Two-way radios (also known as trans-receivers) are a great way to stay in touch with your hunting, hiking or skiing pals at different spots in the backcountry, trails, mountain or anywhere you can’t easily get a cell signal. These handy devices can both receive and transmit signals and are also good for campers and communicating with others in a large home or if you are out in a large group.
However, there are several brands and models of two-way radios with different specs, buttons, and frequencies, so what are the best two-way radios to look at? How can you select the best two-way radio for your next adventure from different brands and models available on the market today? In this post, we will cover the factors and features to consider to select the best two-way radio for your needs. We’ll also provide you a quick comparison chart and give you the review of the top-rated models on the market today.
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How To Choose The Best Two-Way Radios in 2021
All two-way radios have a similar mode of operation, and that makes it difficult to differentiate one from the other. However, there are many factors and features that make a two-way radio extra-ordinary and different from others in the saturated market. The things to keep in mind when shopping for a two-way radio includes:
Purpose
Why are you looking for the best two-way radio and what do you need it for? This is the very first question you need to ask yourself, and your answer to this question will stand as a starting point for your search. A two-way radio that is designed for camping purposes might not work well of hunting or other purposes. That is why you should highlight why you need a two-way radio and look for one that can meet your needs. For instance, you can select a radio with an IP67 waterproof rating that can survive accidental splashes or immersion in water if you intend to use the radio for fishing or water prone expeditions.
Weight and size
The size and weight of your two-way radio is a very important factor to consider when selecting a suitable two-way radio for outdoor situations. You’ll want a radio that is lightweight and not bulky so that you won’t mar your outdoor experience with excess luggage especially if you’re going on a long-distance expedition.
If you are a mountaineer or skier, look for a radio with an ergonomic shape that can allow you to use it easily with gloves. You can also go for a model whose body length is similar to the length of its antenna; this provides the highest power in a very portable package.
Configuration
Two- way radios come in two different configurations – the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and the Family Radio Service (FRS). The radios with FRS configuration are low-power unit; they use a low amount of power and transmits over a shorter distance. They transmit on seven shared channels and seven FRS channels to make a total of 14 channels. So, you can go for this model if you only want to use the radio to communicate with your family or friends on the trail.
On the other hand, radios with GMRS configuration are higher powered units, i.e., they use a higher amount of power to transmit, and they can transmit over longer distances; this makes them ideal for outdoor situations. They also come with a higher number of channels (up to a total of 22 channels).
Wattage
Generally, the higher the wattage of a two-way radio, the higher its ability to cover longer distances. For instance, the FRS only models have its highest wattage rating of 0.5 watts and offer you a maximum range of 6 miles while a GMRS model with 1 or 2 watts can offer you a range between 8 – 25 miles. Although the GMRS technology allows up to 50 watts (maximum power output); this high wattage is used for base stations while the low wattage models of about 1 or 2 watts are used recreational and handheld purposes.
The main benefit of GMRS models with higher power output is that they tend to improve the total quality of the signal. This is because they can manage the coverage failure that may occur as a result of the obstruction (such as buildings, or hills) within a radio user’s line of sight. However, they are expensive and use more battery power, so you’ll have to consider what you want to use it for and decide if you need a device with long battery life or longer ranges.
Frequency
Two-way radios use either Ultra High Frequency (UHF) or Very High Frequency (VHF). Two-way radios using UHF are ideal for both outdoor and indoor use because they have higher potency and can bypass obstructions. The models using the VHF are only ideal for outdoor use since they better travel through open areas and stay close to the ground.
Battery life
Most radios are powered by AAA or AA batteries and can accept rechargeable NiMH batteries or disposable alkaline batteries while others come with their own rechargeable battery. If you do not want your radio to die off while you’re in the middle of your outdoor activities, you’ll have to select a model with good battery life or one that can support rechargeable and replaceable batteries, so that you can change the battery when the power goes down.
Price
Two-way radios come with different price tags so, you can easily find one that suits your budget. However, you should always remember that the best two-way radio for you does not have to be expensive. So, when you’re choosing a two-way radio, your focus should be on its quality and not its price. You can get a quality two-way radio at an affordable cost while others may be more expensive depending on the manufacturer.
Features
You should also consider the following features:
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Paging and calling features
The pre-set tones of the radio can help you grab the attention of your hiking, hunting or skiing pals before you start talking. However, if you are using the radio for hunting, you may want to look for a model that you can set to vibrate instead of making audible tones that can scare your game away.
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VOX
The VOX (voice-activated) feature automatically starts broadcasting when you speak in the radio’s direction thereby allowing you to operate the device hands-free. Skiers and mountain bikers will find this feature to be very useful.
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Scanning
This feature will help you browse through the channel, so you can find the one your pals or group is using. It can also help you find an empty channel that you and your group can use.
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Noise filter
This feature allows you to enhance the range and improve the signal clarity.
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Keypad lock
Radios with this feature allow you to lock its keypad so that your settings will not be changed accidentally or prevent inadvertent initiation of unwanted commands while you go about your outdoor activities.
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GPS/Texting Units
Radios with this feature do not only allow you to talk and listen – but they’ll also let you transmit your GPS location or location coordinate to your pals. You can also link a cellphone and send or receive text messages from other users that have similar feature or setup. However, radios with this feature can be more expensive.
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Hands-free
Radios with this feature comes with jacks for headphones, microphones or both for handsfree operation. Cycling, Kayaking, skiing enthusiasts or lovers of other active sports, where stopping to answer calls might be impossible will find this feature to be very useful.
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Weather radio
A radio with this feature allow you to explore the NOAA weather band stations and check the weather conditions or your local weather forecast. This feature is useful for anyone although the backcountry adventurers will find it to be an essential feature.
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Interference-eliminator or privacy codes
In a very busy area, the 22 channels offered by two-way radios might be occupied or easily get occupied, and this might hamper your communication with your pals. For this reason, most two-way radio manufacturer adds a Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System (CDCSS) or Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System to their devices to allow you to communicate with your friends by using a busy main channel with privacy codes.
For instance, instead of trying to use Channel 4 to connect to your friend, you can use a combination of the privacy code and the channel (like Channel 4 and Code 70) to minimize unwanted chatters or interferences on the main channel. So, you can go for a device with more privacy codes as they would be more useful in areas with lots of two-way radio users.
Now that we know the features and factors to consider when choosing a two-way radio let us see the best two-way radios in the market today for different purposes.
Top 8 Best Two-Way Radios Reviews in 2021
Product | Channel | Range |
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1. Midland GXT1000VP4 | 50 | Up to 36 miles |
2. Motorola MS350R | 22 | Up to 35 miles |
3. Cobra ACXT545 | 22 | Up to 28 miles |
4. Midland GXT1050VP4 | 50 | Up to 36 miles |
5. Garmin Rino 750 | 12 | Up to 20 miles |
6. Cobra MR HH450 | 15 | Up to 15 miles |
7. Motorola Talkabout | 22 | Up to 20 miles |
8. Car Guardiance walkie talkies for kids | 22 | 3 miles |
1. Midland GXT1000VP4 – Best two-way radio for hunting
If you are looking for a two-way radio that is capable of seeing you through the toughest outdoor situation, where your mobile phone is not dependable, then the GXT1000VP4 walkie talkie from Midland might be all you need. The device features tough and durable construction and boosts of a long range of 36 miles which is very useful for camping and other outdoor expeditions.
The device works with both GMRS and FMS frequencies and comes with 142 privacy codes and all the 22 channels as well as extra 28 channels to give you a total of 3,124 channels. It is portable and handy and weighs just 4.8 ounces, so it won’t be an additional load to carry or a burden to bear. The unit is water resistant to protect the device from rainfall and occasional splashes.
The device will also get you live weather updates from the ten available NOAA channels which can help you to plan your outdoor activities and expeditions better. The radio also comes with user manual, DC adapter, AC adapter, desktop charger, headsets, belt clips, and rechargeable battery packs that can last up to 11 hours on a full charge. It offers audible, vibration and silent alert functions which makes it the ideal radio for hunting without scaring off the wildlife near you. Most of all, it comes with a 3-year warranty for quality related issues and manufacturing defects.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long range
- Durability
- The high number of channels and privacy code
- 3-year warranty
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Weather scan feature
Cons
- No group mode or direct messaging option
2. Motorola MS350R – Best waterproof radio for fishing trips
Motorola is one of the big brands that has been recognized for its quality of mobile phones and gadgets. So, going for a two-way radio that is manufactured by this brand is enough to keep you rest assured that you’re getting nothing but a quality radio. This MS350R from Motorola delivers a solid performance in any outdoor situation.
You might be wondering, what is so special about this radio, and what remarkable feature does it have. Well, most radios offer a range of 25 miles which might not even cover up to 2 miles in a real outdoor situation. However, the MS350R offers a whopping range of 35 miles so you are sure you have a device that can cover more than 2 miles. Besides, it comes with certified IP67 protection against water, dust, and other weather elements; this makes it the ideal two-way radio for hunting, skiing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
It’s quality construction materials and its IP67 rated protection against heavy downpours, slashes, and immersion in water means it is built to last. It has a compact size and weighs just about 6.4 ounces, this means, it won’t be a burden to carry along with you on your outdoor expeditions.
The device features a belt clip, eight repeaters, 22 channels, 121 privacy codes, and PTT Power Boost Feature, and uses both GMRS and FRS frequencies – this means that this radio is designed to deliver heavy-duty performance. The device also features a very attractive design and comes with a stand, radio cable, and two strong removable and rechargeable batteries and can even be used with 3AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about its battery life.
Pros
- Sleek contemporary design
- Removable and rechargeable batteries
- Waterproof (IP67 ratings)
- Durable
- Long range
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some users complained about its range
3. Cobra ACXT545 – Best radio for skiers and mountain bikers
Cobra is one of the leading American designers and marketers of navigation and mobile communication products and is credited with the manufacture of the world’s 1st CB radio over five decades ago. The ACXT545 walkie talkie from Cobra Electronics boasted the brands standard, quality, and technological innovations.
The ACXT545 is built to last, it offers a long range of 28 miles and comes with in-built NOAA radio receiver to alert you of storms, rain, and other weather updates. It comes with IPX2 ratings which means that it is water resistant and can survive light rain and occasional splashes. The radio offers 22 channels with 121 privacy codes to give you a total of 2662 channels.
Its rubberized grips and in-built LED flashlight provide better functionality whether you’re using it for mountain biking, skiing or camping. You’ll also find its VibrAlert feature which notifies you of an incoming call or its Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) feature for hands-free operation useful especially if you’re a biking or skiing enthusiast. The radio is lightweight (it weighs just 2.24 ounces) and comes with two rechargeable batteries that can be substituted by 6 AA batteries.
Pros
- VOX feature for handsfree operation
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- in-built NOAA radio receiver
- vibrating alert
- water resistant
- 2662 channels
Cons
- The battery runs out within 8 hours
4. Midland GXT1050VP4 – Best radio for mountain hunting expeditions
The GXT1050VP4 from Midland is one of the bestselling two-way radios you can rely on for your hunting expeditions. The unit comes in a rugged water resistant and weatherproof package with a camouflage pattern and has a reported range of 36 miles, but you’ll get up to 5 miles of excellent performance in mountain hunting situations.
The device comes with GMRS frequencies, so you’ll have to get the right FCC license to operate it in that frequency mode. The device comes with a dual watch to monitor two channels and has 50 channels with 142 privacy code to make a total of 3,124 channels, so you’ll have plenty of channel options to block other conversations. It also comes with NOAA weather scan/alert/radio for a weather update, five animal call alerts (wolf, cougar, crow, duck, and turkey), and silent or vibrate feature to mute all tones. This feature makes it a great walkie talkie for hunters.
The most impressive feature is its sound crispness and its Auto Squelch feature – even in its whisper mode (during emergencies or when you don’t want to scare off your game) you can whisper, and your hunting party will hear you clearly. Its direct and group call is also very functional. This radio also comes with AC and DC adapter, a desktop charger, belt clips, boom mic headsets for handsfree use and rechargeable battery packs.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long range
- Durability
- The high number of channels and privacy code
- 3-year warranty
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Weather scan feature
Cons
- Some users complained about its battery life
- No FRS
5. Garmin Rino 750 – Best radio with GPS for hikers
If you are looking for a two-way radio with contemporary features for your hiking, camping, climbing, hunting and other outdoor adventure, then the Garmin Rino 750 is for you. This walkie talkie comes with a large 3-inch touchscreen display that is readable in any lighting condition. This 5-watt radio support both GMRS and FRS frequencies and features GLONASS and dual GPS satellite reception for better location tracking in environments that are challenging.
The Rino 750 comes with animated weather radar and Active Weather support to alert you of the storms or give you other weather updates, and position reporting feature to broadcast your location to your group or pals. You can also operate the device handsfree and wirelessly using its Bluetooth audio headset. The device offers 38 privacy codes with 12 channels and a long range of 20 miles; it also comes with IPX7 waterproof protection, this means that it can survive heavy downpour, occasional splashes, and immersion in water.
The device also comes with LED flash/torch, 8-megapixel camera, barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass, preloaded TOPO maps, and rechargeable lithium ion battery but can also be powered with AA batteries.
Pros
- Touchscreen display
- Comes with GPS
- Waterproof
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Position reporting
- NOAA Weather update feature
- 8-megapixel camera
- Support microSD card
Cons
- Pricey
6. Cobra MR HH450 – Best for kayaking and fishing
The MR HH450 from Cobra Electronics is another perfect companion for use on snowmobiles, boats, fishing, road trips, camping, and other outdoor activities. The radio features the rugged and durable design that we have always known Cobra products for and can even float on water; this makes it one of the most reliable two-way radios for your outdoor needs.
This model also features the emergency and NOAA weather alerts with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME). It offers a range of 15 miles and 15 channels that can be paired with 121 privacy codes to give you a total of 1815 channel options to choose from. You can also replay and listen to your missed VHF calls using its Rewind-Say-Again feature.
Its Watt Selection feature allows you to choose between different watt output (1, 3, or 6 W) for long or short-range communications. The unit comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery, but you can also use AA batteries to supplement its battery life.
Pros
- VOX feature
- Lightweight
- Rugged design
- in-built NOAA radio receiver
- removable antenna
- can float on water
- Rewind-Say-Again feature to listen to missed VHF calls
Cons
- The battery runs out within 8 hours
7. Motorola Talkabout – Best radio for camping
This walkie talkie is another great offering from Motorola. It features a rugged housing that is designed for solid, functional operations as well as great looks. It comes in a compact size with strategically placed big buttons for easy operation even when you’re wearing gloves.
The radio comes with an IP54 rating which means that it can survive dust, snow, rain or occasional water splashes. It offers a long range of 20 miles with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes to minimize interruption and has an in-built LED light that is very useful for emergency lighting. The radio comes with rechargeable NiMH battery and features dual power mode, which means, you can use the standard AA batteries when it’s rechargeable battery run out of battery juice.
Pros
- LED light for emergencies
- Lightweight
- Rugged design
- Easy to use
- water resistant
- up to 15 hours of battery life
Cons
- N/A
8. Car Guardiance walkie talkies for kids – Best two-way radio for kids
If you’re looking for the best walkie talkie for your kids, then this might be all you need. The radio comes in colorful design as well as compact and ergonomic design, so your child can easily grip it firmly and operate it. It’s with a host of features including intelligent alarm system, anti-wandered off, VOX function, channel lock, adjustable volume and many more.
The radio offer 3-mile range with 22 GMRS/FRS channels and in-built LED flashlight with a backlit display which made it ideal for use in a dark environment. It comes with a soft carrying bag and is powered by 3 AAA batteries
Pros
- VOX feature
- Lightweight
- Beautiful and colorful design
- in-built LED light
- easy to use
- affordable
Cons
- No dual power option (no rechargeable battery)
Two-Way Radios in 2021 FAQs
Do I need a two-way radio?
Yes, especially if you engage in outdoor activities like hunting, camping, biking, hiking and many more, the chances are that you may take your outdoor expedition to the backcountry or a remote location where cell signals may be unavailable. Here, a two-way radio is your best solution to stay in touch with your group or friends and share information, ideas or plans.
Why are most two-way radio with long-range spec unable to perform in the real outdoor situation?
Most radios come with 20 – 25 miles or more; however, this listed range is calculated based on ideal situations especially in the open area where there is no obstruction. Unfortunately, the real outdoor situations are not ideal, and this will reduce the range limit of the device so that it cannot offer you its maximum range limit. However, you should go devices with the long range as they would be able to offer you up to 5 or more miles in areas with obstructions to the line of sight with another user.
What are the best two – way radios available today?
Sure, there are many brands and models of two-way radios on the market today. But in the review above, we have outlined and analyzed the eight best radios for different purposes that you’ll find on the market today. Feel free to make your choice.
Conclusion
Getting a two-way radio is not enough! Getting a good one with an awesome performance for a fun-filled outdoor experience is the real deal. In this edition, we have reviewed some of the best two-way radios in the market today as well as their strengths, weaknesses and ideal purposes.
So, what are you waiting for? Head straight to the market today and purchase a walkie talkie that suits your needs from the ones we reviewed above, and you will be glad you did!
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