Are you an adventure lover? Going for hunting or camping in the wilderness? Then you definitely need a strong device to communicate with your partners. In this cases, if you’re relying on cell phone network at your outdoor activity, you must be out of range somewhere in the remote area. But if you’re wise enough, you must be looking for the best two way radio for constant communication without any interference. Two-way Radios or walkie talkies are considered as the best options for you. Because they come with some great features and incredible range to assist you. You’ll never miss a second with your companions, just push the button and you’ll be in touch with someone who is miles far away. Having a dependable method for long-run communication is convenient for some applications, regardless of whether it be for your business, chasing, outdoors trips, a journey, preparing for crises, or other outdoor activities. There are lots of radio devices available in the market which can make you confuse to select the right one. Don’t worry! Today I have highlighted some important features of a good radio, you can go through this and take the decision. Before we go for detailed reviews here are the top 10 picks of the best 2-way radios based on their performance and features to make you easier, Have a look.

10 Best Two Way Radios Reviews

1. Midland - GXT1000VP4 Up to 36 Mile Range GMRS Two-Way Radio

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Up to 36 / 8 / 2 miles Range;

From any direction JIS4. Resistant to water splashes ;

Capable to automatically locks in to the local NOAA weather channel. Midland is one of the best Radio manufacturer. Midland GXT1000VP4 is one of their good products with a great and handy look. It comes with a very powerful mic that produce clear sounds. It's a suitable for business and hunting also.

It’ll give you an all-day performance up to 10 hours. It is a waterproof radio so it’s workable in heavy rain. It runs both on rechargeable and AA batteries. It has a long range and come with a lot of privacy codes to make your conversation private and secure. It has a powerful transmitter for more efficiency and strong signals. Also you can charge it from your car. Additionally, it contains a SOS siren so you’ll find it very helpful while you’re in a dangerous situation. The weather alerts also a good feature. It can notify you about the bad weather coming earlier.

What we liked It has SOS siren;

Comes with a good performance;

Long battery life serves you better;

This device has weather alerts;

Waterproof feature makes it more reliable;

It has a long range of 36 miles;

Contains 142 security codes. What we didn't like No Group mode;

2. Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio

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Up to 35 / 6 / 2 Miles of range;

Capable 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert feature;

23 hr. alkaline (3 AA) or 8 hr. NiMH of battery life.

The MT350 is made to give you comforts, it is super handy and fits in your pocket. It has big buttons so you can easily handle it in any situation even with gloves. It’s audio quality is amazingly clear. It comes with iVOX mode, so you can communicate without any hand’s operation. It also comes with dual battery (rechargeable and AA) mode that gives you up to 10 hours backup. The 121 security channels ensure you a safe, private and secure communications. The group mode is awesome; it allows you a new way to group communication.

Motorola MR350R is the best waterproof 2 way radios for hiking. It is highly water and dust resistive. You’ll be always getting weather updates by the NOAA channels. It has 7 NOAA channels to alert you. You’ll be connected with your mates for up to 35 miles around.

What we liked A long range of 35 miles;

Contains 121 security codes;

It has Group mode;

Long battery life;

This radio has weather alerts;

This device is weather proof. What we didn't like No big issues with this device;

3. Midland LXT600VP3 30 Mile Long Range 36 Channel FRS Two-Way Radio

No products found. ​

Up to 12 hours of battery life;

Water Resistant of Pattern;

Has Hi/Lo Power Settings. What is the best two way radio for distance? The answer is, yes you can pick this model. Not only this, the Midland LXT600VP3﻿ offers everything you want. It comes with strong range of 30 miles to communicate. It has a special feature of Power mode that runs the device on low power.

It has dual battery mode, you can run it on either rechargeable or “AAA” battery. Another special feature of this device is the silent mode, you can silent all the calls by pushing a button. It also comes with noise cancellation with auto squelch that helps you by removing disturbing noise while talking, water resistivity, security codes for private conversation, hands free mode, etc. The 12 hours battery backup gives you more time to communicate. This radio is water and weather proof so you can use it in any kind of environment freely.

What we liked Strong noise cancellation capability;

Power mode;

It has Silent mode;

This device is waterproof;

It has 3 level eVOX hands free mode;

Cheaper than most of the models. What we didn't like No cons noticeable;

4. Motorola MH230R Two Way Radios for Security

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Up to 23 / 6 / 1 miles of range;

Has 22 channels and each with 121 privacy codes;

The battery life is up to 14 hr. alkaline (3 AAA) or 12 hr. NiMH. The MH230R is a one of the best two way radios from Motorola for its work performance, features and design. This radio performs very well for security purpose & all conditions.

MH230R is best for communicating in place like city whether most of the radios failed to communicate because of excessive obstacles. It also provides longer battery life that keeps you connected with your team all day long. This radio device comes with handy size and rubber coat in its body, so it’ll give you better feel and grip. It comes with 23 miles range and 22 different channels. It’ll cost less than other competitive radios. The NOAA weather alerts feature is good because you can be warned about upcoming worse weather.

What we liked It has a very good range;

Its performance is good;

This has a long battery life;

NOAA weather alerts;

Waterproof capability is pretty good;

Cheaper than other models. What we didn't like No cons noticeable;

5. Midland GXT1050VP4 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio

Capable automatically channel scan for activity;

Capable vibrate alert silent page / call notification;

Has auto squelch features so can removes annoying background noise. The GXT1050P4 is a most powerful 2 way radio that offers the best radio features in today’s market. The two-way radio was especially made for hunters.

The whispering mode makes your sounds clear and loud to the other side when you whisper in hunting time. Auto Squelch technology removes background sounds that disturbs mostly. Fast charge mode is very helpful to charge your device in very short time, isn’t it cool? It also comes with NOAA weather alerts, vibration alert notification on calls, high quality headsets for hands free mode. The SOS siren is good for unwanted worse conditions. The 50 channels and 142 privacy codes provides you a safe, secure and private communication with your mates.

What we liked This is good for hunting;

It has a SOS siren;

It contains 50 channels;

This radio comes with 142 privacy codes;

Included vibration alert. What we didn't like Not totally waterproof;

6. Motorola T605 Talkabout Waterproof Two-Way Radios

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IP67 rating waterproof;

Built in flashlight;

121 privacy codes, 22 channels. The Motorola T605 is a one of the best waterproof two way radio that can keep you connected to any kind of weather even in sea. The IP67 rating allows you to use this radio up to 1m water for 30 minutes. The advanced built in flash light is pretty good with white and red LED lights. You may use the color light according to your situation. The white is to light up your way and the red is for emergency conditions.

On the other hand, this two way radio offers you NOAA weather service. So, you can get notification about upcoming bad weather earlier. The NOAA service is real time service and it supports most of the areas. Additionally, you have a huge connection range with this radio, up to 35 miles! This is truly an enough ranger for connecting. The 22 channels have 121 privacy codes with each. That means a secure and individual calling without informing other group members. The PTT or Push To Talk feature is really awesome. The micro USB charging, Retrieve design and Dual power have made this radio more user friendly.

What we liked 22 Channels, 121 privacy codes;

NOAA weather alerts;

IP67 waterproof;

Easy to retrieve design;

Up to 35 miles range. What we didn't like No noticeable con.

7. Uniden GMR5098 Submersible Two-Way Radios

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Up 50 miles longer range;

NOAA weather alerts;

Advanced battery technology. The Uniden Submersible GMR5098-2CKVP is a heavy duty two way marine radio. This radio is specially made for any kind of condition. The device is highly survivable in water; you can use it up to 30 minute under 3 feet of water depth. Additionally, this radio presents very longer distance connectivity of up to 50 miles, seriously!

With 23 channels and 142 privacy codes, this kit ensures you a secure and private connection. You also have name display with this, so it’s easier to call someone individually. Besides, you get 2 headsets with it. That means you are able to operate a hands free operation. The two way radio is fit for any kind of your journey. The device has NOAA weather alerts so you will get notified earlier about any kind of unusual weather. The emergency strobe light is has multitasks like flashlight, attention getter or SOS signal. Besides, this device offers USB charging, so you are able to charge your device with laptop or car battery easily.

What we liked 142 privacy codes;

NOAA weather alerts;

Emergency strobe light;

Direct name display call;

23 channels. What we didn't like No big deal with weak side.

8. Midland - LXT500VP3 22 Channel FRS Two-Way Radio

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Up to 24 miles range;

Water protection;

NOAA weather alerts. The Midland - LXT500VP3 is simply a good two way radio. This radio has water resistance protection that can protect the device against rain or snow falling. This radio has 24 miles of connection range which is enough. Besides, it offers secure function.

The NOAA weather alert feature can notify you about upcoming bad or worse weather so that you can stay safe. The device is highly suitable for you and your partner in hiking, camping, hunting or other outdoor activities. On the other hand, this device allows silent vibrate ring which is very useful in some locations where ringing is intrusive or prevents disturbance your hunting moments. The device runs with rechargeable battery. It also has USB connectors so you can charge your radio with USB charging ports easily. However, it has 22 channels that makes a secure connection. This device is really pretty good two way radio at all.

What we liked Dual power option;

24 miles of connection range;

NOAA weather alerts;

Suitable for any outdoor activities;

Secure functios. What we didn't like No Noticeable Cons.

9. Retevis RT5 Dual Band 2 Way Radio

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Built in flashlight;

Large battery capacity;

4 colors LED display. The Retevis brand is familiar for manufacturing two way radios. The Retevis RT5 is one of them. This device is really awesome. The main advantage of the device is its powerful battery and high power output. This kit has 1800 mAh rechargeable battery which is pretty good. You can use it for 8-9 hours by charging for only 2-3 hours. It has 3 level power output for longer uses. Additionally, it supports car charging so you can charge this while you are on the way.

The device has built in flashlight like other radios and it offers 4 color LED display so that you can use it more effectively in dark areas and easily. This radio is very user friendly that means you will find this device very effective. On the other hand, the low battery alarms, keypad lock function, battery voltage display function, channel name function, editing function, busy lock out function and emergency alarm function are too good as a radio. This device is PC programmable too. Retevis famous TOT or Time Out Timer function is available in this device. Besides, this two way radio offers 2 voice language prompt- English & Chinese.

What we liked High power output;

1800 mAh battery;

4 colors LED display;

Car charger support battery;

Great for mountain area. What we didn't like No major cons.

10. Motorola Talkabout T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio

NOAA weather alerts;

22 channels & 121 privacy codes;

Hands free communication. The Motorola Talkabout T460 is IP54 rating two way radio which has 35 miles of long connection range. IP54 prevents rain or snow damage. The device has hands free communications feature which is very user friendly when you are busy with another work.

The 22 channels and 121 privacy codes ensures a private and secure connection. The built in LED flash light is very usable in dark. It also offers emergency light and emergency alarm. The PTT power boost and micro USB charging feature is pretty good for a two way radio. The silent vibration call is very useful sometimes and the kit has this. The NOAA weather alerts feature is truly important for outdoor events. You may also set call tone instead of default tone. The emergency alert button is too good. You can alert your teammates and ask for help by pushing just one button. The built in LED emergency light is pretty good too for unexpected situations.

What we liked Built in flashlight;

Micro USB charging ports;

Emergency alarm button;

35 miles wide connection range;

PTT power boost. What we didn't like IP54 protection is not too good.

Types of Radio There are mainly 2 types of radio. FRS (Family Radio Service) Basically, FRS radios operate on 0.5 watt on a total of 14 available channels where 8-14 channels are FRS dedicated. For this, FRS radios don’t need any license to use because of low transmission power. GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) GMRS radios run on 1-2 watt high power frequency. You’ll get a better range and experience for the high transmission power with GMRS radios but you’ll need to have a license to use GMRS frequency. N.B: Most of the 2 way radios operate on both FRS and GMRS frequencies, so you shouldn’t be bother to buy any frequency license.

Can a 2-way Radio Communication with a CB

Two way radios (walkie talkies) are little and handheld, which makes them truly compact. You can utilize a 2-path radio to communicate speak with a relative in another vehicle while venturing out to a theme park, and after that take the radio with you to use in the recreation center. This wouldn't be possible with most CB radios.

Which is Better VHF or UHF

Very High Frequency radios (VHF) work between 136-174 MHz. The favorable position to a VHF walkie-talkie is that it can cover more separation with less power since VHF waves are longer and stay nearer to the ground. Another advantage of VHF waves is that they will enter trees and foliage superior to UHF radios. Another advantage of VHF waves is that they will enter trees and foliage superior to UHF radios.

What is the Difference Between a Two-way Radio & Walkie Talkie

Obviously, there is a difference between a two-way radio and a walkie talkie that is to some degree all-inclusive. Full-duplex enables the radio to transmit and get at the same time. A two-way radio is also usually called a transceiver since it can both transmit and get radio communications.

Why to Use a Two Way Radio

As I said before, if you go for an adventure, then a two way radio is a great assistant for you and your team as you won’t get the mobile signal in the impassable areas. Generally a two way radio has a good number of channels and long range with many security codes. So you can contact and keep the communication among your team. You may use these types of radio in your other service as like as any kind of team work. It’s secure to intercommunicate and easy to use. Besides those, it runs with battery so you don’t need to worry about the power. It’s like a fun to use a two way radio, seriously!

FAQs Is it comes with included charger? If yes, has it car charger? Yes, which radio has rechargeable battery option, that device comes with recharging charger. But there isn’t any car charger. It has desk charger only. Basically we charge it at home. And when we go outside for hiking or camping, we keep RV battery, it can be charged with the RV battery. Can they pair with other two way radios? Yes obviously. All of the people aren’t going to buy the same model, but they have to be connected. You can connect with other radios as well with the same channel. How well works the NOAA weather alert? The NOAA weather alert works very fine. The radio can scan the NOAA channels for weather update even the time when you’re connected with other channel and notify you with the indicator.

How to Maintain Two Way Radio

Maintaining your two ways radio will provide you better, longer and smooth services as well. If you take care of your two way radio, it will last long too. But maintaining a two way radio isn’t any hard task. You can simply take care of the radio. Here are some tips to get better service from the radio. Under maintenance, the radio and the equipments will be checked, physically clean and optimized.

Remove any kind of dust, debris and other foreign substances from inside and outside.

Measure, test, tune, record and restore the settings to factory specifications and within the recommended FCC regulations.

Evaluate the battery condition of the radio and service life.

Check carefully the power of the antenna line and mobile radios and repeaters.

Set the transmitting and receiving frequencies to correct.

Keep upgrades your radio with the latest firmware. Besides these maintenances, regular maintenance and cleaning are also important. Please note that all the radios are not water proof. So keep your radio away from the water if it is not water proof.

Features to Consider

Are you thinking how to choose a perfect radio set for you? You can purchase a good two-way radio considering these features are mentioned below: Range Range is the main fact of 2 way radios because you don’t need a radio to contact someone who is near you. Nowadays Most of the radios come with a range of up to 35 miles. Actually, range depends on places and it varies. The Range listed is based on no obstacle area or free space. So, you’ll get mostly 2-4 miles of range in urban area. Battery Life It’s not good if a radio ran out of its battery in critical time. What if there is no situation to recharge it? So, a decent battery life is required for long time use of the radio in the workplace. Also, the radio should be runnable with “AA” or portable batteries. You may charge your radio from your car with a car charger. Transmission Power If a wall or an obstacle can block your radio signal then 35 miles of its range is worthless. So, a quality radio is our first choice that has strong receiving and transmitting capability. Generally, GMRS radios are more powerful than the FRS radios. We can say, the more wattage, the more power. Antenna plays a good role here, bigger antenna gives a better signal. NOAA Weather Having different types of weather channel in your radio is a plus point if you’re staying around the unpredictable weather conditions. You’ll be getting weather updates if NOAA Weather is enabled in your 2 way radios in any weather conditions. Weather Proof Weather proof is a must feature for a good 2 way radios. It’d be water and dust proof that can be used in all conditions. It’ll save your radio even if you work under heavy rain what is a big fact to consider. Handsfree Mode ​Nowadays you won’t like talking with holding your radio in hand, right? That’s why most of the radios are providing headsets and VOX hands free mode to the radios for comfort ability. You’ll get a clip to pin the 2 way radio to your body as well. Privacy Codes ​Isn’t security a big issue when you work around? Yes, that’s why we should invest in those radios which have privacy codes feature to keep our signal private. If you work on a busy place there must be interference on your talking. Because others may use same channel at the same time. What if there’re no privacy codes? You’ll listen to others or vice versa. So, privacy codes prevent the interference with different codes. Noise Cancellation Noise cancellation with Auto Squelch is a special feature of a perfect 2 way radio that deducts extra noise from background when you talk. I’d say this is a cool feature that gives extra clarity to the voice. This feature is very important because there must be noises around you that disturbs. Let’s move to the deep review of the featured best 2 way radios above in this article. We hope previous discussion will make you easier to choose the best one among them.

Using Two- Way Radio

Generally, scattered trees or bushes are transparent to radio signals. So even if are in forested or hilled territory two- way radios will do a good job to transmit short-range signals. However, there are few factors like- Weather, Topography, Obstruction etc. that can interrupt your radio performance. But you can get an outstanding result by using the following steps- After opening the package, look for the Roger Beep setting at the manual. When you find that on the radio make it off. Whenever you are hunting with a partner, work your way around in “U” shape. Thus you can cover a huge area. When any of you found an animal, you can communicate through the radio. Next, you need to find a channel which is used by one or fewer people. Using headphone will help you to listen to other people talk but it will no broadcast while you are talking. You can program “call” sound to sound like an animal, this will not frighten your prey. You can use the emergency alert button to send alarm out and raises the sound of other radios if necessary.

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