The 10 Best Two Way Radio Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Best two way radio
Best two way radio

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio

The Midland 50 channel waterproof two-way radio is designed for communication in open areas with little or no obstruction. This long range radio provides 36 mile range and is easy to operate with voice activation, 9 sensitivity levels for hands-free operation and 142 privacy codes so you can select the code that blocks other conversations. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Rechargeable

Keep in contact with your team! MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460s two-way radios offer a range of up to 20 miles and are simple to use. They come with a built-in LED light which provides emergency lighting when needed, and the radios can operate on rechargeable batteries that last up to 10 hours per charge. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Retevis H-777 Walkie Talkies for Adults Emergency

With a stronger and longer antenna, the Retevis H777 Walkie Talkies are perfect for long-distance communication. The FCC-compliant radio is designed to work in high-noise environments and has a range of up to 5km. It features an adjustable volume control, automatic squelch, and a privacy code option. Read Review

4. Best Powerful: Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios

The Motorola Talkabout T605 H2O two-way waterproof radios are built to withstand constant submersion of up to 1m for 30 minutes and repel the heaviest rain. Know the Weather In Advance: With 11 weather channels, you can stay updated with real-time weather conditions. Read Review

There are a lot of people that are looking for the best two-way radio. They want to find something that is affordable and also has the benefits that they need. Finding this balance is not always easy. With so many different options on the market, it can be tricky to know what you should be looking for. You don’t want to sacrifice quality over price, but at the same time, you also don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that doesn’t suit your needs.

Luckily, there are many great ways to find an affordable two-way radio that has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Read on for more information about the best two-way radio options out there and how you can get one for yourself without breaking the bank in the process.

Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio, which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and a number of different options are available to help you find the most suitable

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio
Our Score:
9.8
Midland
  • NOAA WEATHER SCAN + ALERT - NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area.
  • 36-MILE RANGE - Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction. Easy Voice and Sound Activation Transmission (eVOX) with 9 sensitivity levels for hands-free operation.
TOP Choice #2 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Rechargeable
Our Score:
9.7
Motorola Solutions
  • Keep updated with real-time weather conditions by turning on the weather channel or initiating weather alerts. With these capabilities, you will always be prepared for the unexpected.
  • Push-To-Talk (PTT) power boost allows you to extend the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output. It also saves battery life when no power boost is necessary.
TOP Choice #3 Retevis H-777 Walkie Talkies for Adults Emergency
Our Score:
9.6
Retevis
  • 1000 mAh rechargeable lithium battery; supports 10-12 hours of frequent use; standard USB charging method; each walkie-talkie has an independent adapter; portable and safe
  • Our walkie talkies is only FRS walkie talkies; the FCC ID is 2AAR8H777;our walkie talkies meet FCC rule part 95
4 Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios
Our Score:
9.5
Motorola Solutions
  • With 22 Channels And 121 Privacy Codes, Totaling 2,662 Combinations, It’S Easy To Find An Available Channel
  • Up To 35-Mile Voice Range And 20-Mile Data Range, Depending On Terrain And Conditions
  • The two way radio is extremely compact and slim for business use; featured with 16 channels and rich features; ensure you use license free radio
  • Includes six way multi gang charger with multiple charging protections; overcharge; over voltage and short circuit protection; more safer for charging the 6 pack 2 way radios or batteries at the same time
  • 【After-sales service】 pxton walkie-talkie, provide return and money back service within 30 days and lifetime customer service. If you have any problems, please tell us through the Amazon platform,our professional team will solve your after-sales problems as soon as possible
  • 【Durable battery】 Under normal circumstances,walkie talkie can be used for 8-96 hours with a full charge, and up to 8-12 hours with continuous use. The actual time depends on the frequency of use;3-4 hours to fully charge a battery with 0 capacity,long battery life
  • 2-WAY RADIOS - These license-free walkie-talkies feature 36 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, along with channel scan to check for activity.
  • HANDS-FREE - Easy Voice and Sound Activated Transmission (eVOX) for hands free operation. Also included: Belt clips (x2), carrying case, mic headsets, 1000mAh rechargeable battery packs (x2), desktop charger, AC wall adapter, USB car adapter, micro USB charging cable and an owner’s manual.
  • WATERPROOF & DUSTPROOF - IP67 STANDARD: Complete protection from dust and withstand water immersion for 30-minutes in 1-meter deep water.
  • SHOCK RESISTANT: Can withstand 2-meter drop plus rugged anti-slip design.
  • Each radio comes with a 1500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery and a charging dock; the charger comes with an AC wall-wart Type A plug and works in 110v-240v; it takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge; battery life is determined by transmit time;it lasts around 8 to 96 hours on a single charge depending on how much you transmit;you can charge the battery alone or charge the radio with battery installed
  • High quality built-in speaker on the radio provides loud and crystal clear sound; Push-to Talk button and built-in mic on the radio;each radio comes with a single-earbud style earpiece(foam piece included) with a microphone built in and a Push-to-Talk button; earpiece plug is K-type of 3.5mm plug and 2.5mm plug;when you plug in the earpiece,all sound goes to the earpiece and the radio speaker is silent;the radio has a VOX function
  • Display Type: Vfd
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Tips Are Recommended To Recognize Which Of best two way radio Will Satisfy You Most?

Some people are apprehensive about purchasing best two way radio. Numerous factors must be addressed while making a significant purchase. Our market expertise will help you make the best decision as soon as possible.

Article here will showcase some of the most notable things currently on the market and address frequently asked questions about them.

  • What are the product's attractions to the user?
  • Is this purchase a wise use of your time and money?
  • What is more prominent than other product lines in the current market?
  • Where is the supporting place for product-related issues?
  • What is the most effective way for clients to look for the ideal solution?

Until now, best two way radio is already one of the most indispensable items whose information sources are available on the internet today. The increase in reaching this product is as the growth of sales websites, online consulting forums, user evaluations, and comments.

The thing has been added to the list of products that have been subjected to technical testing and evaluation. Keep the following in mind:

Bluetooth Compatible

Bluetooth is an essential feature for two-way radios that allows you to communicate with your friends and family without having to use a lot of cables. Two-way radios that are Bluetooth compatible can provide longer distance group communications for motorcyclists, campers and hunters. Bluetooth pairing allows you to cut the cable that connects your headset to two-way radios. This makes it a cost-effective option for those who want to have group adventures with bikers, hunters, and other long range communication.

VOX & Hands-Free

This can prove to be a very useful function. The radio's microphone will remain on all times when this mode is activated. It will start transmitting when it hears your voice and then switch off when it stops. The socket will allow you to plug in a microphone or a headset. Some two-way radios don't come with VOX. Make sure you check out the specifications to see if it is available.

Weight And Size

Both weight and size play a major role in carrying all you need. Two-way radios are small and lightweight, so they can be carried in a bag or attached to your belt. Although smaller units can be more affordable than larger models, they might not offer as many features or provide the same protection. Heavy-duty, impact-resistant two-way units that are heavier and more durable are a better choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be tough.

Emergency Features

Your two-way radio is a great tool for emergency planning, whether you are camping, hiking or hunting. An Emergency Alert radio sends an alert to all radios within your radio group in case you need immediate help. There are many types of emergency alerts available, and they vary from brand to model. Some alerts combine a beacon flashing S.O.S with international Morse Code, others send a loud alarm to members of the group. These alerts block any activity on radios and get louder until someone responds.

Weatherproofing

You can't keep your two-way hidden in your bag, but there is a good chance it will be exposed to other conditions than the cool, mild, early summer sun when there is a gentle breeze blowing. It is important to consider the weatherproofing of your two-way. If you reside in an area with moderate temperatures and light to predictable rains, some models can withstand splashing water.
An entirely waterproof radio is an option. Many models are waterproof and can withstand severe rain. Some models can be submerged up to 30 minutes without causing any damage. A model that floats will be your best option if your radio is used for fisherman, fishing or crossing open waters. If you drop your model accidentally, it can be easily picked up from the water surface.

Number Of Handsets

You will need as many handsets as you can afford when purchasing two-way radios. While a twin-set may suffice for camping trips, busy warehouses might need more to ensure everyone is connected. The price per handset drops when you purchase in bulk. To meet every customer's requirements, we offer many two-way radio packages. If you need to add more handsets, we also have single handsets.

Weather Alerts

Mother Nature can be a notorious force. Regardless of how much we love her, Mother Nature can be brutal. You can stay up to date with the most recent alerts by choosing a dual-purpose radio. These radios automatically scan NOAA channels to transmit any alerts that are received. You can also tune in to a weather channel and receive alerts, as well.

Battery Type

Many two-way radios can be powered with regular alkaline batteries. Others have rechargeable batteries that include a dock. Two-way radios should not be used for longer than one day without power access. A model that takes both regular and multiple batteries is a better option if you are going on camping trips. We recommend regular 2-way rechargeable radios. This is because used batteries are expensive and can cause damage to the environment.

Maximum Range

When choosing a 2-way radio, the first thing to think about is how far you want them to travel. Consumer 2-way radios with a transmit power of 0.75W and the PMR446 frequency can travel up to 10 km. This could be possible only in the ideal circumstances: high above ground with no obstructions between radios. This range is unlikely to be achieved unless you use your walkie-talkies to connect between mountaintops. The maximum range in a dense urban setting is more likely to be lower. A good radio will provide sufficient range to reach the majority of people. You will require more power and range than that. They are more costly than the license-free model and require a license.

Channels & Privacy Codes

Two-way radios that are license-free have a fixed frequency they can transmit on. PMR446 The majority of two-way radios without a license have 8 to 16 channels. These tune the frequency at which handsets communicate. There are usually privacy codes in addition to channels. These codes do not protect your transmissions, contrary to the title. They allow you to talk freely and without being interrogated by others. This can prove problematic if your use them in an area such as a ski resort, where many other two-way radios are in use.

FAQs

How Is Scanning Used In Commercial Applications?

2 channel scan is the most widely used scanning program. A two channel scan is when an enterprise uses radios with specific work groups. Channel one can be assigned to production, while channel two goes to maintenance. Channel three is for shipping. Although it is impossible to hear all the departments conversing, it is possible to communicate with everyone on occasion. Every radio sets up to check for activity on the channel it is assigned and another channel (known collectively as the all-call channel). Here, the radios of production workers are looking for activity on both channel 1 and all channel 1. Radios used by maintenance workers scan for activity on channels three and all call.

Is VHF Or UHF Better?

The frequency band that a radio can operate within is called VHF (very high frequency), or UHF [ultra high frequency]. VHF operates between 136 and 174 MHz, while UHF operates between 400 and 512 MHz. Wave length is shorter the higher frequency. A signal will travel farther if it has a longer wave length. It is easier for the signal's to penetrate if the wave length is shorter. VHF broadcasts better over open water and from an unobstructed location to another. For broadcasting through buildings or other obstructions, UHF is better than VHF.

Do Stubby Antennas Work As Well As The Regular Length 2 Way Radio Antennas?

An antenna with a stubby shape has the same antenna length as an antenna of regular length, but the antenna's actual wire is wrapped around a mast to create a shorter or stubby profile. Although they may appear to have the same coverage, this is rarely true. A low-profile antenna is better if you get good reception with a slim antenna.

Why Do 2 Way Radios Have Multiple Channels?

Every channel can be programed at a different frequency. Most modern 2 way radios can have between 4 and 16 channels, although some radios may have up to 256 channels. Channel one will be the only channel that broadcasts on the frequency being used. It is beneficial for commercial applications to have different communication depending on the work group or whereabouts. Radios can be used by schools to broadcast the news. Teachers and administrators might prefer one channel.

How Many Radios Can I Use One Location?

You can use as many radios at any location you wish, regardless of the license. To manage communication better, we suggest that the channel's users be limited to ten.

Can I Change The Frequencies On My 2 Way Radios?

Many commercial-grade 2 way radios can be programmed from either a computer onboard or via a PC. Although you cannot change VHF to UHF, the radio can be programmed with a PC or on-board programming. However, it can alter the frequencies in the band.

How Far Do 2 Way Radios Broadcast?

Broadcast distances of commercial-grade hand-held radios are generally between one and two miles. While VHF radios can broadcast further, they do not penetrate as far. UHF radios transmit a greater distance and have better penetration.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of A 2 Way Radio?

Two-way radios of commercial grade are made to comply with Military Specifications as well as Intrusion Protection standards. These radios can live for a long time if they are maintained and used in accordance with the specifications. Two-way radios can last up to 10 years. But radio batteries rarely last more than 3 to 4 years.

Do Radios Of One Brand Communicate With Other Radio Brands?

Multiple radios from one radio brand can be used to communicate with each other. These things need to be communicated together:
- Radios should be in the same frequency band as each other (VHF,UHF, etc.).
+ VHF and UHF radios cannot communicate with one another. These radios use different frequency bands or ranges. VHF operates at frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz. MHz is the mega hertz. UHF uses frequency ranges between 300 MHz - 3 GHz (GHz stands for giga hertz).
- Radios should be set to use the same frequency and tone codes for each channel.
- Digital radios that transmit in digital must use the same protocol. These are the two-way radio digital protocols.
+ DMR
+ MOTOTRBO / DMR
+ IDAS
+ NXDN
To ensure that the radios work in conjunction, make sure to check with your dealer.

What Is 2 Way Radio VOX?

Voice activation is VOX. VOX promises hands-free operation. "Speak and the radio will open to broadcast your message." However, voice activation should actually be called sound activation. The VOX function on a 2-way radio can't distinguish between a call to help or the usual grunts, groans and grunts of normal physical activity. VOX may cause more problems than it solves. We do not recommend VOX being used in commercial applications.

In summary, we will update best two way radio list as soon as new information is available. For the latest news, please visit our websites regularly or subscribe to our newsletter.

Please not feel hesitant to contact us if you have any queries or difficulties with best two way radio. If you ask, we'll do everything we can to help!


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.