Direct Call Codes plus an open line for uninterrupted communications.
Other than this, it is also certified (JIS7) waterproof and can be submerged in up to three feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
Plus, as soon as you drop it in water it will start floating so you don’t have to dive in to take it out.
You will get a battery life up to 14 hours in a single charge and it has rechargeable AA NiMH batteries.
Midland 50 Channel Waterproof Walkie Talkie
One of the best waterproof walkie talkies, Midland two-way radio feature 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels.
Don’t worry about range as this walkie talkie has 36-mile range without any obstructions. Plus, it is splash resistance as well with JIS4 certification which means it prevents some amount of water.
This walkie talkie will provide you with reliable communication for every adventure with its multiple power settings to conserve battery life.
Some other features include 142 privacy codes, channel scan, 10 call alerts, weather alert/scan and vibrate alert.
Belt clips, 120V dual desktop charger, AC adapter, DC adapter, and an owner’s manual will be included when you purchase the walkie talkie.
Retevis RT628 Walkie Talkies for Kids
One of the best walkie talkies for kids, Retevis RT628 can be the gift you plan to get for your child. This device can be perfect to track your child while he/she is playing outside and to make sure everything is fine.
The walkie talkie is lightweight as well and can be easily held by a child.
This two-way radio requires 3 AA batteries to work and it doesn’t come included with the pack.
It also has VOX function which will allow them to use it hands-free and the lock feature will let you lock other buttons to prevent unintentional operation.
Some other features include LCD backlit display, belt clip and adjustable volume button.
Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkies for Adults
With up to 5 miles of range without obstruction this is a good choice when you are planning for a camping trip to the woods. Rivins RV-7 comes with 22 GMRS/FRS channels plus 99 set of CTCSS tones (privacy codes).
Now don’t worry about using the two-way radio during the night as it has LCD display and built-in backlit keys.
The screen also displays battery status, channel number as well as the sub-tones, volume level, and signal status, etc.
You will also get a built in flash light that will help you in the dark or night time.
There are two options of battery in this walkie talkie, one is replacing the batteries when the battery is low this will save you time from charging either use AAA rechargeable batteries.
Topsung Rechargeable Handheld Walkie Talkies 3 Pack
Perfect equipment if you are planning for a long hike or camping in the woods, this walkie talkie has a range of up to 16 miles in open area without obstructions.
It is also powered by 1000MAh NI-MH AA rechargeable batteries which provides longer standby about 48 hours.
Other than that, you can communicate with other FRS/GMRS radios as well.
Some highlight features include NOAA Weather Scan, push to talk (PTT) button, adjustable volume button and Scanning function.
Overall, this is a good device to carry when going for a trip with family and friends.
Kids Walkie Talkies by Obuby
Considered one of the best options when searching for walkie talkie for kids, Obuby will keep you tension free while your child is playing out.
This two-way radio is suitable for children between the age of 3-15-year-old.
Plus, this can become the perfect gift to give your child as well and supports a range of 3 km in open area without constructions.
It will also provide you with 22 main stable channels and a high anti-interference clear voice technology which will give your crisp and clear voice without any interference.
When it comes to power, this walkie talkie needs 4 AAA batteries.
Overall, this walkie talkie is perfect for kids and the economic, easy design will let them communicate easily.
Neoteck 2 PCS Long Range Walkie Talkies
This 16-channel walkie talkie is portable in size and you can carry it around easily without any trouble. The range is somewhere around 2 miles in open area without any obstructions and is supported by 1500mAh Rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
Other than that, the walkie talkie also has earpiece included which will help you hear clear voice commands.
Some other features include power saving function, LCD display and the Frequency Range is UHF: FRS462MHz.
This can become the perfect equipment that you must carry when going for hiking trips, camping or fishing.
How to Choose the Best Walkie Talkie?
As we already mentioned that there are different types of walkie talkies available in the market but how to choose the best one?
Before presenting you the best walkie talkies let us first talk about the factors to consider when choosing the appropriate one.
VHF/UHF
The first thing that you should consider is whether you are buying a Very High Frequency (VHR) radio or an Ultra High Frequency (UHR) radio.
VHF radios work good at long distance which has little interference from buildings and landscapes. It also has longer antennas than UHF and operate at 126 to 174 MHz.
On the other hand, UHF operate at 400 to 512 MHz and are better than VHF as they can penetrate through buildings and walls.
Distance
Whenever you go to buy a walkie talkie the distance will be specified by the manufactures.
Remember that the distance is measured without any barrier such as buildings and landscapes between them.
So, if the range is described as 8miles then you can consider it around 3 to 4 miles.
Most of the two-way radios will have a range between 20 to 50 miles.
Features
You can look for additional gear and other equipment features while buying walkie talkie.
Some devices come with features like noise cancellation and privacy codes.
Other features that you can look for includes backlit LCD screen, Jack for microphone or speaker, Income alerts, Weather radio etc.
Batteries
This is an important factor one should consider before choosing a walkie talkie.
There use to be mainly AA or AAA batteries but nowadays the use of lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery or Nickel-Cadmium battery are also common.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Related to Best Walkie Talkie
Can Walkie Talkies be Traced?
Walkie talkie are also known as two-way radios and it is very difficult to trace them.
Walkie talkies were eventually made for soldiers but then now it is used by security forces and even by common people use it for places where network is an issue.
How do I Choose a Walkie Talkie?
Walkie talkies can be selected by different categories and your usage.
First know the purpose of buying a walkie talkie is it for camping, trekking or for your kids etc.
Next select the range, frequency, features, battery back-up and other similar things.
Also consider if you are going to a wet land where you are going to expect rain or wet conditions then consider a waterproof walkie talkie as well.
Can I Use a Walkie Talkie Without a License?
If you are planning to buy a walkie talkie with “FRS/GMRS” label then have a license is necessary, but if you go for FRS or Family Radio Service then a license is not required.
Do Walkie Talkies Need Satellite?
Walkie-talkies can both send and receive radio messages and work on battery-powered transceivers.
Walkie-talkies use a push-to-talk (PTT) system and each powered unit contains a transmitter/receiver and antenna.
This sends and receives radio waves to one another and lets you communicate through walkie talkie.
Briefing it Up
Here we conclude our article on best walkie talkie to buy in 2020. Now if you are planning for a good long camping trip in the woods or if you are worried about your child when he or she goes out to play, simply keep a walkie talkie handy.
Walkie talkies are a golden invention that can save you from unwanted situations plus the new age walkie talkies are made specially for your convenience.
So, go through the above options and choose the perfect walkie talkie for any environment or place.