Best Walkie Talkies 2021
In this Guide
From family hikes to sporting events, two-way radios (aka walkie-talkies) are a fantastic way for people who want to stay in touch with one another. Walkie-talkies can come in handy not only for recreational purposes but also as an amazing communication tool. If you are out to buy one of these, you should look at their extensive battery life and range. Not only this, when purchasing walkie-talkies from your local electronics store or going online you should know that they will work well no matter the situation!
It is no secret that two-way radios are one of the cheapest ways to communicate. What might be lesser-known, however, is how they offer a multitude of other benefits for those who use them! The most obvious benefit would be their ability to function when cell phone service has been lost or had gone out due to weather conditions. While it may not seem like an overly exciting feature at first glance, this can actually save lives in emergency situations – and you don’t need any fancy equipment thanks to these modern marvels! The good news is there are other options out there for communication when your phone craps out; two-way radios that cost less than $20 could let family members stay in touch without breaking their bank account or cutting into their monthly data plan. These walkie-talkies come with basic call capabilities at an affordable price point so they won’t break anyone’s budget – not even those living paycheck-to-paycheck like me who always have money going toward bills first before getting any spending cash left over at all.
With the increasing prevalence of outdoor activities, it is important to have a walkie-talkie that will allow you to be in contact with your friends and family. As they are the best way to stay in touch with your loved ones while on a long trip. They’re also great for camping, hiking, or doing any other outdoor adventure!
We have listed down the top things you should consider before you buy your walkie-talkie.
Things to Consider before choosing the Best Walkie Talkie
1) VHF versus UHF
When making a selection, do consider whether you want a VHR radio or a UHF. VHR radios operate at 126 to 174 MHz and work well over long distances where there is little interference from buildings and landscapes. They usually have longer antennas than the shorter range UHF radios which make them good for penetrating foliage and trees making it more difficult if not impossible to skip channels when in use with another person’s device that operates on different frequencies like CBs, HAMs, etcetera.
Newer digital walkie-talkies can be tuned to operate on both the UHF and VHF frequencies for optimal use. However, many older radios only have one type of frequency that they work best on – either 800 MHz or 900 MHZ which is lower than 400-512 MHz but still allows communication through walls in some circumstances.
UHF radio waves are more versatile as they allow you to communicate with others inside buildings where a signal would not otherwise go through without being refracted by other objects like glass windows. They also do well in challenging environmental conditions such as heavy fog because their wavelengths are shorter so there isn’t much interference from dirt particles floating around near ground level; this makes them ideal if you want your devices portable when adventuring.
2) Distance
In order to maintain communication with walkie-talkies, it is important that they have a range of at least 8 miles. Walkie-talkies are limited by the fact that any barriers between two units can significantly reduce or even cut off their coverage altogether- this includes buildings and landscapes such as hillsides. The best option for those who need long-lasting connectivity would be purchasing a 2-way radio which has much greater reach than anywhere from 20 to 50 miles depending on what you choose within your budget!
3) Features
What do you need in a two-way? A hands-free gear, a headset, and other accompanying equipment. Some gadgets also come with privacy codes or noise-canceling features which are great for hunting purposes as they prevent the person from pressing any buttons by mistake and making mistakes that would ruin the hunt.
If buying your two-way radio is an important task to take care of then make sure to buy one equipped with all these types of additional features on top of vibration so it can easily be used when going out on hunts where there might not always be much time to stop what you’re doing just because someone decided they needed something else at this moment!
4) Batteries
Walkie-talkies run on different types of batteries. Lower-end gadgets tend to use AA or AAA batteries, but the most current radios use a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or one that is Nickel Cadmium based. It’s important to know how long your walkie-talkies will last when you’re looking for them because some require extra charge time and spare parts like new AAs (like if they are digital). The life span of these devices can range from 90% standby time which includes 5% reception/transmission down to just 10%.
5) Channels
Walkie-talkies are a great way to keep up with your friends. A number of walkie-talkies also come equipped with different channels for various needs, and understanding what these can offer you will help determine which type is right for you! There’re twenty channels in total, so the more available there are, the higher priced it’ll be – but knowing how exactly they’ll benefit you before making that purchase really does make all the difference. With an extensive selection at your disposal on any given day or night out without worry about running out of battery power as well as plenty of ways to communicate via multiple people simultaneously chatting back and forth with one another; this nifty little device comes highly recommended by anyone who’s used them firsthand!
To find out exactly what you need from a walkie-talkie before buying one, we’ll teach you all about them here. Here are some things one should know before buying a new walkie-talkie as well as our top recommended best walkie-talkie devices for 2021!
Top 10 Best Walkie Talkies of 2021
1) Midland GXT1000VP4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long range 36 miles communication | Not waterproof |
| Battery last for 8 to hours | Rechargeable batteries wear out quickly |
| Automatic alerts in case of hazards | |
| Two headsets | |
| Privacy codes to communicate privately | |
| Powerful microphone with whisper mode on |
Best Walkie Talkie for Hiking
The Midland GXT1000VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio set is a great option for those who enjoy being outdoors. The device has up to 284 privacy codes, transmitting automatically when the user’s voice is detected without having to press any buttons! With its 36 mile range and ability to check whichever channel it needs with no extra effort makes this radio handset is perfect for long trips in nature or camping excursions.
The GXT1000VP4 two-way radio is not only lightweight but also easy to carry around–you can either clip it onto your belt or keep it in your pocket since the unit just measures about as big as a phone. The set comes with a rechargeable battery pack that will last for up to eight hours so you won’t have any problems staying connected without worrying about power sources. There are two radios per set and they come together with accessories such as car adapters and desktop chargers!
2) BaoFeng UV-5R
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 128 channels | Not waterproof |
| Long lasting BL-5Li-ion battery (7.4V 1500mAh) | Low range of coverage |
| Large LCD display and LED flashlight | |
| Great reception | |
| Great frequency range | |
| Dual reception and dual watch |
Best Walkie Talkie for Camping
The BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio is a VHF/UHF receiver. The radio comes with two power levels, 4 watts and 1 watt in the frequency range of 136–174 MHz and 400-480MHz respectively. The UV-5R is economical and compact featuring a special VFU receive band from 65 -108MHz as well as the regular FM broadcast band that you can enjoy on this gadget. It boasts 128 memories for programming frequencies (including repeaters) which makes it easier to use than other radios popular among amateur hobbyists who like hamming around or camping out at night time making new friends over long distances! What’s more? This device supports dual reception so you can tune into 2 different signals simultaneously!
3) Motorola MR350R
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Weatherproof | Cannot submerge it in water |
| Range of up to 35 miles | |
| Great battery life of up to 8 hours | |
| Superb ergonomic design | |
| 22 channels, each with 121 Privacy codes | |
| Silent vibrating ringer |
Best Walkie Talkie for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two Way Radio is a great option for those who need to stay in touch with each other over long distances. This walkie-talkie offers communications that last up to 35 miles, and this means no matter where you are there will be someone on the same channel as you able to answer your call. You can use it anywhere! The device comes equipped with an ergonomic design which makes it easy to carry around–even easier than before thanks to its lightweight frame. With dual-band capabilities, meaning both GMRs and FRs bands work together simultaneously without interference from one another, more channels exist to offer even better communication possibilities across vast ranges of land or sea.
The Motorola MR350R is a small, lightweight walkie-talkie that has hands-free operation features. You can clip it onto your belt or carry them around in your pocket because of its discreet size and weightlessness! There are 121 different privacy codes to allow you to create thousand private channels while the product comes with 1 user’s guide, 1 emergency preparedness checklist, 2 rechargeable AA battery packs, and 2 belt clips.
4) Cobra Walkie-Talkie microTalk CXR925
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Communicates up to a 35-mile range | Batteries cannot be replaced with loose batteries in the field |
| NOAA weather and emergency alerts | |
| VOX feature helps to detect the user’s voice | |
| Security feature on the keypad | |
| Digital voice recorder included | |
| Auto squelch feature to remove unwanted noise |
Best Walkie Talkie for Hiking
The Cobra CXR925 is a great choice for any hiker looking to keep in contact with other hikers. With 22 channels available, both GMRS and FRS ranges, 142 privacy codes, as well as an SOS signal that can travel up to 35 miles depending on the terrain you’re hiking through-this device, has it all! The best part of this product? Batteries are rechargeable AA lithium batteries so they do not have proprietary battery packs which save space inside your bag while out exploring nature’s beauty.
The Cobra CXR925 walkie-talkies are well built with a discreet size and lightweight. These units come in a waterproof, compact design that is rugged for any circumstance you might find yourself in. The unit includes an interesting feature called the Rewind Say Again Digital voice recorder to allow playback on your last 20 seconds of audio as well as transmit saved messages at will! Other features include a key lock, LCD display, a belt clip for convenient carrying around anywhere – even while doing sports or running errands; 10 channel memory system provides versatility when designing a group chat between friends to keep up-to-date without having interruptions from other people talking nearby; VOX function allows hands-free conversations making this product incredibly easy to use whether it be through work or for leisure.
5) Proster Walkie Talkies
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to carry around | Cannot be used over long distances |
| UHF 400-457 MHz | Fewer channels with no privacy codes |
| Supports 16 channels to a range of 2 miles | Not waterproof |
| Built-in flashlight | |
| DCS and CTCSS Function minimize noise | |
| Excellent build quality |
Best Walkie Talkie for Business Purposes
The Proster 16 channel two-way radio is a unique and innovative product for people that need to stay in touch with each other from a short distance. These walkie-talkies are designed specifically for businesses, such as construction firms or supermarkets, security officers at large events like the Super Bowl, and recreational activities like field survival training, camping trips, hiking trails, or bike paths. They’re lightweight so they can be carried around comfortably without weighing you down when it’s time to go exploring! The radios work on UHF 400-475 MHz frequencies which give them up to sixteen channels of communication between users no matter how far apart they may be – perfect if you want your team members scattered over an area but still have coverage throughout all sections of the map!
Not only this, the Proster 16 Channel two-way radio is great for those who work in loud environments. The features of the unit include a CTCSS and DCS function that reduces noise, as well as an 8-hour battery life with 2 USB chargers, included so you can charge your batteries anywhere! With this device, there are no more worries about interference or unwanted noises coming through when trying to communicate over long distances. Communication will be clear on both ends due to the earpiece microphone which has been designed specifically for private communication within any kind of environment – even noisy ones like construction sites.
6) Retevis H-777 2 
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting 1500mAh Li-ion battery | Flimsy antenna |
| VOX function | Coverage is poor indoors |
| Heavy-duty plastic cases | |
| Hands-free experience | |
| Built-in LED torch | |
| CTCSS and DCS Function that reduces noises |
Best Walkie Talkie for Parents
The Retevis H-777 is one of the best short-range walkie-talkies on the market today. Available as a pair, to 20 units at once, it comes with an affordable price tag and all sorts of features parents want in their child’s device. Just like Proster 16 Channel Two-Way radio equipment, this model has 16 channels and uses 400—475 MHz for crystal clear communication that blocks out unwanted noises or interference signals from other devices. It also includes CTCSS Function which removes any loud background noise while still ensuring you can hear your voice clearly due to its hands-free design made specifically for children who need both ears open!
Not only this, the Retevis H-777 16 Channel Two Way Radios are the perfect solution for any situation. The plastic casing is durable, lightweight, and easy to grip which means it can withstand falls or accidental drops from kids while being extremely sturdy at the same time! Each unit also has a built-in LED torch that allows you to see better when navigating dark spaces without disturbing your partner with its light. There’s no need for worries about battery life either because these radios have an excellent range of up to 5km (3 miles)!
7) Swiftion Rechargeable Kids
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in flashlight | Not waterproof |
| CTCSS/ DCS function to minimize noise | Low range of coverage |
| Good battery life | There are no privacy codes |
| VOX function | |
| 2 channels 462-467 MHz FRS/GMRS | |
| Wireless communication up to 9000 feet |
Best Walkie Talkie for Kids
Swiftion 22 channel kids’ walkie-talkies are a great gift for any kid in your life! They have a user-friendly design that is easy to use and communicate with. The Swiftions come with a solid construction, perfect for regular use. These gadgets operate on 462 – 467 FRS/GMRS band and support up to 22 channels providing you an effective range of 9000 feet without worrying about interference from other radio signals nearby or using extra batteries! With this many features, it’s no wonder these gadgets make such great gifts because they will certainly bring lots of fun into their lives while also giving children a sense of independence when communicating outside their families’ homes.
The Swiftion 22 channels Two Way Radios have good sound quality. They create reliable connections and are flexible without compromising on privacy with the CTCSS/DCS feature that blocks signals, minimizing noise by setting the same channel for all walkie-talkies to enjoy together! Another amazing function is VOX which allows you to transmit when pressing the PTT button isn’t necessary anymore.
8) FLOUREON Two Pack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Range of coverage of up to 3km | Not waterproof |
| UHF462-467MHz supports 22 channels | Low range of coverage |
| Good sound quality | |
| Adjustable volume | |
| Ergonomic design | |
| LCD backlit display |
Best Walkie Talkie for Kids
Floureon walkie-talkies offer a 22 channel PMR system that is very easy to use. Unlike most other devices, it comes with an ergonomic design and attractive colors making them ideal for kids. Their unique design makes it comfortable and fun to hold these gadgets as they are designed in such a way your hands will never go numb or cramp up from holding the device incorrectly.
Also, Floureon walkie-talkies have high-quality speakers that filter out annoying crackling sounds found in other low-grade models. It comes with an ergonomic design and attractive colors, making them a perfect choice for kids!
9) ESYNiC Long Range
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports 16 channels | No privacy codes |
| Long-range of up to 5 kilometers | Limited channels for the user |
| CTCSS/DCS function minimizes unwanted noises | |
| Built LED torch | |
| PC programmable | |
| Light and portable designs |
Best Walkie Talkie for Outdoor Enthusiasts
ESYNiC Two-Way Radios are perfect for people who might be unfamiliar with the specifications of walkie-talkies. These handsets come in a simple design and have 16 channels, making it easy to use them during any situation you could think up! The radios also feature a LED light that makes using these devices at night much easier than if they didn’t exist. Another interesting thing about ESYNiC two-way radios is how well they can reduce noise and interference when trying to communicate within 5 kilometers of each other – all you need is three or more different frequencies on either side before this will happen automatically. It’s important not only for reliability but because the goal was never just convenience: safety comes first too!
ESYNIC Walkie Talkies are the new generation of two-way radios. They come in a discreet size and are lightweight so you can carry them around easily. The earpieces allow for private communication while the two antennas help to improve range coverage, making them perfect for any situation.
10) Uniden MHS75
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rating IPX8 | Charging cradle is not waterproof |
| Solid construction | Large and bulky |
| Large Display | |
| Good sound quality | |
| Long-lasting battery | |
| Retails at an affordable price |
Best Walkie Talkie for Travelers
The Uniden MHS75 Submersible 2-Way Marine Radio is one of the top-rated submersible walkie-talkies available on the market today. With a waterproofing rating of IPX8, this two-way radio can withstand submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes at depths and it’s made from tough die-cast aluminum metal weighing 10.5 ounces with dimensions that are 2 inches wide x 4 inches tall x 1 inch deep (the size an adult hand). It comes in black or white and includes some cool features like being powered by a lithium-ion battery which takes four hours to charge fully; comes with both A2DP Bluetooth technology as well as digital signal processing circuitry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Can I pick up police radio traffic on a walkie-talkie?
Absolutely not, police have their own frequencies outside of the civilian band that differ based on location. No matter how many channels your walkie-talkie possesses, you would not be able to access these frequencies.
Can someone else eavesdrop on your conversations with a walkie-talkie?
It may be possible, but it is not very much likely. Walkie-talkies work on a recalculated frequency that allows them to speak with other walkie-talkies on the same frequency within a given range. If there is some other walkie-talkie in the near vicinity, it will be able to listen and respond if it has access to the band your radios are operating on.
Why would I use a walkie-talkie if my entire team has phones?
While there are a number of limitations presented by walkie-talkies that would be better handled by a cell phone, there are certain benefits, as well. Walkie-talkies offer near-instantaneous communication while keeping lines of communication open between small teams with multiple handsets. These advantages make these devices great for construction, warehouse management, or security teams that need to stay connected.
What is the difference between VHF and UHF frequencies?
What features do I need to consider when buying a walkie-talkie?
When buying a walkie-talkie you should look out for the following features:
· License Free or Licensed radio
· Frequency (UHF or VHF)
· Range of transmission
· IP rating
· Shockproof for extreme environments
· Rechargeable battery
· Scanning
Conclusion
Walkie Talkies are a great tool for communication but it can be hard to find the right one. If you need help picking out your next set of walkie-talkies, read our reviews and educational resources thoroughly that will guide you through every purchase decision with ease!
